Hershey Bears captain Aaron Ness joins That's DC Hockey to discuss representing Team USA in the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, his time with the Capitals, the hockey scene in Arizona, his return to Hershey, if the Bears actually visit Hersheypark, Hunter Shepard's lettuce and more. The Washington Capitals are currently enjoying some time away from the rink, as the team gets some much-needed rest and vacation time during the 4 Nations Face-Off. With the back half of the season on the other side, Washington has some questions to consider and potential trade options to explore; could Jared McCann be part of those plans? According to Sportsnet's Jacob Stoller [https://x.com/JLStoller/status/1889424146045739348], the Seattle Kraken could make McCann available before the trade deadline, and he could very well be an interesting name for Washington to consider as it looks ahead to making a big playoff push. McCann has 14 goals and 28 assists for 42 points through 57 games this season, and prior to this year, had three consecutive 50-plus point seasons and back-to-back 60-plus point seasons. He's been able to maintain consistency and be a top contributor, while also showcasing his versatility. Not only can he log heavy minutes, but he can kill penalties and also be an asset on the power play. The Capitals have been said to be looking into middle-6 forwards to bolster their offense at 5-on-5, and the third line is in need of stability and consistency. Not only that, but the power play, which has had ups and downs, needs another weapon to add a spark. McCann fits that bill, as a name that can be an X-factor at different points in the game and contribute big numbers. However, he doesn't come cheap; he carries a cap hit of $5 million through the 2026-27 season, and he will likely require a big return. Washington has draft capital and some prospects to offer, and potentially, may have to give up a roster player. As ESPN's Rachel Doerrie [https://www.espn.com/nhl/insider/story/_/id/43429561/nhl-2024-25-trade-deadline-deals-top-prospects-rumors-plans] mentioned, the price for forward depth ahead of the playoffs could be prospective defensemen or other up-and-coming forwards. The Capitals also want to maintain the chemistry that they've formed this season, though adding one name to help the team's shortcomings won't upset the apple cart too much. Plus, Ryan Leonard is likely to join in the spring, which will be a major addition on offense, and Ethen Frank has earned his time up with eh big club. Ultimately, McCann will be a big add if he does in fact move. And at the end of the day, he could be a big difference maker in the District with the team looking to make a deep run come spring.
