My ideal lineup for 2021-22

Team: 2021-22 Washington Capitals

Initial Creation Date: Jun. 2, 2021

Published: Jun. 2, 2021

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

Kuznetsov - I don't believe he is traded in the offseason or exposed in expansion. He's been extremely frustrating to watch these past couple seasons but they would be selling him at an absolute low. Barring an unexpectedly good offer, I think he stays in DC until at least middle of next season.

Hjalmarsson - An excellent penalty killer, seems super steady. He'll probably sign for more than this and with another year of term but maybe with the flat cap it'll be less.

Dillon - Given Dillons cap hit, and our depth on the left hand side I think he or Vanacek are the most likely to be claimed. Fehervary is ready for NHL but not 20min a night so I think the caps sign a depth veteran D again who can help mentor Fehervary and Alexeyev who will be getting games this year.

Nardella - He's always been intriguing to me and id love to give him the chance on the second power play unit. Its a long shot to expect him to step right in even in a 7th defenceman role but I think he can be used effectively in certain matchups. Realistically hes a 7th/ 8th defenceman.

Jensen- Per Tarik El Bashir, the caps are toying with the idea of moving him. Given his cap hit of 2.5mil thats a little much for the 3rd pairing. TVR just signed an extension and will need a spot to play. I thought TVR looked really good when he came in.

Pilon, Mcmichael, Malenstyn will also likely get a few games throughout the year. All will likely start in Hershey. As much as some of us want the youth movement, it's not happening while Ovi and Backstrom are on the team. The young guys will continue to be slowly worked into the lineup.

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