3 trades to keep Metro competitors level with Caps after Shattenkirk deal

You've heard by now - Kevin Shattenkirk is a Washington Capital.

Yes, the NHL's best team claimed the biggest fish in the rental pond, becoming an even more complete unit. But, that said, the Caps still play in the Metropolitan Division - the best in hockey - and until they actually advance past the second round of the playoffs, they haven't accomplished anything of merit.

That's not a slight on Washington, they've sent a loud, clear message to fellow competitors they're in it to win it, hoping to erase a decade of postseason disappointment.

Still, thanks to the NHL's faulty playoff format, the Capitals - should they advance to the second round - will likely have to play the Penguins, Rangers, or Blue Jackets. Not an easy out.

Year after year, it's never as easy as it seems for the on-paper postseason favorites, and here's some potential deals from Washington's divisional foes that can thwart the Capitals' strengthened Cup aspirations.

Penguins

Face it, we all want to see another Washington versus Pittsburgh series this Spring, and wouldn't it be something if the Penguins went out and matched the Capitals' seismic splash, say, by acquiring Matt Duchene?

The rumors surrounding the Colorado trigger man have quieted lately, but Pittsburgh was said to be interested in the speedy center before.

Pittsburgh vied to shore up its depleted blue line by acquiring Ron Hainsey in a pre-deadline deal, and another depth rearguard could certainly be on Jim Rutherford's radar.

However, when Pittsburgh upset Washington en route to the Stanley Cup last May, it did so with unmatchable speed on offense. With Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin down the middle of the ice and a slew of gifted wingers to boot, adding a player like Duchene creates a matchup nightmare for any opponent.

Rangers

(Photo Courtesy: Getty Images)

New York's high-flying offense doesn't need any altering, but some blue-line tinkering would certainly help the Rangers against a fellow Metropolitan juggernaut.

Now that Shattenkirk - who has been linked to Broadway from the get-go - is off the board, the Rangers should search for a plan B. Brendan Smith of the Red Wings is rumored to be available, and would prove useful in all situations.

The Rangers' D-corps isn't exactly young, and without many draft picks at its disposal, New York would have to give a player to get a player. A declining Kevin Klein and Nick Holden - who's at the peak of a career season - could fit as suitable options.

Blue Jackets

It's still surprising to some, but the Blue Jackets are in this, too.

Columbus currently sits third in the Metropolitan Division, one point back of Pittsburgh and five back of Washington, while holding just a single point advantage over the Rangers.

Short on playoff experience, a veteran such as Patrick Sharp could be of assistance for the Jackets, though he's trudged through an injury-riddled season with just 15 points in 36 games.

Despite scoring the fifth-most goals league-wide this season (three of the four teams ahead of Columbus in that department are Pittsburgh, New York, and Washington), the Blue Jackets will need to continue putting pucks in the net to survive in the playoffs.

Columbus would be wise to call on Duchene, while fellow Avalanche trade subject Gabriel Landeskog plays with the type of snarl head coach John Tortorella appreciates on his roster.