Alex Ovechkin getting played by the Capitals?!

The Washington Capitals might not want to do it, but after the subpar season they just pulled off, failing to reach the postseason, they might not have another choice.

The disappointing results in 2022-23 have brought on rumours that three key players from the Capitals’ roster could be on the move this summer. Dan Rosen of NHL.com believes that forwards Tom Wilson, Evgeny Kuznetsov and Anthony Mantha could be traded during the offseason.

Rosen recently answered questions on the Capitals’ future and the reporter hinted at some “surgery” coming to Washington, despite management promising captain Alex Ovechkin that a full rebuild won’t take place until after he breaks Wayne Gretzky’s record for most goals in NHL history. However, the Capitals might have to start somewhere, and it could be this summer.

“Maybe Mantha gets traded. Maybe Wilson does. I don’t think you can rule it out because his contract expires after next season,” wrote Rosen.

As for Kuznetsov, there were ongoing chatter throughout the campaign that he was seeking a trade out of Washington. Though the Russian forward denied the rumours, there is rarely smoke without fire. However, Rosen fears that Kuznetsov might not bring back enough to the Capitals in a transaction this summer.

“I think the Capitals would trade Kuznetsov if they can get good value in return for the 30-year-old forward, but he’s having a disappointing season by his standards with 54 points (12 goals, 42 assists) in 76 games. He could have the fewest points in a season he played at least 70 games since he had 37 in 80 games as a rookie in 2014-15, so it might not be the best time to try to trade him.”

I’m not sure if these trade rumours will materialized in the summer, but if I were GM Brian MacLellan, I’d probably check in with Ovi first, especially if I promised him no significant changes before he makes NHL history…