Could Capitals & Stars Be Trade Partners This Summer With Dallas Reportedly Shopping Top Forwards?

Could the Capitals make a deal with Dallas to bring in some top-six talent?

The Washington Capitals have some business to take care of this offseason, and the biggest need is perhaps finding another skilled forward to add some secondary scoring. That said, the Dallas Stars may be a perfect trade partner for D.C.

Per The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta, Stars general manager Jim Nill is shopping a couple of big names, including Jason Robertson and Mason Marchment, as his team faces a cap crunch going into the summer with Jamie Benn and a handful of players requiring new contracts.

Pagnotta said there’s reluctance when it comes to trading away Robertson, who led Dallas with 35 goals last season and has put up back-to-back 80-point seasons. Meanwhile, Marchment has a 10-team no-move clause.

For Washington, both of these names are of potential interest.

Robertson, 25, is a proven scorer and playmaker who can drive a line and bring a lot of offense and talent for years to come, something D.C. is looking for with the Alex Ovechkin era coming to an end. He has a cap hit of $7.75 million and is a restricted free agent next season who will require a big pay raise.

Marchment is turning 30, and though he’s more of a veteran, he’s a proven scorer who brings size and speed to the lineup. In 62 games this past season, Marchment put up 22 goals and 25 assists for 47 points, his second consecutive 20-goal season. He has one year left on his contract at $4.5 million and will be an unrestricted free agent next summer.

Ultimately, bringing in a top-six winger makes the most sense for the Capitals, and it would allow Connor McMichael the opportunity to slot in as the third-line center.

Of course, when it comes to making a deal, Washington will have to make competitive offers. D.C. has an impressive prospect pool and draft picks, which may appeal to a team like the Stars, which can’t necessarily take on more player contracts. The Capitals also have $9,375,000 in projected cap space this summer.

General manager Chris Patrick said on breakdown day that this offseason will likely be quieter, but that a big hack would likely mean a “really big hack.” Insider Chris Johnston also imagines that Washington will be “pretty aggressive” on the trade market.

Perhaps a deal with the Stars is the perfect catalyst.