The Washington Capitals have been one of the busiest teams ahead of the 2023 NHL Trade Deadline, as they have already conducted four trades shipping out expiring contracts for several draft picks and a player. It was a shocking sequence of events considering the organization’s promise to Alex Ovechkin to always be all in as long as the great eight was still playing. But general manager Brian MacLellan acknowledged the Capitals’ uphill battle to reach the playoffs this season and has now focused on the next season as he retools this team.
After unloading Garnet Hathaway, Dmitry Orlov, Erik Gustaffson, Marcus Johansson, and Lars Eller, the Capitals still have a few players left on expiring deals that are expected to be moved before today at 3 PM EST. One of those players thought to be on their way out of Washington was defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk. But it seems the Capitals have changed their minds regarding the 31-year-old right-shot defenseman.
According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, TvR is staying in Washington and possibly getting an extension to keep him in the nation’s capital long term.
The Capitals are thin on the blue line after trading away Dmitry Orlov and Erik Gustaffson and having John Carlson still sidelined since his injury back in December. Moving forward, the Caps only have three defensemen under contract for next season John Carlson, newly acquired Rasmus Sandin, and recently extended Nick Jensen.
On the season, TvR has been solid for the Capitals’ top four as he has recorded six goals, 12 assists, and 18 points but, most importantly, has a plus-9 rating. This has been a career year for the veteran defenseman, as he’s already set career highs in goals and points.
While van Riemsdyk is safe in Washington, expect forward Connor Sheary to be on the move as MacLellan wraps up his deadline deals by acquiring at least one more pick.
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