Nikolaj Ehlers, the top forward available in this year’s free agent class, is still unsigned three days into free agency. The Washington Capitals are believed to be heavily pursuing Ehlers’ services, along with the Carolina Hurricanes and potentially other teams.

Now, hockey insider Chris Johnston is reporting that once Ehlers’ signing is completed, the teams that missed out on him could aggressively look to make trades to fill holes on their roster.

The Capitals still have wiggle room, despite being only $6.95 million remaining under the salary cap with 22/23 roster spots filled, per PuckPedia. Teams can exceed the cap by as much as 10 percent, or $9.5 million, during the offseason, giving the Caps flexibility if they’re able to land the coveted Danish winger.

The Capitals are looking to improve their top six and add more speed to the lineup after being eliminated by the Hurricanes in the second round of the playoffs. The team has already lost several players from their bottom six to free agency, including Andrew Mangiapane and Lars Eller. Anthony Beauvillier, whom the Capitals acquired at the trade deadline, remains a free agent and could also come back into play if Ehlers signs elsewhere. There are talented RFAs still unsigned as well.

David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reported that Ehlers is expected to make his decision today and his new club will make the announcement. The Utah Mammoth were one of the teams competing for Ehlers services as of this morning, added the hockey insider.

Ehlers, 29, posted 63 points (24g, 39a) in 69 games last season as a member of the Winnipeg Jets, adding five goals in eight playoff games.