Report: GM likely to make a trade for impact player

The Washington Capitals are without their top pairing defenseman Matt Niskanen until at least November 7th, when the team takes on the Buffalo Sabres.

In interview with The Washington Post, general manager Brian McLellan indicated that a trade is a very real possibility to deal with the giant hole on the team's blueline.

“I think we’re considering it,” he said to Isabelle Khurdyushan of the Post.

 They will obviously evaluate internal options first - see if anyone can fill the hole, much like Victor Mete for the Montreal Canadiens, who's filling Andrei Markov's mammoth-sized hole on the blueline admirably.

Madison Bowey and Christian Djoos are getting their shots, but it's unclear if they'll be able to hold the fort. The Capitals are already bleeding shots like crazy - in fact, they're 6th worst in the NHL in that category through 5 games.

An obvious trading partner for McLellan are the Golden Knights - who have 9 defenseman, including Shea Theodore who is buried in the minors. Former Caps GM George McPhee is desperate to unload one of his men - so there's a fit there.

An interesting option could also be bringing back Mike Green from the Detroit Red Wings. There have been talks that the defenseman is on the block. His cap hit would be problematic for Washington, but if something could work there - it would be an interesting reunion. The player was extremely effective as a power play quarter back in his time in Washington.