The Washington Capitals have re-signed Hendrix Lapierre to a one-year, $850,000 bridge deal — a clear signal that this is a “prove-it” season for the 23-year-old center. After starting 2024-25 on the NHL roster but struggling with only eight assists in 27 games, Lapierre rebounded in Hershey with 32 points in 32 games. GM Chris Patrick emphasized it’s up to Lapierre to earn a full-time spot, with training camp competition heating up.

Meanwhile, Connor McMichael is expected to start at center after a breakout season on the wing with 57 points. The departure of Lars Eller opens the 3C role, but it’s unclear if McMichael’s game will translate back to the middle. The Capitals are also counting on young talent — like Ivan Miroshnichenko, Andrew Cristall, and a now-healthy Sonny Milano — to step up and battle for roster spots in what’s shaping up to be one of the most competitive training camps in years.

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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.

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In the aftermath of the 2025 NHL Draft, the Washington Capitals wasted no time shaping their roster for next season. They acquired 23-year-old forward Justin Sourdif from Florida, a player they had long targeted, giving up a second- and sixth-round pick. Sourdif, who tallied 34 points in 43 AHL games and added 10 more in the playoffs, is expected to play full-time in the NHL next season. The move signals a strong belief in his potential as a middle-six forward with grit and offensive upside. The team also traded for 25-year-old defenseman Declan Chisholm, adding needed depth on the blue line after playoff injuries exposed their vulnerability. With Alex Alexeyev unlikely to be qualified, Chisholm is now poised to compete for a key spot in the bottom pair.

The Capitals are navigating over $9 million in cap space heading into free agency, weighing whether to pursue one major addition or spread that money across several versatile pieces. Conversations are still ongoing with UFAs like Mangiapane, Beauvillier, and Raddysh, while RFAs Hendrix Lapierre and Ivan Miroshnichenko are expected to push for bigger NHL roles. Prospect development and roster flexibility are key themes, and with Connor McMichael’s position versatility, the Capitals have options. With a mix of veteran targets and rising prospects like Andrew Cristall ready to challenge for a spot, Washington’s retooling effort is just getting started.

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The Washington Capitals made waves at the NHL Draft by selecting 6'4" winger Lynden Lakovic from Moose Jaw with the 27th overall pick. Known for his elite shot and strong character, Lakovic was a captain in junior and models his game after Tage Thompson. The Caps love his size, skill, and maturity, signaling he could become a top-six winger down the line. Behind the scenes, GM Chris Patrick and Ross Mahoney stayed laser-focused, passing on theatrics and sticking to their plan.

Beyond Lakovic, the Caps emphasized size and upside throughout the draft. They grabbed Swedish two-way center Milton Gästrin, German power winger Maxim Schäfer, hard-nosed USHL center Jackson Crowder, and big Swedish defenseman Aron Dahlqvist. Each pick adds depth, character, and physicality to the pipeline. With smart Day 2 trades and a no-fluff approach, the Capitals are clearly building a team ready to compete in the trenches—and soon.

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