Report: Capitals Could Trade Prospective Defensemen For Forward Depth Ahead Of Playoffs, Leonard Expected To Sign In Spring

The Washington Capitals sit atop the NHL, and they've more than established that they're a legitimate contender after barely sneaking into the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season. Now, per reports, they could add some pieces to gear up for a longer run.

Per ESPN's Rachel Doerrie, Washington could bring in some depth forwards to bolster the bottom-6 ahead of the postseason, and it could cost some prospects to pull it off.

"The Caps have a surplus of young defensemen, and could move one of Ryan Chesley, Leon Muggli or Vincent Iorio to bring in forward depth for a playoff run," Doerrie wrote. "Shorting up their bottom-6 might cost one of those defensemen if they are unwilling to part with their first-round pick or either of their second-rounders in the 2025 draft."

Doerrie also mentioned Henrik Rybinski as a trade possibility and noted that Leonard is expected to sign his entry-level team at the end of this NCAA and is more than likely set to jump straight into the lineup.

Washington's third line has been one of the team's biggest question marks throughout the year. Sonny Milano is still ways away from returning to the lineup, Hendrix Lapierre was sent back to the AHL after a rough start to the year and Jakub Vrana and Lars Eller, members of the 2018 Stanley Cup team who were brought back to D.C., haven't been able to find consistency.

While Ethen Frank's recent promotion has packed promise, the Capitals have been struggling to get much going at 5-on-5 across the board and would benefit from more help if they want to make a lengthy run.

A potential name to watch would be Yanni Gourde from the Seattle Kraken, as his name's been popping up in trade rumors. Leonard's addition would also certainly bolster that third line.