HERSHEY, Pa. — Even the team that seems to have all the answers over the past two years still doesn't know what to expect from the trade deadline.
"You can never predict the future. You hope for the best from both organizations," said Hershey's Vice President of Hockey Operations Bryan Helmer when asked about Friday's NHL Trade Deadline.
"I don't know what the plan is for Washington or which direction they're going to go," said Hershey's captain Dylan McIlrath.
"A lot of things can happen," said Hershey's Head Coach Todd Nelson. "I know Wash is right there and if they can improve their team, they will."
While Chocolatetown enjoys watching the Bears have success, they're not the only ones who have noticed. NHL teams are always looking for potential young talent that can become part of their organizations.
"This is the nature of the beast," claimed Nelson. "That's how it is in the American Hockey League. I've been through this many times."
"I've been dealt on the deadline day. It's always shocking news," recalled McIlrath. "We have a tight-knit group. We don't want to see anyone leave."
While Hershey's NHL affiliate will want to make moves to improve, it doesn't mean they're willing to risk Hershey's future, which is also the Capitals' future.
"They want us to go on a long run down here. Look at past experiences. The best thing that could happen was the Caps winning the Stanley Cup in 2018. How many of those guys came through Hershey? They were a big part of that Stanley Cup team," said Helmer.
The biggest roster move is Evgeny Kuznetsov, who only spent a few days with Hershey after clearing waivers with Washington. After making the trip with Hershey to Charlotte, he'll stay in North Carolina as he's been traded to the Carolina Hurricanes for a third-round pick in 2025.
After reclaiming Matthew Phillips from the Penguins, he'll be loaned to Hershey this weekend. Hendrix Lapierre, Ivan Miroshnichenko, and Hunter Shepard are all eligible for the Bears' postseason after being sent down before the deadline.
Mike Sgarbossa was not placed on waivers, so he won't be able to play for Hershey in the playoffs and will remain with the Capitals for the rest of the season.
For some, the NHL trade deadline could mean a tale of two teams. The one before the deadline and the one after. But what's true then, is true now; Hershey sits at the top of the AHL standings.
"It's one of those things where they're professionals. They've been through it and if not, they'll find a way to get through it," added Helmer.