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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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Michkov
Apr 18, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers right wing Matvei Michkov (39) warms up against the Pittsburgh Penguins before game one of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Matvei Michkov

Despite recent rumors, the Flyers aren’t going to trade Michkov**, and they shouldn’t. Michkov is über talented and still only 21 years old. He has been in consistent and is still young and figuring out life in North America, yet he scored 63 points in 2024-25 and added another 51 points this season. He’s the real deal. Past tension between Michkov and Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet seems to be in the past** and general manager Daniel Briere indicated the Flyers are committed to the young Russian winger. But the Flyers would perhaps listen of the right deal comes along.

Michkov idolized Ovechkin growing up in Russia. It would be a dream come true for Michkov to skate alongside his hero and chase the Cup. The Caps get the upgrade to their top six and a probable superstar; the Flyers receive a substantial haul of picks and players that would allow them to strengthen their NHL roster and prospect pipeline. But…

There is no way the Flyers trade Michkov to the Capitals. Not a chance in H-E double hockey sticks. Michkov is a special player and could end up as one of the top players in the league. If the Flyers do trade him, they sure as heck aren’t going to trade him to an in-division rival, and certainly not to Washington. Nor should Caps general manager Chris Patrick gift value assets that would strengthen a division rival. Michkov won’t be cheap and the Caps have other options.

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