In this series, Heavy Sports is looking at what every NHL team has done over the offseason. Next up is the Washington Capitals. Washington had a disappointing season this past year as they dropped out of the postseason, posting a 43-30-9 record. The team has been busy loading up over the offseason in the hopes of returning to the playoffs next year in what could be Alexander Ovechkin’s final tour in the league.
Who are Washington’s Additions?
Key additions: Jonny Brodzinski, Vincent Desharnais, Joshua Dunne, Justin Holl, Boone Jenner, Jordan Kyrou, Jacob MacDonald, Alex Tuch
The Capitals have bulked up on the offensive front as they have made a flurry of big-name additions over the summer. Jordan Kyrou has been brought over from the St. Louis Blues as the talented forward looks to get his career back on track in a new destination. Kyrou amassed 18 goals and 28 assists for 46 points in 72 games last season. Alex Tuch was acquired from the Buffalo Sabres in a sign-and-trade maneuver. Tuch recorded 33 goals and 33 assists for 66 points in 79 games last year. Boone Jenner was also added from the Columbus Blue Jackets. Jenner registered 13 goals and 25 assists for 38 points in 67 games. Franchise legend Ovechkin resigned for one more year at $4.25 million in his potential last dance in the show.
Who are Washington’s Subtractions?
Key subtractions: Declan Chisholm, Brandon Duhaime, David Kampf, Hendrix Lapierre, Brett Leason, Connor McMichael, Sonny Milano, Trevor Van Riemsdyk
The biggest loss for this club is forward Connor McMichael as he departs to the St. Louis Blues. He was the main part of the return package in the Kyrou trade. McMichael totaled 14 goals and 32 assists for 46 points in 78 games last season. The rest of the departures are made up of secondary depth pieces.
Overall, this is a Capitals team that looks to be much improved heading into the 2026-2027 season. A bounce-back season should be in order for this team as they look to get back in the playoffs. The task will still be difficult as Washington will have their hands full in a stacked eastern conference. With that said, the motivation should be high for this squad. Ovechkin is not getting any younger as the 40 year old Russian approaches his 22nd season in the national. “Ovi” has proven that he can still perform at a high level. He tallied 32 goals and 32 assists for 64 points in 82 games this past season. He is still effective on the power play in his usual spot on the top of the circle where he generates most of his production with the dangerous one-timer in his arsenal. However, the fact he only re-upped for one more year is a strong indicator that this may be it for him. His teammates will be motivated to send off the future hockey hall of famer out on a high. With all the talent that has been assembled over the offseason, this should be a team in the mix when it comes to competing for the Stanley Cup.
All transactions are available via Puck Pedia.
Washington Capitals Offseason Recap