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Capitals almost have Cole Hutson — they just have to cut ties with this veteran first originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Washington Capitals are getting close to a very exciting move.
Cole Hutson is likely to join the Caps very soon.
Hutson, the immensely talented defenseman at Boston University, just needs the collegiate season to end to come to the NHL.
Since BU doesn't seem likely to make the postseason, that ending should come sooner rather than later.
The Capitals will need to clear a roster spot for Hutson, though, and the easiest way to do that might be before the March 6 NHL trade deadline.
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NHL insider Frank Seravalli suggests that Trevor van Riemsdyk is the guy to go.
The veteran defenseman is set to be an unrestricted free agent after the season, so he'd be a logical player for Washington to trade, even if it's for a relatively minimal return.
The reality here is that the trade return really also involves the fact that Hutson gets to play in the NHL now.
The Capitals have played van Riemsdyk about 15-and-a-half minutes per game this season, and he hasn't been in uniform for every game.
He's 34 years old now, and he has just eight points in 47 games.
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For a time, van Riemsdyk was quite reliable for Washington, and he's still just fine in that regard.
But with the chance to bring aboard Hutson coming soon, it might be time running out for van Riemsdyk with the Capitals.
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