The Capitals should be buyers at the NHL trade deadline and should make a serious offer for Elias Pettersson from the Canucks.

The Capitals should be in on Elias Pettersson amid trade rumors and be willing to send top propsect Ryan Leonard the other way.

Vancouver Canucks forward Elias Pettersson (upper body) is a game-time decision for Wednesday's tilt against Washington. He has missed five games due to an upper-body injury. Pettersson scored twice in his last appearance but has endured a difficult time this season,

Selected by Pittsburgh in the second round (No. 46) of the 2015 NHL Draft, Sprong has 164 points (87 goals, 77 assists) in 363 regular-season games for the Kraken, Canucks, Detroit Red Wings, Washington Capitals, Anaheim Ducks and Penguins.

Pettersson is the pie-in-the-sky acquisition. The Canucks, one of the league’s most disappointing teams this season, have a fractured locker room due to a schism between Pettersson and J.T. Miller. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported Saturday that a deal was close involving Miller but ultimately wasn’t finalized.

The Montreal Canadiens announced Patrik Laine will not travel for Friday’s game against the Washington Capitals. Laine is out due to illness and will miss his fourth straight game.

The Vancouver Canucks may have star centre Elias Pettersson back in their lineup when they visit the Washington Capitals on Wednesday.

WASHINGTON — Canucks centre Elias Pettersson wasn't back on the ice when Vancouver met the Capitals in Washington on Wednesday, but another major player returned to the lineup.

Radio: Sportsnet 650 The buzz: Take your pick, if you want to get picky.

Might it be a Stanley Cup Final preview in Edmonton on Tuesday? The Oilers will host the Washington Capitals, who own the NHL’s best record at 31-20-5.

T he Vancouver Canucks are expected to receive a massive boost to their lineup as Elias Pettersson has been activated from IR. Pettersson has missed the last six games with an upp