Washington Capitals trade target: Canucks defenseman Chris Tanev

Should the Washington Capitals trade for Vancouver Canucks defenseman Chris Tanev?

The Washington Capitals are looking to improve their team this offseason. While big changes don’t seem likely, one might happen depending on how extension talks with John Carlson go. He’s scheduled to become a free agent after the 2017-18 season. Should Washington choose to pursue another defenseman via trade, Vancouver Canucks defenseman Chris Tanev might be a fit.

Carlson and Tanev are quite different. The former is more known for his offense. Meanwhile, the latter is more known for his defense. Over the past three seasons, Tanev has had a huge impact defensively for the Canucks, ranking third among all defensemen in relative CorsiAgainst per 60 minutes at even strength.

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Acquiring him could be expensive, though. Canucks general manager Jim Benning says his asking price for Tanev is very high. And considering the Capitals’ lack of high end prospects, maybe the Caps aren’t a good trade fit for Vancouver. Also, Washington doesn’t even have a first round pick in 2017. That certainly hurts their chances of acquiring him.

Jakub Vrana and Madison Bowey would likely both have to be involved in the trade. That’s a might hefty price tag for a guy who might be the Caps third best right handed defenseman in 2016-17.

Tanev doesn’t move the needle much on offense. But to be fair, the Canucks certainly aren’t an offensive powerhouse. His career high in points is 20, set during the 2014-15 season. However, Tanev is used to playing big minutes, averaging over 20 minutes of ice time per game over the past four seasons.

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If the Capitals can’t re-sign Carlson to an extension, maybe they should kick the tires on Tanev if his price tag.