Team: 2022-23 Washington Capitals

Initial Creation Date: Jun. 14, 2022

Published: Jun. 14, 2022

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

Wanted to take a look at this team if Backstrom actually plays next year. I don't think he'd start the season and be able to play right away, but it definitely makes actually making this team better a lot harder of a task.

Priority 1: Get veteran goaltending -- Gibson is reportedly open to being moved out of ANA. Capitals make sense as a destination, and would be willing to pay a premium for a goalie that has proven some success (although it's been a few years since elite play). Perhaps a change of scenery for Gibson and playing behind a better team will help his performance. In the package to acquire Gibson, you can include either VV or Samsonov.

Priority 2: Get younger up front. Trading Eller in the package to acquire Gibson (which also allows ANA to flip Eller at the deadline) allows McMichael to step in as the 3C. GMBM has said they want McMichael to play center exclusively, so this is the likely scenario if Backstrom stays in the lineup. Surround McMichael with more veteran help in Sheary and Hathaway. The fourth line of AJF - Dowd - Leason is pretty comparable to the Hagelin - Dowd - Hathaway fourth line: AJF is a speedy PK ace like Hags and Leason is a big body grinder/power forward like Hathaway. AJF and Dowd had good showings together, as well as Dowd and Leason.

Priority 3: Infuse more youth into the defensive pairings. Either Alexeyev or Johansen could win the job out of camp. If you're unhappy with their progress/performance during the season, second or third pairing LHD are easily acquirable at the deadline.