Fansided

3 Washington Capitals trades we're glad they didn't make in 2024 offseason

Which trades happened that were a blessing in disguise for the Washington Capitals?

By Michael Marzzacco |
Jake Guentzel, Washington Capitals
Jake Guentzel, Washington Capitals / Scott Taetsch/GettyImages
1 of 3
Next

The Washington Capitals made some trades over draft weekend to bolster their lineup ahead of their 50th anniversary season. Here are three trades we're glad didn't happen this summer.

#3 Jake Guentzel

You knew the Carolina Hurricanes weren't going to give away Jake Guentzel like candy which is a shame considering what the Caps had to give up in the Evgeny Kuznetsov trade. In the end Guentzel, the former Pittsburgh Penguin, is now with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Now that you think about it Guentzel on the Caps is like an awkward first date. Other former Penguins made things work as best as they could like Carl Hagelin before he retired. Conor Sheary also brought speed to the lineup night in and night out.

Don't get me wrong, the 29 year old can score. He had 30 goals and 47 assists for 77 points last season including two game winning goals. He was traded midseason by the Penguins to Carolina in an attempt to win the Stanley Cup that fell short on their part.

Another reason why we're glad this didn't work is the asking price would've been too high. And we highly doubted Connor McMichael and/or Hendrix Lapierre were going anywhere.

Cody Ceci, Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
Cody Ceci, Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports / Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports

#2 Cody Ceci

This trade saw the Edmonton Oilers deal Cody Ceci for Ty Emberson. Again this would've been a costly move for the Caps who just acquired Matt Roy during free agency and is already working out with the team for informal skates.

Per Sammi Silber of The Hockey News, Monday was a busy workout as the players did passing and small area drills before getting into a scrimmage and full length skating. Head coach Spencer Carbery also was overlooking the action from upstairs.

Silber said this about Roy:

"Roy is also making a strong impression. The 29 year old defenseman inked a six year deal to join the Capitals after spending his career in L.A., and it's clear why D.C. picked him up. He brings speed and aplomb to the backend, and he plays a smart, safe game while being able to move the puck and join the rush."
Sammi Silber/The Hockey News

And who exactly would the Caps send away in the deal? Vincent Iorio would not make sense. He's at the informal skates as well. He also is coming back from an injury as he was hurt in Game 1 against the New York Rangers and was hurt in the Calder Cup playoffs with the Hershey Bears. He's another one that's poised to get on the ice.

Reilly Smith Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Reilly Smith Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports / Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

#1 Reilly Smith

Yeah let's just say we're glad it was a Penguins to Rangers transaction. Pittsburgh sent a 2027 second rounder and a 2025 conditional fifth round pick. Reilly Smith had 13 goals and 27 assists for 40 points plus he's 33 so he fits right in for this trade.

But Pierre-Luc Dubois has impressed so far in the pre training camp workouts as he should be. He has just turned 26 and can play the left wing position. Last season he had 16 goals and 24 assists for 40 points.

Sammi Silber of The Hockey News added this about Dubois:

"Two things stand out watching Dubois: his size (6 foot 4, 225 pounds and his skating ability. He's very strong on his edges, positions himself well, plays a complete game and takes good care of the puck."
Silber

In the end it's silly season and we just saw Patrik Laine get traded to the Montreal Canadiens and the Seattle Kraken sign Matt Beniers to an extension for seven years and up to $50 million.

feed

Next
Home / Editorials

Schedule