Team: 2022-23 Washington Capitals

Initial Creation Date: May 31, 2022

Published: Jun. 4, 2022

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

Eller and Vanecek trades are for whatever collection of futures we can get for them. Mostly just clearing the roster and salary space for free agent signings, the team and exact return doesn't really matter.

At the draft, I want us to target high upside forwards and/or safe, projectable defensemen. My ideal scenario right now is taking the chance on Miroshnichenko round 1. Rumors are that he's in remission already, so if he can come back strong this could be a top liner. After taking Lapierre in 2020, it's clear we're okay with taking the risk if we love the player enough. If we go defenseman, I like either Bischel or Chesley.

Typically I'd say we should just let AJF take the 4LW spot if Hagelin can't play, but I loved Larsson's fit on that line. If we can get him back at a cheap one year deal, I'm all for it. If he wants more or we need the money for other UFAs, I'm not gonna sweat it too much.

Signing Trocheck gives us a really good 2C for the next couple years until McMichael and Lapierre can play 2C and 3C, and then he can move over to wing. His two way play and well rounded offensive skillset will be great to mix and match with our wingers.

Nichushkin fits in perfectly with what we have and what we need to be going for in free agency. He plays the power forward game well but has a different enough style that it'll be a nice variance. He'll be essential while Wilson is out to start the season.

I really like the potential fit of Zadorov. He's got the size to clear the crease and win board battles and can still move around well and not get burned all the time in transition. Adding him gives us some flexibility with our pairings so we aren't locked in to the same set like we were this year. I'm thinking he might get a bigger contract than this, so in that case Larsson can walk and use that money towards this deal.

I think Campbell is the goalie we should target. I thought he was really solid in the Tampa series and was playing well for most of the regular season. Assuming Kuemper re-signs in Colorado, I think Campbell will be the best UFA option out there (over Husso). I wouldn't be opposed to signing Husso or trading for Varlamov though.


This team probably isn't a true Cup contender still, but I think it's a better team than what we iced this year. We promised Ovi we would try and compete for as long as he's around, and I think this is a great way to give the team a fighting chance come playoff time. I'm guessing this team's ceiling would be one of those fluke runs to the Final like 2020 Dallas, which would be awesome to experience again as a fan.

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