The Capitals made a few trades this offseason as the team had to say goodbye to some key players. Matt Niskanen was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers for defenseman Radko Gudas and Andre Burakovsky was traded to the Colorado Avalanche for two future draft picks and an AHL player.
Niskanen had played a pivotal role on the blue line for the Capitals the last five seasons and while he was a steady presence defensively, he also was productive offensively as he helped the Capitals win the Stanley Cup in 2017-18. In return, they get a physical defenseman in Gudas. Gudas is younger than Niskanen, but he also was a solid defenseman for Philadelphia last season as he scored four goals and recorded 16 assists for 20 points in 77 games in 2018-19. His contract is a $2.35 million salary cap hit. While also physical, he should also help on the penalty kill.
Burakovsky was always a very talented player for the Capitals who impresses a lot with his offensive skills. However, his last two seasons have been underachievement as he has scored 12 goals and recorded 13 assists for 25 points in each 2017-18 and in 2018-19. Maybe a change of scenery might be best for his career for him to blossom into a star as he has been very inconsistent in his play. The trade was totally made for salary cap relief as $3.25 million is now off the books, but Colorado have now signed him to a one-year, $3.25 million contract. The Capitals gave Burakovsky a qualifying offer to retain his rights before the trade. This gives Burakovsky a chance to play in a more prominent top-six role.
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