No the Capitals shouldn't trade Nic Dowd

The Washington Capitals will need to make some kind of move to get younger and remain competitive in a stacked Eastern Confererence that will only get better. That's the reality of the situation and the playoff picture right now is doom and gloom.

General Manager Brian MacLellan said just as much over the weekend via Tarik El-Bashir:

""“It’s difficult to do, but that’s the spot we’re in. We want to stay competitive, but we also want to incorporate young guys and develop young guys and have one eye on the future of our organization. Then we have some older guys that are finishing up careers that we remain respectful to.”"

- Brian MacLellan via Tarik El-Bashir

Okay so let's get to the thesis of why the Capitals shouldn't trade Nic Dowd. Here's what he can do on the ice. He can win face offs and shore up the bottom six. He's arguably the best fourth line center in the game of hockey and no matter who his linemates are, he makes those around him better.

Numbers don't lie and Dowd is good on the face off circle just like Jay Beagle was. He has won 48.9 percent of his draws this season including eight in Friday's win over the Flyers. In his career as a Capital which has now spanned six years, Dowd has won 52.1 percent of his draws. That's his best among the three teams he suited up for which includes one year with Vancouver and three with Los Angeles.

Now let's get to off the ice. Nic and his wife Paige started Dowd's Crowd to give back to the autism communities. There's even sensory kits available when you attend a game at Capital One Arena. Hockey games can get loud and overwhelming for some folks and the sensory kits provide everyone a chance to enjoy the game in their own way.