Report: Predators Shopping Former Capitals Prospect, Star Winger Forsberg

A face all too familiar to the Washington Capitals is reportedly on to the trade market.

Per Bally Sports Midwest’s Andy Strickland, the Nashville Predators are actively shopping Filip Forsberg with the trade deadline less than a month away. It’s a bit of a surprise considering his impact on Nashville.

Forsberg was originally taken by Washington 11th overall in the 2012 NHL Draft. The Swede was a top prospect, and in a rather stunning trade deadline deal on April 3, 2013, general manager George McPhee dealt Forsberg to the Preds in exchange for Maritn Erat, who was Nashville’s leading scorer at the time, and Michael Latta.

Since making the full-time NHL jump in 2014-15, Forsberg has registered five 50-plus point campaigns. Through 38 games this season, the 27-year-old leads the Predators in goals (26) and also has 18 assists. He is producing at over a point-per-game rate. He is on pace for 47 goals and 80 points this season, a career-high.

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It’s unclear what the return would be, but he certainly wouldn’t come cheap. Forsberg a top producer and can play a two-way game, while also serving as a catalyst at even strength and on the power play. He also has a great shot and outstanding vision. Forsberg carries a cap hit of $6 million and is a UFA at the end of this season, so he may be a rental.

Given Washington’s cap situation and other needs, Forsberg doesn’t seem like he would be a surefire target for the team. While he’d provide a major spark on offense, a homecoming would require the Capitals to clear enough cap to afford him. The team also needs to address their goaltending situation, and unless the team plans to keep Anthony Mantha on the long-term injured reserve and ship some salary out — and convince other teams to retain salary on their end as well — it seems like a bit of a stretch.