The Washington Capitals may soon see some shake-ups on their roster as they near the March 8 trade deadline. Pending UFA Max Pacioretty could prove a potential target for contending teams, but a full no-move clause gives the 35-year-old winger final say on his destiny.
During ESPN’s telecast of the Capitals-Lightning game Thursday night, Emily Kaplan shared more details on Pacioretty’s status, noting that teams had expressed interest in a deal. Though a trade appears far from certain, she indicated that Pacioretty’s decision may come down to the location of potential trade partners.
“This is going to be interesting, because if the Caps are going to be sellers, Max Pacioretty is [the only player on the team] besides Alex Ovechkin with a full no-movement clause, so he has control here,” Kaplan said. “Now, he’s 35 years old, has never won a Cup, but given everything that he’s gone through to come back this season, you think this might be the year that he wants to chase for it.
“So I have heard there’s teams kind of sniffing around. I don’t know how robust the market is. Again, he has full control here and if he does move, there are teams interested. I heard that geography is very important for him and his young family.”
Studio host John Buccigross chimed in, suggesting that Pacioretty may want to stay near his family.
“He is an East Coast guy,” he said.
Earlier this month, the Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun similarly reported that Pacioretty could waive his NMC for the right team.
“My sense is, for the right fit and a chance to chase a Cup, he might waive,” he said.
Pacioretty made his return to hockey with the Capitals this January after tearing his right Achilles’ tendon twice within five months. In 20 games this season, he has recorded 10 points (1g, 9a).
The Capitals have yet to enter the trade market with the deadline just over two weeks away. General manager Brian MacLellan previously noted that he would pick a direction for the team after a three-game stretch against the Boston Bruins, Vancouver Canucks, and Colorado Avalanche in early February. Washington went 1-1-1 in that span but has since won three in a row, potentially complicating MacLellan’s decision.
