Should the Capitals trade for a goaltender?

We’ve saved the best for last. After answering the questions on whether or not the Washington Capitals should trade for a forward or a defenseman, we’ve now reached the third and final question. It is perhaps the biggest question and debate around the DMV too. Should the Capitals trade for a goaltender?

The short answer is complicated. The long answer is also complicated and that’s why we’re here.

Vitek Vanecek and Ilya Samsonov are two great young goalies. When they’re on their game they’re two of the best. Up until his injury, Vanecek had the upper hand. Now there’s been an uptick in Samsonov’s play and it makes things all the more complicated.

Samsonov is 17-7-3 with a 2.84 goals against average and a .906 save percentage. He was inconsistent in the early part of the season but when he’s on, he’s on. Lately he’s been on. He made 33 saves in Nashville in a win over the Predators and 30 in Philadelphia in another win over the Flyers.

I doubt the Caps will deal Samsonov but if they were to his trade value has gone up and he would help out any rebuilder or contender. Recently the Montreal Canadiens inquired about his availability according to RDS, a sports network in Montreal.

Vanecek suffered an upper body injury in a collision in Washington’s game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the beginning of the month. He’s practiced this week and looks like he can be ready to step back in a game soon.

Vanecek is 10-6-5 this season with a 2.39 goals against average and a .915 save percentage. He’s won two of his last four games including a 29 save shutout in a win over the Dallas Stars.

At this point if you were to trade someone it would be a tough decision. As far as who you would want to stay are you Team Sammy or Team Vitek?

The other question is if the Caps were to deal one of them for a veteran netminder who would be available? Multiple sources said the team tried the full court press for Marc-Andre Fleury but he didn’t want to come here.

The Caps also sent scouts to three straight Dallas Stars home games. Maybe they’re looking at Plan B which is to bring back Braden Holtby. No matter what happens it’s going to be an interesting month and for Samsonov and Vanecek, it’s the final part of their auction to be the number one goalie in Washington.