Free agent Evgenii Dadonov wants to play in Washington with fellow Russian Ovechkin

Dadonov had one of his best seasons in 2024-25, with 20 goals and 20 assists, the most in a season since 2020-21, then with the Vegas Golden Knights, and is a solid 2nd, or 3rd line forward.

At the age of 37, Evgenii has played in the NHL since 2010, and has 55 games of playoff experience. He will likely want to play on a team that is set on winning the Stanley Cup

Dadonov could, of course, return to the Stars for the right price, though with only $4.5M in projected cap space, they would need a team-friendly deal from the Russian forward. It may be difficult, however, with Rantanen and Oettinger both due for pay increases next season.

Florida Panthers may be a good fit also for Dadonov. Now in their 2nd consecutive finals, and a Stanley Cup win, Evgenii may want to jump right into a team that is built to win.

Evgenii Dadonov is a versatile forward who can both score and play solid defense, and is a cheaper option for Florida, than re-signing Marchand and Bennett. Dadonov is expected to earn $3.5M next season.

The Washington Capitals might need to replace Andrew Mangiapane on the 3rd line. Yet, both Protas and Strome, who both saw 3rd-line action, had better seasons that Mangiapane, who at $5.8M AAV (4th on Caps) may be more than Washington is willing to spend.

Dadonov would provide production to the 3rd line. Dubois and McMichael are both better suited for the 2nd line, opening the possibility for a replacement over Mangiapane.

Finally, getting an opportunity to play with fellow Russian Ovechkin, who played with Evgenii in the 2019 World Championship, may just be the draw Dadonov needs to come to DC.