Capitals won't shut down Carlson like Blackhawks did with Kane last season

The Washington Capitals don't plan on emulating the 2014-15 Chicago Blackhawks at the trade deadline.

When John Carlson was placed on long-term injured reserve Sunday, it fueled speculation that he could be shut down for the remainder of the regular season, which would provide Washington with a significant amount of additional cap space ahead of Monday's deadline.

Head coach Barry Trotz squashed the notion, confirming the Capitals don't intend on doing what the Blackhawks did last season when they shut down Patrick Kane until the playoffs in order to acquire Antoine Vermette under the salary cap.

With the expectation that Carlson will be back well before the postseason, his cap hit would return, making it clear the Capitals don't plan on adding any significant contracts - which would force them to clear nearly $4 million in cap space once Carlson returns to the lineup - via trade.

Earlier in the week, Trotz said "nothing crazy" is expected out of the Capitals, and it appears as though they're staying the course with just over 24 hours left before Monday's deadline.

Additionally, Capitals forward Brooks Laich - who caries a $4.5-million cap hit - cleared waivers Sunday. It's expected he'll remain with the team. Laich's in the lineup Sunday, but Washington will need to assign him to the AHL before the trade deadline in order to do so at any other point over the remainder of the year.