WASHINGTON — Washington Capitals general manager Chris Patrick likes to play his cards close to the vest, and he didn't reveal too much as the team heads towards the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline.
However, Patrick did say that they'll take a look at all of their options and do what they think is necessary to make an impressive run come spring.
"You want me to tell you what we're doing? I think anything's on the table," Patrick said.
The Capitals sit atop the Eastern Conference standings as the group has found tremendous chemistry all season long. And while Patrick doesn't want to disrupt the locker room, he said the team will take a look at steps to improve the roster.
"I think obviously the team's had a really good year so far. We got a couple months here to go where we need to continue improving our game and getting to the next level. Obviously when the playoffs start, everything ramps up, and we got to make sure we're ready to do that," Patrick said. "I think it's going to be a balance of, 'Are there ways to improve our team?' Versus risking, over-tinkering with what's been a pretty good group so far this year. So, we'll kind of evaluate all the options and weigh it against what we currently have and go from there."
Sonny Milano, who is working his way back from an injury that has held him out since Nov. 6, will factor into the team's plans up front, while Washington will also sit down with Ryan Leonard again after Boston College's season is over to see if he's ready to make the pro jump for the postseason.
Overall, though, Patrick has been happy with the team's performance and where the roster sits.
"I think everybody's filling their role pretty well. I think in general for the playoffs, you can always use more D: 10 to 12 D in your organization. We're at 11 right now, so not in a bad spot. I think our forward group up here has been really good and we've got guys down in Hershey that have shown this year that they're capable to come in and play," Patrick said, adding, "But it's February, and so we want to make sure we're continuing to improve our game in March and April... that's the challenge to our team is making sure their mindset is ready for that next level of play (in the playoffs)."
Patrick wouldn't specify whether he'll address certain areas or if there are names up for grabs, but he did say he wants the team to be in the best shape possible in order to make a legitimate run for the Stanley Cup.
"I think we have a really good hockey team. I think you look at trade deadline deals — not just our team, any team in the league — when they make a big splash or a small addition and do they end up moving the needle a lot on a team's chances to win the Stanley Cup? Like, it's debatable, so I think you need to make smart moves for your hockey club," Patrick said. "I want Alex (Ovechkin) to win a Stanley Cup. I want everybody on this team to win a Stanley Cup...
"I think all our decisions are dictated on trying to get this team into a point to win the Stanley Cup. No, I don't think it adds urgency. I think that urgency's always been there, and you just have to make smart moves to get your team in a good spot."