According to the latest NHL trade rumors, the Washington Capitals want a first-round pick in any trade involving backup goalie Philipp Grubauer
The Washington Capitals are the Stanley Cup champions. However, they’re still in for a busy offseason. Due to salary cap concerns, the Caps are likely going to trade restricted free agent goaltender Philipp Grubauer. According to the latest NHL trade rumors, they’re seeking a first-round pick for him.
Multiple teams have expressed interest in him, including the Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, New York Islanders, Carolina Hurricanes, and Colorado Avalanche.
McKenzie on TSN1050 says Capitals think they can get a 1st RD pick for Grubauer. Says Detroit, Colorado, Chicago, Islanders and Carolina are all looking for goaltenders.
— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) June 22, 2018
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It seems the Islanders, Red Wings, and Blackhawks have an advantage over the other two teams. Each team has two first-round picks. The Islanders have the 11th and 12th overall picks. Meanwhile, the Red Wings have the sixth and 30th overall picks. The Blackhawks have the eighth and 27th picks.
What’s noteworthy is Islanders President of Hockey Operations Lou Lamoriello has twice traded a first-round pick for a goaltender. He did so with Cory Schneider in 2013 and Frederik Andersen in 2016. Could Lou do it for the third time?
The Avalanche have the 16th overall pick. They also might have the fourth overall pick, depending on what the Ottawa Senators choose. The Sens owe the Avs their first-round pick in either 2018 or 2019 as a part of the Matt Duchene deal.
It would be tough for the Hurricanes to get something done if the Caps want a first-round pick. There’s virtually no chance Carolina will want to trade the second overall pick. Also, they only have one second-round pick (42nd overall).
Grubauer is coming off two extremely impressive seasons as the Caps’ backup goaltender. This season was especially impressive. Starting goalie Braden Holtby struggled in net. Grubauer was able to help lead the team down the stretch as they clinched their third consecutive Metropolitan Division title.
He started the postseason as the Capitals starting goalie, but eventually got replaced by Holtby midway through Game 2 of the first round against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
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Grubauer would like a trade to get more playing time and the Caps seem willing to oblige the request of the Stanley Cup champion.
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