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Capitals Will Build Team Around Ovechkin and Carlson With Aim Of Adding Youth To Their Roster
Photo credit: USA Today Sports
Thirty-two NHL teams are currently looking to bolster their line-ups, addressing roster needs and looking to free agency for possible signings.
The Washington Capitals have many decisions to make, regarding depth, expiring contacts and the start of free agency July 1st.
Washington Capitals to build around core players
We had some big spots to fill last year, our goals for roster spots," said Caps president Brian MacLellan on Monday. "This year, there's fewer holes. We've had some growth in young players. We have some players that are young and are coming up to make the next jump, so you've got to be cognizant of leaving room for improvement, leaving room for guys to come in and, hopefully, still add a piece or two."
Last year's off-season signings to which MacLellan refers were filled by the likes of Dubois, Chychrun and goalie Logan Thompson, signings which paid-off nicely.
But this is a different year, with different needs, and won't be as frenetic as last season.
Both Ovechkin and John Carlson are headed into the final year of their contract, while the contracts of Nicklas Backstrum and T.J.Oshie are expiring, potentially leaving additional room in cap space.
Both Backstrum and Oshie are expected to retire, Backstrum as the Caps' all-time assist leader with 762, and 2nd in team points with 1033.
Both players were instrumental in the Capitals' cup win in 2018, as, of course, were Ovechkin, Carlson and Tom Wilson.
Of that core, Tom Wilson is the only player that is signed beyond next season.
"From our perspective, their contracts (Backstrum and Oshie) are expired now and I think we're definitely going to move on without them as part of our group," Patrick said. "I don't have a lot of clarity on where their heads are at. For every athlete, it's a very personal decision and they have to take their time to do it."
Capitals' GM Chris Patrick said he will spend the coming weeks assessing the team's needs to formulate a plan for the opening of free agency, while will be helped along with this year's increase in available funds.
The NHL will increase the salary cap for 2025-2026 season by $7.5m, from $88m to $95.5M giving general managers a bit more flexibility with potential signings.
Ovechkin, who will turn 40 on September 17 has an annual average value of $9.5M, and has not committed to playing beyond next season.
The 35 year old John Carlson is heading into his final contact year.
"I think when we're weighing these decisions," Patrick said, "we'll look at all out internal UFAs and other options that might be out there."
We will keep you updated as information is made available.
| POLL | ||
MAI 21 | 48 ANSWERS Capitals Will Build Team Around Ovechkin and Carlson With Aim Of Adding Youth To Their Roster Should Capitals GM extend John Carlson beyon the 2025-2026 season? | ||
| yes | 13 | 27.1 % |
| no | 35 | 72.9 % |
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