The 2016 NHL trade deadline is just under a week away, which means we will start seeing more and more moves as the week goes on. The Washington Capitals could be one of many teams to make a move.
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We looked at the incredible forward depth that the Washington Capitals have, though they could still benefit from adding a middle-six winger who can score goals as added insurance for a playoff run (hint: P.A. Parenteau).
This time, we will look at the Caps’ defensive depth. This is a situation that has changed over the past few weeks for a couple reasons that factor in the return of Brooks Orpik as well as the unexpectedly good play of Taylor Chorney.
Admittedly, there have been many times where I thought that acquiring a defenseman should be the focus of the Washington Capitals at the deadline, but that opinion once again may have changed over recent weeks.
Left Defense
The Capitals have four left-handed blue liners in their lineup at all times. This is largely because Dmitry Orlov is often slotted at RD (right defense), where he often excels and is more comfortable.
The top LD on the Capitals is pretty undoubtedly Karl Alzner from just about every standpoint. He is a shot blocking machine and an extremely reliable defender that plays a responsible game.
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Nate Schmidt is a player who has put himself into the spotlight a bit this season. He was paired with Orlov to start the season, but has found himself on the top pairing at times with John Carlson. The smooth skating American might not get a lot of points, but he is an offensive threat most of the time.
Brooks Orpik, who recently returned from injury, was a major question mark all season. He missed 40 games with an injury and it appeared at several points that he could potentially miss the entire season. Not everyone loves him, but “Batya” as he is called is a very steadying presence both on and off the ice. He is important to this team.
Behind these three is Taylor Chorney. Chorney played admirably in Orpik’s absence, and he was rewarded with a two-year contract extension by the Caps. His play should give the Capitals confidence that they have a very capable 6/7 defenseman, alleviating any possible concerns to the contrary.
Garnet and Cocky
Right Defense
Despite his less-than stellar play since returning from an injury of his own, John Carlson is the team’s top defenseman. I hardly believe that he is at 100% right now, but he should return to contributing as he was before long.
Matt Niskanen, like his partner Alzner, seem to fly a bit under the radar. This pairing is pretty unarguably the Washington Capitals’ best at this point. Niskanen just plays a very steady all-around game, giving the Caps two great options on the right side.
Dmitry Orlov has been an excellent story for the team this year as well. After missing all of last season with an injury, he entered a contract year with a lot of uncertainty. He has quelled those concerns, and is having himself a very strong year.
The Big Picture
The Washington Capitals have a completely solid top six on the blue line. Realistically, none of these players deserve to sit whatsoever as the playoffs approach. Taylor Chorney is going to be an excellent depth option for the team as well.
What the Capitals will probably end up doing is acquiring one more depth defenseman that will cost them a mid-round pick and an older prospect viewed as a project at best. The market will continue to open up as this week progresses, so someone that may not even be on our radar right now could become available.
If the past is any kind of indicator, Caps General Manager Brian MacLellan will pounce if he believes it will help the team.