New season, reloaded roster for the Washington Capitals

By Noah Ploff

We are just weeks away from the start of the NHL season, and the Washington Capitals have been making headlines all offseason to get ready. Several trades have occurred, new coaches have been hired, and maybe most notably, the Washington captain, and all-time goals leader Alex Ovechkin has decided to stay with the team for another season. Ovechkin had yet another 30 plus goal season, despite slowing down and his age. He also remains as physical as ever, totaling 134 hits last season. This proves that he still has what it takes to be a premier force in the league.

Last Season Recap

Last season, Washington went 43-30-9 and fell just short of the playoffs. It was a disappointing end to the season, as in just the year before, they earned the second most points in the entire NHL. Head coach Spencer Carburry was also awarded the Jack Adams award, which is the award for the best coach. While last year fell short of expectations, Carburry and the Capitals have switched their vision to this upcoming season.

Key Offseason Additions

Washington made some blockbuster trades in the offseason, including gaining Alex Tuch from the Sabres, and Jordan Kyrou from the Blues. The Capitals acquired Jordan Kyrou from the St. Louis Blues for Connor McMichael, Milton Gastrin, and Washington’s first round draft pick in the 2026 draft. Kyrou brings great goal-scoring and passing abilities and can be a versatile member of the Washington offense. Last season he had 46 points, on 18 goals and 28assists, and will hope to continue and increase his success going into this season. Washington also acquired Alex Tuch from the Buffalo Sabres for David Kampf and a third-round pick in the 2027 draft. This past season, Tuch had 33 goals and a total of 66 points. This is very positive for Washington, as they need another player who can be a high goalscorer due to the fact that Ovechkin is getting old, and is most likely in his last season in the NHL. Tuch and Kyrou will both make solid additions to the first and second lines.

The Capitals also signed a center who can be a difference maker in Boone Jenner to a four year deal to help bolster the middle of their team. Alongside Jenner, Washington also improved their defensive depth with former Sharks defenseman Vincent Desharnais, and former Detroit Red Wings blueliner Justin Holl. The Capitals hope that these defensive signings can try to close the hole left by longtime Capital John Carlson, who is now on the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Notable Departures

Along with those new arrivals, come several departures from the team as well. These departures include Connor McMichael, Brandon Duhaime, Sonny Milano, Hendrix Lapierre, Trevor Van-Reimsdyk, and David Kampf. While some of these guys have been on the team for a while now, they have not performed up to standards lately, and will get a new opportunity to improve their game on another team. When comparing the arrivals and departures, it is clear to see that the Capitals greatly added to their firepowered squad.

Metro Division Gauntlet

The Capitals now feel that they are a Stanley Cup contender, but they’ll have to prove that against some powerhouse opponents. These opponents consist of the Pittsburgh Penguins, who are always competitive with captain Sidney Crosby, the Philadelphia Flyers, who just beat out the Capitals last season in the wildcard race, and of course the reigning Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes. The Hurricanes are definitely losing some players, such as goaltender Frederik Anderson, who led the team to win the trophy. Despite those losses, Carolina looks as powerful as ever and will be looking to win back-to-back Stanley Cups.

The Capitals open their season in Carolina against the Hurricanes, and earning a win there could be an early statement and the start of a strong season. The Capitals then travel to Tampa to face the Lightning, who are always a Stanley Cup contender, and have a reunion with former Capitals d-man John Carlson. After what Washington hopes is a 2-0 start, they will make their way home to Washington, where they have a short 3-game homestand and play the Penguins, Rangers, and Kraken. If the Capitals can manage to win all of these games, or even a handful, they can start off the season on the right foot, and show the league that they are here to compete and win it all this season.

Will the Capitals be Stanley Cup champs, or just another team that fell short? Only time will tell.