Insider claims Capitals want to replace Ovechkin
Photo credit: NHL
We are now in the dog days of summer, and officially in the thick of the NHL offseason. The NHL playoffs are in full-swing, and though the Capitals find themselves on the outside looking in, they also find themselves in an interesting position.
One has to wonder what is on the agenda for DC this offseason.
Last summer was all about change, as Washington re-tooled one-third of it roster. Though the Caps' brass has stated that this summer will not be as hectic, they have not ruled out change.
DC has to revamp the middle-six of its roster, in particular the often talked about third-line, and add secondary scoring, all while preparing for life after Ovechkin.
Both of this year's free agency and trade markets are interesting going into July, with big names available in both markets.
"We will definitely evaluate everything," Caps GM Chris Patrick has stated. "I think a big hack could potentially be, like, a really big hack."
Big-name free agents like Mitch Marner, Brock Boeser, John Tavares, and playoff work-horses Sam Bennett and Brad Marchand can be had for the right price.
And Jason Robertson and Tage Thompson are potential trade market assets, and make this offseason very interesting for a team like the Washington Capitals, who look to add a marquee player.
The Capitals have a projected $12.38MM in cap space to work with this summer, per ESPN, while to NHL cap is set to increase by $7.5MM this coming season, from $88MM to $97.5MM.
"It will be great to add another skilled player to our lineup, for sure," Patrick added. "It would be great also to have a 3rd-line that is a really dependable 3rd-line. But, these are certainly, at least, what my focus is. And I think Mac (MacLellan) is hopefully on the same page on that one."
Finding someone to replace Ovechkin when his contract expires at the end of next season wont be easy, of course - there are none like him available. Yet, all-star forwards that can score, and also carry a team are available now.
Caps must decide whether to sign one this season, or wait for next summer.
Previously on Capitals Insider
| POLL | ||
JUIN 15 | 25 ANSWERS Insider claims Capitals want to replace Ovechkin Should the Capitals sign Ovi's replacement this coming season, or the next? | ||
| 2025-26 | 18 | 72 % |
| 2026-27 | 7 | 28 % |
| List of polls | ||
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