TSN’s Bob McKenzie tweeted that the Caps could have a deal in the works with the Los Angeles Kings for a depth forward, but needed to clear cap space to make it happen.
McKenzie’s tweets come on the heels of RMNB’s Ian Oland reporting that the Capitals are moving DSP off the roster to complete a trade.
There is a lot of speculation the deal may be with LAK, maybe for a veteran depth F. Lots of possibilities: Carl Hagelin is UFA at end of season but carries $3.5M cap hit. Trevor Lewis and Kyle Clifford each have a year left after this season, Lewis at $2M and Clifford at $1.6M.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) February 20, 2019
McKenzie suggests forwards Carl Hagelin, Kyle Clifford, and Trevor Lewis as potential trade targets.
Caps fans will remember Hagelin as part of the ruthless HBK line that helped the Penguins to back-to-back Stanley Cups. He was particularly cruel in the 2015-16 playoffs, where he had six goals and 10 assists, and he’s also served as a penalty killer. But this season after being traded from Pittsburgh in exchange for Tanner Pearson, Hagelin has only two goals and six assists.
Both Kyle Clifford and Trevor Lewis were part of the 2012 and 2014 Stanley Cup runs for the Los Angeles Kings.
Over his career, the closest comparables to Lewis are Alex Chiasson and Denis Dupere, and this season he has two goals and three assists thanks to a shortened season after breaking his foot in practice. Last year was Lewis’ best season points-wise, with 14 goals and 12 assists.
It also appears that Lewis was showcased in the Kings February 16 game against Boston.
With LAK Trevor Lewis in for Michael Amadio tonight, will speculate a little showcase action going on.
Amadio coming off a solid game v Van (1G, +2), no need to sit him tonight.
— Dennis Bernstein (@DennisTFP) February 17, 2019
Lewis could help improve the Capitals’ fourth line, as the line has played musical chairs trying to find any kind of chemistry.
Clifford, a left wing, most closely resembles Mike Rupp and Ryan Carter, and this season has seven goals and six assists. Clifford had a fun encounter with Tom Wilson during the team’s current road trip Monday evening.
