Knuble during warmups at the Baltimore Hockey Classic. (Photo: Andrew Hallman)

Hey, remember that guy Knuble who used to play on the top line with Ovechkin and Backstrom? Yeah, the 20-goal scorer for eight years straight. Is he still even on the team? For now, the answer is yes, but that might not be the answer for much longer.

For the greater part of this season, Knuble has found himself receiving much less playing time while on 3rd or 4th line. As a result, Knuble’s role on team unfortunately has quickly shrunk.

Just a few days ago when the Winnipeg Jets came to town, Knuble found himself sitting in the pressbox as a healthy scratch for the first time in a long time. The reason? Knuble’s stats have been a little less than what he is usually capable of. Though, should this really come as a surprise when a player goes from playing with Ovechkin and Backstrom, now to playing with some 4th liners? While this entire scratching ordeal was annoying, whatever, maybe sitting out a game might help out old Mike.

Fast forward a few days to the present. Mike Knuble has been scratched for three consecutive games. Seriously, what gives?

Making matters worse, Knuble was made a healthy scratch for Monday’s game against the Sharks so that AHL call-up Joel Rechlicz could play for a grand total of 1:30.

I don’t know about you, but that’s just enough info I need to assume that Knuble’s time is up in DC. Either that, or Dale Hunter is crazy. Unfortunately, I would probably believe either of those two options to be true, if not both.

It’s unfortunate.

There’s no denying it, Knuble’s getting old and honestly won’t be playing much longer. On one hand, it makes sense to trade him to a team that can use him right now for the short-term and in return, DC gets a draft pick or player that will be good for years to come. Sounds like a win-win, right? Though, there’s just one thing wrong: the Caps could really use Knuble right now too.

The Caps need bodies in front of the net, veteran leadership, and someone to grind out gritty goals. Mike Knuble does all of these things and more. Though, he cannot do this when he is in the pressbox, on the 4th line filling a checking role, or on another team.

Something’s gotta give here. Unfortunately, it might be Knuble. These coming days before the trade deadline will surely be interesting for Caps fans.

So what do you think, Caps fans? We’d love to hear your opinions! Leave us a comment below!