The Washington Capitals pretty much have their team set heading into the 2026-27 season, and likely don't have any more moves up their sleeve before training camp.
They added quite a few new players as they try to push for their second Stanley Cup in franchise history, and seem poised to make a deep playoff run this season.
While they are limited for cap space, the Capitals have some ways to make some room for themselves if they are in a position to be buyers at the 2027 Trade Deadline. If Cole Hutson continues to prove he is ready to elevate his role, that could make one of Rasmus Sandin or Martin Fehevary expendable.
They could also consider moving out Anthony Beauvillier or Ethen Frank if they need more space, and depending on how the season shakes down, a superstar defenseman could become available.
Minnesota Wild defender Quinn Hughes is one of the best defensemen in the NHL. The 26-year-old is entering the final season of his current contract, which has a $7.85 million cap hit, and is a pending unrestricted free agent.
While negotiations are ongoing between the Wild and Hughes, a recent statement from Wild general manager Bill Guerin has some fans thinking his long-term vision may not be with the Wild.
Guerin said, "I’m not gonna get too far into it, but I have been talking to his camp all along. These things take time... they are big decisions for players and teams, so it’s a process to work through it."
Many fans consider the New Jersey Devils as the frontrunner for Hughes, considering his brothers Jack and Luke play there, but the Capitals could establish themselves as true championship contenders if they swap out one of Sandin or Fehevary for Hughes.
If the Wild and Hughes can't find common ground on an extension, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Wild try to trade him, rather than lose him for nothing.
Considering what the Wild paid for Hughes in the trade with the Vancouver Canucks, they would likely be looking for something close to that in return.
The Capitals could be a dark horse landing spot for Hughes if he does end up leaving the Wild, but at the bare minimum, they need to keep their eye on that situation.
Hypothetically, a return could look like a first-round pick, Ivan Miroshnichenko, Terik Parascak, and Eriks Mateiko. This also includes the Capitals finding a way to clear cap space in a separate trade.
Again, they would have to move money out, but considering the Florida Panthers are the current favorites in the Eastern Conference, the Capitals may have to do something even bigger to give themselves a true shot at winning another championship, and Hughes would give them the best shot of making a Stanley Cup run.
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