Matthew Speck
Matthew Speck
Russell LaBounty-US PRESSWIRE

While an NHL lookout looms, the Washington Capitals should consider trading for another scorer to fill in as a top six forward. Washington has a surplus of defensemen heading into the potential 2012-2013 season including extra guys such as Jeff Schultz and Dmitry Orlov who could be use as trade bait. The Capitals have a few talented players in Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom and Mike Ribeiro, but lack many offensive threats following the second line.

One player on the trade market that would make an immediate impact in Washington is Anaheim Ducks forward, Bobby Ryan. Ryan, 25, has talked about his situation this summer publicly stating that he doesn’t want to be play where he isn’t wanted. He spoke to Randy Miller of the Courier Post earlier this summer, stating his displeasure with Ducks’ management. “Anaheim to me has been a team over the past year that really has shown me nothing to prove that they want me here, unfortunately. Obviously, it’s not the ideal situation. When you get drafted, you want to win championships with that team and every time they look to add a piece to the puzzle, I’m the piece going the other way.”

Ryan will not come cheap however, even though his name has been included in talks with numerous teams including the Philadelphia Flyers this summer. Ryan has posted three straight 30 goal seasons and could help any team right away, easily filling the wing on many team’s first line. He is under contract through the 2014-2015 season and holds a 5.1 million annual cap hit. This is a steal for a steady 30 goal scorer and a potential point per game player.

The burning question is who would the Capitals need to trade to acquire Bobby Ryan? The Ducks wanted Brayden Schenn or Sean Couturier in a potential deal with the Flyers for Ryan, meaning Washington would need to move some young talent. Anaheim would be looking for a low cap hit in any players they receive, due to the impending free agency of Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry. The offer I would send to Ducks’ General Manager, Bob Murray would move Dmitry Orlov, Troy Brouwer and a first round draft pick in exchange for Bobby Ryan.

The Capitals would only give up one young player, an unrestricted free agent following the 2012-2013 season and a mid first round pick. If Anaheim were to decline the trade, McPhee should definitely will be willing to add a second round pick or a depth player or prospect.

If Anaheim were to ask for more, George McPhee would have to say no. Ryan is a talented player, but not one you give up future stars such as John Carlson or Cameron Schilling. With a lockout looming, a deal before then seems almost impossible but things can change very quickly.

You can follow Matthew on twitter @m_speck and email him at with any questions or comments.

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8 Rants to “What Would It Take To Bring Bobby Ryan To the Wash...”

  1. mike boyle says:

    no way in hell thats enough for bobby ryan!!sick of all the rumors that dont have any facts to em..quite the wishful thinking and wait to post facts

    • Matthew Speck says:

      Thanks for the post mike, the article was just a scenario. I don’t believe the Caps are after Ryan,how much do you think they would have to give up?

    • Sam D. says:

      I totally agree! Enough with the wishful thinking articles. This is how unfounded rumors get started. Enough.

  2. Patrick says:

    Keep Orlov. I’d offer Marcus Johannson, Shultz, and a first rounder.

    • Matthew Speck says:

      I don’t think Anaheim would even consider that, Schultz isn’t that good and MoJo is a third line center

  3. Sam D. says:

    So what you are saying is the Caps have NOTHING to offer.

    • Matthew Speck says:

      Thanks for the comment Sam, the Capitals have players to offer but would be unwilling to do so. If they offer Carlson I’m pretty sure Anaheim would accept but Caps won’t move their core unless it’s a steal of a trade.

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