2024-25
Record: 51-22-9, 1st in Metropolitan Division
Playoffs: Lost in Eastern Conference Second Round
Key Losses
Andrew Mangiapane (F – Signed with EDM), Taylor Raddysh (F – Signed with NYR), Lars Eller (F – Signed with OTT), Alexander Alexeyev (D – Signed with PIT), T.J. Oshie (F – Retired), and Nicklas Backstrom (F – Sweden)
Key Additions
Justin Sourdif (F – Trade with FLA), and Declan Chisholm (D – Trade with MIN)
2025-26 Preview
The Ovi Show, Part 2?
Last season for the Washington Capitals, the focus was on a few storylines. They would be Spencer Carbery’s second season behind the bench, how Logan Thompson and Charlie Lindgren would share the goaltending duties, Pierre-Luc Dubois being with his third team in three years, and how the rest of the new faces would mesh within the Capitals system. However, the biggest storyline was about Alex Ovechkin and his chase of Wayne Gretzky’s goal record.
As the season began, Ovechkin was on fire, and it really looked like he could break the record in February, but after missing 16 games after breaking his leg in November, there were many thoughts that the record would not be broken until the 2025-26 season. However, when Ovechkin returned, he came back and didn’t miss a beat, and would break the record on April 6th against the New York Islanders. While this was a great story for the 2024-25 season, it did become The Ovi Show, and you could clearly see that it took a toll on the team near the end of the season and in the playoffs.
Going into the 2025-26 season, Ovechkin is going into the final year of his contract, and 21st NHL season. The burning question will this be his final season in the NHL? While Ovechkin has said multiple times during the offseason that he has not made a decision on whether this will be his final season in the NHL or not, it’s still going to be the most talked about thing this season in the NHL, thus causing another distracting storyline for the Capitals this season. I personally think it is smart for Ovechkin to not make an announcement now, and just let the regular season play out. I could see Ovechkin making his decision and announcing it after the Olympic break in February.
This season could very well be The Ovi Show Part 2, even if it’s not his final season in the NHL. Only time will tell.
Kids Stepping Up
With the official retirement of T.J. Oshie and the departure of Nicklas Backstrom to Sweden to finish his playing career, along with the departures of Andrew Mangiapane, Taylor Raddysh, and Lars Eller, this will be the time for the kids to step up. Starting with Connor McMichael as he will be starting the season as the third line center, a role that the Capitals have been looking to have McMichael in. This will also be the rookie season for Ryan Leonard, and the Capitals are hoping that this season will be a strong one for him as he continues to grow as a pro.
Sonny Milano, who only played 3 games last season, will look to reclaim his spot in the lineup, but both Hendrix Lapierre, who is on a prove it contract this season, and Ivan Miroshnichenko will be looking to became regulars in the Capitals lineup this season. Also, off season trade pickup Justin Sourdif will be looking to take the next step in his career and become an NHL regular as well. However, if the kids aren’t proving themselves to be capable as full time NHLers, Milano is going to be working hard to reclaim his spot and general manager Chris Patrick won’t be afraid to make a move to bring in someone else who will be ready to step in and make an impact.
Projected Lineup
Offense
Alex Ovechkin — Dylan Strome — Anthony Beauvillier
Aliaksei Protas — Pierre-Luc Dubois — Tom Wilson
Sonny Milano — Connor McMichael — Ryan Leonard
Brandon Duhaime — Nic Dowd — Justin Sourdif
Defense
Rasmus Sandin — John Carlson
Jakob Chychrun –Trevor van Riemsdyk
Martin Fehervary — Matt Roy
Goalies
Logan Thompson
Charlie Lindgren
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