What The Capitals Need Most Going Into Camp Isn't A Trade. It's Trust

Washington shouldn't rush into anything — and there's really no immediate need to.

ARLINGTON, V.A. — The clock is ticking for general manager Brian MacLellan and the Washington Capitals when it comes to making another move this offseason, as training camp kicks off in less than a month. And though a trade's still possible and under consideration, there's not a lot of genuine pressure behind the countdown to camp — and here's why.

This season's different for Washington, who missed out on the playoffs last season for the first time in nearly a decade. The Capitals have a chip on their shoulder and a new hunger as they look to prove they can remain competitive while Alex Ovechkin chases down Wayne Gretzky's goals record and the team braces for a rebuild when the core hangs up the skates.

Considering the direction of the team and the current situation at hand, MacLellan is still in touch with teams and agents about making a couple of final adjustments to the roster, and he again emphasized the desire to revamp the top-6 and add reliable scoring up front. However, he also emphasized that the team is comfortable with where it's at right now going into training camp.

Ultimately, that's because a trade isn't the most significant need right now.

It's trust.

For MacLellan and Washington, trusting the process — as cliché as it seems — is more than likely the best play for now.

First off, the Capitals have been aggressive in trade conversations this summer and were actively pushing to make a move at the draft. However, those talks never went anywhere, and the two biggest trade chips in Anthony Mantha and Evgeny Kuznetsov were reportedly not generating a lot of interest after lackluster seasons.

It'd be easy for Washington to make a trade just to make a trade, but shipping out one or both for a minimal return when there's still potential there isn't worth it.

Mantha, who was scratched a number of times last season and had just 11 goals and 16 assists for 27 points in 67 games, hit reset this summer and has lost significant weight while taking his training to the next level with hopes to bounce back in a contract year. Meanwhile, Kuznetsov continues to deny somewhat that he requested a trade, but he remains confident that he will "figure it out" and get back to form after he underwhelmed with 55 points in 81 games and a career-low shooting percentage of 7.

Seeing how they adjust to Carbery's systems — neither appeared to see eye-to-eye with former head coach Peter Laviolette – and how they fare to start the year will be worth it, especially when it comes to Kuznetsov. The Russian has elite skill and ability, and when he's giving a full effort and on his game, he is an All-Star center. If anything, it helps the team maintain depth and allows both of their trade stocks to rise.

Then, the trust shifts to the players already in the system. While there are some interesting names left on the free agent market that could be worth a look on a professional tryout, the Capitals have a number of assets already in the system, and it's time they get a look.

A number of Calder Cup champion Hershey Bears, including Connor McMichael, Beck Malenstyn and Aliaksei Protas, are expected to make the full-time jump to the NHL roster. Joe Snively is also looking to earn a spot on the team.

Then, there's Ivan Miroshnichenko, the team's 2022 first-round pick who inked his entry-level contract and made the long-awaited move overseas to North America this summer after terminating his KHL deal in June. Miroshnichenko said his goal will be to make the NHL roster, and though it seems likely he'll start the year in Hershey, anything can happen at camp.

Other dark horses include offseason signees Alex Limoges and Pierrick Dubé, and Hendrix Lapierre is also eager to impress and get a taste of the NHL again after earning a spot out of camp just two years ago.

To add to all of that, Max Pacioretty is on a low-risk deal and will be healthy shortly after the season starts, and that should give Carbery options when it comes to sparking more scoring on the top 6. Offseason trade acquisition Joel Edmundson also provides more depth on the blue line.

At the end of the day, the organization needs to have faith in the process, and that goes from the front office all the way down to the prospects in the system.