Capitals Quiet Deadline Day

Things were quiet for the Washington Capitals during the leagues trade deadline day. GM Mitchell was spending Easter weekend away with family, but still took the time to monitor the league for the possibility of an improvement to the roster. "We had a few talks around the league going on, but nothing made sense for us so we stood pat and stayed focused on the team chemistry that has been evolving since game 1." The GM said. "We specifically had an ear to the ground to add a bottom pair defensive defenceman. We weren't interested though at the prices we encountered."

The Capitals made two moves about a month ahead of the deadline, moving out Jimmy Hayes, prospect Jack McBain, a 4th round pick this year & cash for power forward right winger Kyle Okposo. The other move saw talented but struggling prospect Sonny Milano moved for another prospect Tommy Novak.

Kyle has looked a bit lost at times in Washington's lineup, he's been moved between the 1st & 2nd lines looking for that spark but so far it hasn't developed. The biggest piece moved for him was prospect Jack McBain who's attending Boston College in the NCAA but struggled after dealing with mono to begin the year. "We were quite high on McBain, so losing some prospect depth at the center ice position does sting a bit, but we feel Kyle gives our team a much better look in the top 6. We should be a big hard team to play against in the playoffs if we can make it in." The GM chimed in.

Sonny Milano was an inagural draft selection by the Capitals, but he appeared to be losing opportunities with the big club after struggling to make the team full time in his 4 seasons with the organization. Tom Novak doesn't have the skillset of Milano, so expectations aren't on the same level. But Novak is a hard working center who should be able to make an impact in Hershey sooner rather than later. Realistically, his ceiling right now is only a 4th line C.

After the trade deadline, the Caps continue to be one of the hottest teams in the league and will continue their march towards the post season. Perhaps making no moves was the best case senario? Time will tell.