Although the Capitals (34-18-7) are in first place in the Metropolitan Division heading into their game against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Capital One Arena on Tuesday (7 p.m. ET; SNP, TVAS, NBCSWA, SUN, NHL.TV), MacLellan doesn't believe they can afford to give up pieces of their future for another rental trade such as the one for Shattenkirk.
"We would not be giving up that type of asset quality this year," he said. "We're not looking to do that. We don't have the cap space to do that, and you can't keep doing that year after year. You get one shot at it and then you have to wait before you can do that again."
MacLellan said if he makes another trade before the deadline, it will likely be a depth deal similar to the one for Kempny, who is expected to make his Capitals debut at the Florida Panthers on Thursday. MacLellan hopes Kempny, 27, can help the Capitals clean up their defensive zone exits with his skating and puck-moving skill.
"I like our forward group," MacLellan said. "Our defense has to sort itself out."
After the trade deadline, the Capitals will have 20 games remaining to strengthen their positioning for the Stanley Cup Playoffs and get ready for the postseason. One of those games will be under the lights against the Maple Leafs.