Caps GM Lawrence Linke took a few minutes from his busy schedule to talk about his first trade deadline as the GM of the most successful expansion team in the history of the BRHL. Linke explained that he has been th GM through numerous other trade deadlines and doesn't see that as a problem. Linke quickly reminded reporters that he has been the most active GM in the league since the start of the new calendar year, making 14 trades since mid-January. Linke also stated that he won't feel pressure to make a deal just to make a deal. He is comfortable that all of his players have "term" left and he won't be losing any UFA's. He likes the direction of his team and will continue with "the process".

** when discussing potential trades where draft picks are part of the compensation remember that all draft picks are not the same. If a 2nd round pick is desired for a player and a team drafts near the end of the round additional compensation may be required. 

GOALIES

        Jack Campbell recently played his 21st game and is in the top 5 in the NHL in both save percentage and goals against. He is 26 years of age and in the last year of his contract. His NHL salary for the 2019-20 season is $675 K and I anticipate signing him to a LTC this off season. The ask of Campbell is a 1st round pick and a young goalie prospect. 

        Malcom Subban is 24 years of age and after this season has three years left on his contract which is slightly below $1 M per year. Due to injuries he has only played in 10 games, starting 9. In his first 4 starts he allowed 18 goals with a save percentage of around .850. In his last 5 starts he has allowed 8 goals with a save percentage of around .940. His yearly stats have a goals against of 2.76 and a save percentage of .912. The ask on Subban is a 3rd round pick and a younger goalie prospect.

DEFENSEMEN

        Jordan Oesterle is 26 years of age and after this season with have 4 years remaining on a sub $1 M contract. In 53 games he has 6 goals and 14 assists. He averages 16 minutes per game in even strength, 1:09 PK per game and 1:46 PP per game. His zone starts are 230 OF vs 206 DEF. The ask is a 2nd round pick and a younger prospect. 

        Believe it or not Radko Gudas is still available. After this season he has 3 years remaining on his $5 M contract. His def rating this year is 85. He has 2 goals and 11 assists. He averages 15 minutes even strength per game, and 2:45 PK per game. His zone starts are 208 OF vs 282 DEF. I would expect his def rate to be similar if not higher next year. Because of his salary the ask is a 3rd round pick and a yonger prospect. 

FORWARDS

        Chris Wagner is 27 years of age and after this season has 3 years remaining on his $701 K contract. He is capable of playing all three forward positions. His penalty kill is 1:25 per game and his zone starts are 132 OF vs 242 (not a misprint) DEF. He has 9 goals in 59 games and is a perfect 3rd liner. His ask is a 3rd round pick and a younger prospect. 

        Nicolas Deslauriers is 27 years of age with 4 years remaining on his $1.3 M contract. He currently has a SC rate of 70 and a DEF rate of 74. He has been a healthy scratch often this year and the ask is a 6th round pick or a prospect. 

        Joel Armia is 25 years of age and has 2 years remaining on his under $1 M contract. In 37 games he has 6 goals and 7 assists. His PK is 1:41 per game and his zone stats are 167 OF vs 128 DEF. The ask is a 3rd round pick and a younger prospect. 

        Scott Laughton is 24 years of age and has two years remaining on his $1.05 M contract. He has 8 goals and 14 assists. He averages 12 minutes per game even strength and PK of 2:18 per game. His zone starts are 163 OF s 259 DEF. Another solid 3rd liner for someone. The ask is a 2nd round pick and a younger prospect. 

        Alex Tuch is 22 years of age and has 1 year remaining on his $700 K contract. In 55 games he has 16 goals and 27 assists. He is one of the premier young power forwards in the game. He also has big game experience as he received regular shifts in the Stanley Cup finals. He doesn't kill penalties and his zone stats are 252 OF vs 217 DEF. In his first 27 games this year he scored 12 goals. His price is expensive. Start with a 1st rounder and then we can talk about prospect(s). 

        I also have Los Angeles' 2019 2nd round pick burning a hole in my pocket. Only offers of young prospects will be considered.