The Washington Capitals may be in the market to add another forward to their roster.
Per ESPN’s Kevin Weekes, the Capitals are one of three teams that have gauged the availability of Vancouver Canucks winger Nils Hoglander in a trade. The 23-year-old Swede has just five points (2g, 3a) in 21 games this season, leading to rumors he may be dealt.
“A name generating interest in the market is @Canucks F Hoglander,” Weekes tweeted. “He’s 24, with cost certainty given his current 3Yr 3M AAV, and skilled. I’m told the Caps, Pens and CBJ are among clubs that’ve explored the possibility.”
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A name generating interest in the market is @Canucks F Hoglander. He’s 24, with cost certainty given his current 3Yr 3M AAV, and skilled. I’m told the Caps, Pens and CBJ are among clubs that’ve explored the possibility. #HockeyX pic.twitter.com/fNqb1S43gh— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) November 29, 2024
Hoglander, a second-round pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, had a career year last season, posting 36 points (24g, 12a) in 80 games. The 2024-25 campaign is already his fifth with the Canucks after he made his debut as a 20-year-old in January of the 2020-21 season.
According to The Athletic’s Rick Dhaliwal, the Canucks are working with Hoglander’s agent to try and find a solution to his slow start. That solution may end up being a trade out of Vancouver.
“There has not been a trade request made by the agent, but he has picked up the phone, and he has called the Canucks,” Dhaliwal said Thursday. “There is concern from the agent side. You do hear his name pop up in trade rumors. [They] are making calls on the market right now.”
Hoglander’s cap hit is just $1.1 million this season. His three-year, $9 million extension does not kick in until next season. He will be an unrestricted free agent when it expires after the 2027-28 campaign.
The Capitals may be willing to take a chance on Hoglander finding his past form, as the team has struggled to find a consistent left winger on their third line this season. Sonny Milano initially held the spot out of training camp but eventually lost it to Jakub Vrana and suffered a long-term injury. Vrana recently lost the position to natural centerman Hendrix Lapierre after head coach Spencer Carbery questioned the 28-year-old Czech’s defensive responsibility.
In addition, seven of Washington’s forwards are scheduled to become UFAs next offseason, and three of those players, Vrana, Andrew Mangiapane, and Taylor Raddysh, are wingers who have played regular roles this season. Hoglander’s team control on a relatively cheap deal could be an attractive option to help offset any potential summer losses.
The Capitals currently hold $1.62 million in cap space, more than enough to fit Hoglander’s 2024-25 salary.
