Summer Ideas

Team: 2024-25 Washington Capitals

Initial Creation Date: Mar. 9, 2024

Published: Mar. 9, 2024

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

While I would've liked to see something a bit more exciting at the deadline I think BMac has set up the roster well heading into the offseason with lots of space to make moves and some pretty defined (although not easy to fill) holes at 2c, 2w, and 2d. It's been pretty helpful the last couple of weeks that guys like Lapierre and Miroschnichenko look like they can actually be something as well.

1) Re-sign RFAs. Protas and Sandin are already taken care of and I expect McM to get a similar deal. Malenstyn has proven himself as an NHL regular and will stay, I also expect Sutter to get a long look in camp for that 12th/13th forward spot, especially if NAK doesn't return. Would be surprised if Frank, Gibson, and Limoges don't return in Hershey. Probably time for Johansen, HHA, Phillips to look elsewhere.

2) Get a young, top-6 forward. It's easier said than done and for that reason I think they have to go for a project -- enter Josh Norris. OTT wants to make changes to their group, already have 3 better centers in Stutzle/Pinto/Grieg, and he hasn't been able to stay healthy or ever really reproduce that 21-22 season. He's overpaid at 8m so I don't think the acquisition cost would be crazy. A gamble sure, but one I think is worth it. Zegras would be my other target but I think he would cost significantly more.

3) Sign a big name vet LD. Sandin has been a lot better of late but I think he tops out as a 3d on a good team. Fehervary has been very underrated this season but also is a complimentary guy, not one that really drives his own pair. AA is what he is, a 7d who you feel fine with playing some games here and there but nothing special. Hanifin was at least somewhat linked with DC by Freidman and I think it's unlikely he stays in Vegas given the Hertl deal. 8.5m is probably too much but I think it's worth it. Skjei, Walker, and Roy would be my other options.

4) Try to get Leonard to sign. He's done enough at the college level and I think he could help the team next year.

5) Let Oshie keep playing if he wants. He's earned it.

6) If for whatever reason at least one of Oshie/Leonard/Miro aren't NHL ready next year, bring back Patches on a 1yr deal. I think he's looked very good and fit in well here, and it sounds like he and his family love DC.

The forward lines could go a lot of different directions. I would treat it as having 3 second lines and play that top 9 evenly. Kind of similar with the D, except I'm keeping Carlson, Hanifin, and Sandin on different pairs.