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Nightmare scenario for the Washington Capitals in 2025 NHL free agency
Photo credit: NHL
With only one more year of Alex Ovechkin's mastery from which to benefit, there is not much room for error for the Washington Capitals in this offseason. The upcoming 2025-26 campaign could prove disastrous should the team fail to plan for a future after Ovi.
The Capitals have stocked-up on young, forward talent, and have several more waiting in the prospect ranks, ready to take the jump to the NHL. General Manager Chris Patrick has done an admirable job thus far.
Yet, before the 2024-25 season began, the Capitals were seen as a bubble playoff team. Then the season started and the Caps stunned the NHL by finishing 1st in the Eastern Conference, 2nd overall in the NHL, and advancing to the second round of the playoffs.
There was a sense around the league that they could have done more, and in fact, can do more, if only they make the right moves.
But hope can quickly fade if the Capitals don't, in fact, make the right moves, and fail to plan for life after Ovechkin. A worst-case scenario is if the Caps don't replace Ovi's goal production, and fail to find a powerplay specialist who can flat-out score.
The Capitals must also extend Connor McMichael, who notched 26 goals and 31 assists in 82 games this year, while also leading the 3rd line, and is set to become an RFA next offseason. His value will only increase if Caps don't sign him to an extension.
With just over $9.37M in cap space, the Capitals must make a good signing; they cannot overspend on veterans, and fall into the Patrick Kane and Claude Giroux trap, both of whom are over 35 years-old. This would hurt the team's youth movement.
Also, Washington must re-sign Anthony Beauvillier, who excelled while playing with Ovi and Dylan Strome. Beauvillier performed well in the playoffs, with 6 points in 10 games. Whether a short-or long-tern deal, Caps must recognize the chemistry he's built with the core players on the team.
There are a number of free agent names that fit the Capitals' needs, and other forwards who available on the trade market, like Robertson, Marner, Bennett, and Boser, to name a few.
Chris Patrick certainly has his work cut-out for him, with July 1st fast approaching, and other teams heating up to pull the trigger on a deal. Patrick must be prudent, now mor than ever.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 12 | 64 ANSWERS Nightmare scenario for the Washington Capitals in 2025 NHL free agency Should Capitals shore-up Connor McMichael by offering a long-term extension? | ||
| yes | 53 | 82.8 % |
| no | 11 | 17.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
