Capitals will explore Grubauer trade, says GM MacLellan

The Washington Capitals are preparing to explore the trade market and gauge interest in backup goaltender Philipp Grubauer.

Grubauer would like to be a No. 1 goalie, and Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan will look for a trade partner to help make that happen, he said at the team's locker clean out Wednesday, according to Isabelle Khurshudyan of The Washington Post.

With few high-end goalies set to become free agents, there should be no shortage of demand for the German netminder. In fact, both the New York Islanders and Carolina Hurricanes have reportedly shown interest.

The 26-year-old posted a 15-10-3 record with a 2.35 goals-against average and .923 save percentage this season. In 101 career games, he's put up a 2.29 goals-against average and .923 save percentage.