The Washington Capitals are off to a good start this 2023-24 NHL season although it remains to be seen if they can maintain it and get back into the playoff picture.
Regardless, they are undergoing a process and more new players could enter the fray next season. One player that could make sense is Nils Hoglander of the Vancouver Canucks.
The 22-year-old Sweden winger has been faring well for the Canucks. When he made his rookie debut during the 2020-21 season, Hoglander tallied 13 goals and 14 assists for 27 points. He followed that up with a credible showing during the 2021-22 season with ten goals and eight assists for 18 points through 60 games.
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Despite his promising showing, the Canucks do not appear to have plans with Hoglander. Regardless, this has not demoralized Hoglander who plans to continue to work on convincing the Canucks of his true worth, NHL.com reported.
“Last year I wasn’t a guy that everyone can trust out there. Coaches have to trust my game style, so that’s what I’m trying to do,” Hoglander said.
The 22-year-old’s efforts are admirable. And the good news is that if he does not get the opportunity, the Capitals could be a place where the 5-foot-9 winger can blossom.
Who will Capitals trade for Hoglander?
Assuming the Capitals consider Hoglander, a likely candidate to be dealt away is Anthony Mantha. The 29-year-old right wing could get more time on the ice with the Canucks and be the leader that most perceive him to be.
Mantha’s name was making its rounds in the offseason about a potential NHL trade. Unfortunately, there were no takers for the 6-foot-5 player.
Regardless, Mantha plans to use the current NHL season to prove his worth. However, his stay in Washington is up in the air.
The Capitals are reportedly looking to move the right wing to a new team together with his contract that has a cap hit of $5.75 million, Sports Net reported.
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