The Washington Capitals’ free agency plans took a turn when top target Nikolaj Ehlers chose Carolina, prompting the team to re-sign winger Anthony Beauvillier to a two-year, $5.5 million deal. Beauvillier proved versatile after arriving at the trade deadline, moving up and down the lineup and producing six points in 10 playoff games. Coach Spencer Carbery praised his fearless style, skating pace, and ability to impact all zones of the ice. The Capitals see him as a cost-effective fit who already understands their system.

Meanwhile, the spotlight at development camp has shifted to 2025 first-round pick Lynden Lakovic and promising prospects Cole Hutson and Milton Gästrin. Lakovic is adjusting quickly and eager to build a 200-foot game; Hutson, coming off a historic NCAA season, is committed to refining his defensive play before turning pro; and Gästrin, a high-IQ Swede taken 37th overall, signed his entry-level deal and will continue his development in the SHL. Together, they headline a rising crop of Caps talent with clear NHL upside.

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Welcome to the NHL Squad Show! Today our hosts Gil Martin (Locked On Islanders), Eddie Garcia (Locked On Kings, David Morassutti (Locked On Leafs) and Seth Toupal (Locked On Wild are here to talk about the big moves of free agency so far, including the Mitch Marner saga finally coming to an end, what the heck the LA Kings are doing, and where Nikolaj Ehlers is going to end up!

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Andrew Cristall is making a serious push for the Washington Capitals roster after dominating in the WHL last season. Back at development camp for the third time, he’s now taking on a leadership role — even sitting in Alex Ovechkin’s locker stall. Cristall has bulked up, sharpened his defensive game, and is treating training camp like a clean slate with NHL expectations in sight.

Meanwhile, the Capitals made several key organizational moves, signing Louie Belpedio, Calle Rosen, and Graeme Clarke to two-way deals to reinforce the Hershey Bears, who lost several core players. Longtime goalie Hunter Shepard signed with Ottawa, and former first-round pick Alex Alexeyev shocked Caps fans by joining the rival Pittsburgh Penguins — reuniting with former Bears coach Todd Nelson.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)