The Best Team We Could Realistically Put Together

Team: 2022-23 Washington Capitals

Initial Creation Date: Jul. 10, 2022

Published: Jul. 12, 2022

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

I just want us to go all in at this point. The East is going to be wide open next year and the Caps are very clearly falling behind. I'm hoping some aggressive moves can put the Caps right back in contention. I know GMBM said he can't spend Backstrom's cap space because he expects him to come back at some point, but realistically I doubt he's playing in the regular season at all, if he ever plays again.


Miller Trade - Miller is the perfect target from a contractual standpoint with one year left so Backstrom can be reassessed. I think he can be a point per game player again and would be a massive boost offensively. Within reason, I don't care what futures we give up. I think the Debrincat trade might've done the Caps a favor with the market value and maybe he doesn't end up costing the whole system, but that's not the point of this.

Muzzin Trade - I really like LuJo and think he could play on the third pair next year, but I think a more physical, crease clearing presence is needed. Muzzin provides that without being a liability in transition or defending the cycle, unlike most of those kinds of players. He also provides some more flexibility within our defense pairings. This is all assuming the Leafs still want to clear his cap hit and he agrees to waive his NTC, which isn't a guarantee.

Kuemper Signing - Seems like a lock to happen at this point. I'm really confident in him to play like he did in the regular season more consistently, especially since his eye was messed up for part of the playoffs. Massive upgrade in goal for sure.

Giroux Signing - There's a couple different guys that could fit here, but I really like the potential fit of Giroux with Miller. I think they'd complement each other well and any of Mantha, Oshie, Wilson or Sheary would fit well with them. He's a good defensive forward too and would fit the system while adding something different.

Comrie Signing - This one is optional. I think Fucale could probably handle a backup's workload, but I'm not opposed to adding someone with a more proven track record and upside.

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