Are the Capitals looking to sell after Nic Dowd trade?

The Washington Capitals made a surprising trade on Thursday morning, shipping out center Nic Dowd to the Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for a 2029 second-round pick, a 2027 third-round pick and goaltending prospect Jesper Vikman. It was shocking because the Caps are still in the playoff race and only four points out of a playoff spot, and Dowd wasn’t a pending free agent. But considering the prices being paid for depth centers at this point in time, it makes sense for the Capitals to jump on an offer like this and get the assets they did.

But does this trade mean the Capitals are selling, or are they still focused on adding to the team and making the playoffs? David Pagnotta joined Daily Faceoff Live to talk about the Capitals plans as the trade deadline draws closer.

David Pagnotta: I think they’re continuing to listen on some of their other guys. A lot of teams are looking to improve not just this season, but next year, the year after that, and that’s what Chris Patrick and company are looking to do. Again, whether they can pull it off, we’ll have to wait and see.

This trade did catch the team off guard. It caught Nic Dowd off guard. It caught his teammates off guard. Well respected in the room, bit of a glue guy for that organization. That one stung a little bit for that team. Also, obviously, once that happens, everybody’s backs go up against the wall, understandably so.

But if they’re going to maximize a return, and they got a pretty nice return here for Dowd, if they can do that for another piece, they’ll look at it. But as I said, if there’s an opportunity to add a piece that is somebody that can be there for the immediate future, then I think that’s what they’re going to look at as well. They’re teetering on both sides.

You can watch the full episode here…