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Two Players The Capitals Might Want and One They Can't Have

The Washington Capitals will have to give up a lot to acquire one of these two players, while one will certainly will not be traded to Washington.
ByJohn Murray|
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Apr 12, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Capitals players celebrate after their game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Apr 12, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Capitals players celebrate after their game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
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kucherov
Apr 26, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov (86) smirks against the Montreal Canadiens during the second period in game four of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images | David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Nikita Kucherov

If you’re Tampa Bay, trading Kucherov makes sense from a business standpoint. Kucherov scored 130 points this season, the sixth time he has recorded 100 or more points in season. He is 32 with one year left on his contract at $9.5 million before he becomes a free agent next summer. His trade value will never be higher. The Lightning could build a team that could contend for the Stanley Cup for the next decade if they manage it right. Kucherov grew up watching Ovi and may like the idea of helping him win another Cup before the Great 8 retires.

But would the Lightning really trade their best player, 2-time Cup winner and future Hall of Famer? Yes, disappeared in the playoffs against Montreal this year and Tampa was eliminated in the first round. It happens sometimes, right? Okay, fine, Kucherov hasn’t looked the same in the playoffs since the Lightning won their second of consecutive Cups in 2021. Tampa would have to receive an offer they can't refuse. I think the Caps are looking for players on the on the other side of thirty if they have to pony up a huge package in trade.

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