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NHL Trade Grade: Washington Capitals address defense with Nick Jensen

By Dave Stevenson |
NASHVILLE, TN - FEBRUARY 12: Detroit Red Wings defenseman Nick Jensen (3) is shown during the NHL game between the Nashville Predators and Detroit Red Wings, held on February 12, 2019, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Danny Murphy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - FEBRUARY 12: Detroit Red Wings defenseman Nick Jensen (3) is shown during the NHL game between the Nashville Predators and Detroit Red Wings, held on February 12, 2019, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Danny Murphy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The Washington Capitals saved their defense by acquiring Michal Kempny last season. This year, they’ve traded for Nick Jensen and he could do the same thing.

Last season, the Washington Capitals were quiet at the trade deadline. All they did was add two defensemen. But one of them, Michal Kempny, wound up stabilizing the Capitals defense. This led them to win their first Stanley Cup in franchise history. A day after acquiring Carl Hagelin, the Capitals have made another trade. This time, it’s for Detroit Red Wings defenseman Nick Jensen.

Jensen was probably the best defenseman available on the rental market. The cost to acquire him reflects that. Defenseman Madison Bowey and a second-round pick will be heading to the Red Wings. Additionally, the Capitals got a fifth-round pick in the trade.

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Give credit to general manager Brian MacLellan, who has done a good job of addressing two huge areas of need by acquiring Hagelin and Jensen. He didn’t give up any huge picks or prospects either. At this point, the Capitals are probably done because they don’t have any cap space left.

This is a rare trade because I really like it for both sides. Let’s break down what the Capitals and the Red Wings are getting.

Red Wings

Bowey is an interesting reclamation project. Things just weren’t going right for him in Washington. Bowey certainly got his chances, but never really impressed that much at the NHL level. A change of scenery could do him well. Bowey is quickly running out of chances to prove he’s an NHL defenseman, though.

The best part of the return for Detroit is the second-round pick. That’s pretty darn good for someone who didn’t even enter this season with a guaranteed roster spot. The Red Wings continue to accumulate draft picks. They now have 11 draft picks in the 2019 NHL Draft, including three in the first two rounds.

Grade: A. Terrific trade for the Red Wings. 

Capitals

There’s a lot to like about Jensen. He has done quite well in Detroit this season. Jensen should help stabilize the Capitals defense, providing them with a steady right-handed option. With Matt Niskanen‘s well-documented struggles, Jensen could fill in on the second pairing if things don’t change.

He’ll be around long-term too.

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This season, he has 15 points in 60 games, which is a career high for him. For the second straight season, the Capitals got a quality defenseman at a reasonable price. It won them the Stanley Cup last year. They’re hoping for a similar result this year.

Grade: A-. Second round pick is a tad bit rich, but as they say, banners fly forever. 

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