No, they did not improve. Any improvements from Protas, Conner Mc, and Sandin will be offset by corresponding declines in the older players. I expect a repeat of last year - near the playoffs but deadline sellers. Expect Kuzy, Mantha, and Pacioretty moved at the deadline for picks and prospects, which could be flipped for younger NHL ready players (e.g., the Sandin trade from last year).

Agreed, unfortunately. I do expect the year following to be a big offseason leading to a successful season for the Caps.

I believe Kuzy, Mantha, Patches, and Edmundson will be traded at deadline. Oshie and/or Backy will retire at the end of the year. Wilson will be resigned.

And with the rather high-profile upcoming FAs, the Caps will look to get younger and more skilled as the salary cap increases.

I think 2024-2025 season will be a good one for the Caps

It all comes down to Carbery and what he can do. Can he get Kuz, Mantha, and the PP going? Then they are a playoff team. If not then they miss.

Agree. To me, we're relying a ton on players who had down/injury riddled seasons last year to bounce back. If there's a bounce back, solid playoff team. If it's more of the same, bottom 3 in the East.