Report: Capitals have 'kicked tires' on Canucks' Hamhuis

A new contender appears to have emerged in the Dan Hamhuis sweepstakes.

ESPN's Pierre LeBrun is reporting that the Washington Capitals have "kicked tires" on Hamhuis, who's considered the No. 1 defenseman available in the rental market.

Fuelling speculation, at least on the part of the Canucks, is that Hamhuis will not take part in practice as originally expected, according to reports.

The Capitals created a little room under the salary cap late Sunday, dealing veteran Brooks Laich and his $4.5-million annual hit to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Washington has more than $6 million in cap space with top-pairing defenseman John Carlson on long-term injured reserve.