The NHL trade deadline is fast approaching, with the Washington Capitals positioned as key players in the market. Currently leading the league with a record of 34-11-5, the Caps are eager to bolster their roster to support captain Alex Ovechkin in his quest for a second Stanley Cup before his contract expires in 2026. Ovechkin, despite a broken leg that caused him to miss 16 games, is still leading the team in goals. The Capitals are unlikely to part with him, focusing on players like Dylan Strome and Tom Wilson who are having standout seasons. Strome has solidified his role as a top-line center, while Wilson is enjoying a career year. Young talents such as Connor McMichael and Aliaksei Protas are also pivotal to the team's future as they transition post-Ovechkin. The Capitals are expected to explore trades for veterans like Lars Eller and Trevor Van Riemsdyk, who could fetch significant returns as they prepare for a playoff push.