NHL Trade Deadline Moves

The Caps made a number of moves at the trade deadline yesterday that should bolster the team for the stretch run. While I’m happy with the moves George McPhee made, I believe they may be too late to make a significant difference in the push to get into the playoffs. It’s worth pointing out that Carolina General Manager Jim Rutherford made a couple of moves prior to the deadline that has played a role in their improved play as of late. None of the new additions were able to make it to Washington in time to be in uniform for the game against Minnesota last night. After last night’s victory, the Caps have 18 games remaining in the regular season.

At the finish of the last two seasons, the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference ended up with 92 points. With the preponderance of three point games this year, it is reasonable to assume that 92 points is the realistic number the Caps will need to finish with to end up in the playoffs. The Caps stand at 66 points after last night’s game. They are only three points out of the eighth spot but several of the teams in front of them have a game or more in hand on the Caps. They remain five points out of first place in the Southeast Division with two games in hand on Carolina. No matter how you look at it, the Caps can only lose five more games in regulation and hit the 92 point mark. Clearly, the Caps remain within striking distance and they do play Carolina two more times this year. These two games against Carolina may ultimately decide their fate.

The two most significant trades for the Caps netted them Sergei Fedorov and Cristobal Huet. Both of these trades addressed specific areas (a second center to help generate secondary scoring and goaltending) that the Caps have struggled with most of the year. Understanding that it takes two to tango, both of these moves were long overdue. If the Caps would have addressed these issues 15-20 games ago, the team would most likely be in a much better position with respect to the playoffs.

The acquisition of Huet is the one I’m most excited about. The Caps gave up the 2nd round pick they received from Anaheim for Brian Sutherby to acquire Huet. This is a great move not only for now but for next season as well. The goaltending has been an issue all year for the team and did not look good for next year either. The move buys the team a little more time to develop some of the younger goalies in their system. I should note that I believe the Caps made a mistake in letting Michael Neurvith play in the OHL again this year.

The Fedorov move will be interesting to see how it plays out. If it turns out that Fedorov is simply a rental player for the next 18 games, the trade may end up being a costly move for prospect Ted Ruth. It certainly was an aggressive move for the Caps and one that should be applauded. It would be a great problem to deal with next season with Fedorov, Michael Nylander and Niklas Backstrom as your centers. I look forward to seeing what Fedorov can add to the lineup for the balance of the season.

The Caps also acquired Matt Cooke from the Canucks for Matt Pettinger. Cooke should add a little more grit to the team. Pettinger has had a disappointing season this year and never seemed able to get it going no matter where he played in the lineup.
The Caps certainly made a statement with their moves yesterday. It’s clear they want to make the playoffs this year. I just hope that the moves were made in time to salvage a playoff spot that is seemingly slipping away from them.