The Capitals’ goaltending situation has undergone a dramatic transformation since the 2022 offseason when Ilya Samsonov and Vitek Vanecek were both on the roster but neither proved reliable enough to carry the load. After parting ways with both, Washington took a bold step in 2024 by acquiring Logan Thompson and extending Charlie Lindgren. The current tandem offers more structure, with Thompson earning a long-term deal after a red-hot midseason stretch that saw him dominate the league. However, his late-season dip and mixed playoff performance leave questions about his consistency.

Charlie Lindgren, meanwhile, remains a steady locker room presence and capable backup who has posted back-to-back 20-win seasons. Despite a concerning drop in save percentage and one of the league's lowest quality start rates among regular goalies, the Capitals extended him through 2028. With over $9 million committed to the position, the Thompson-Lindgren duo is locked in — but is it the answer for a team trying to extend its Stanley Cup window?

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Lynden Lakovic made an early impression at Capitals development camp — both with his surprising 6'5" stature and mature presence on and off the ice. Drafted 27th overall, Lakovic slipped slightly in the draft due to a down year with Moose Jaw, where he nonetheless earned captaincy and showed strong leadership. His physical tools, skating, and scoring touch were standouts during camp, leading to an entry-level contract and high hopes for his return to junior this fall as he focuses on building strength and rounding out his two-way game.

Meanwhile, Andrew Cristall, a 2023 second-rounder, continues to turn heads. He posted a league-leading 132 points in the WHL last season and is now a strong candidate for NHL duty or a top-line role in Hershey. Known for elite puck skills and growing skating ability, Cristall's development and leadership were evident during his third dev camp. Alongside prospects like Miroshnichenko, Cole Hutson, and Ilya Protas, Washington's recent drafts show a clear identity — targeting skilled, physically mature players who thrive in heavy, playoff-style hockey.

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Alex Ovechkin is already back in the gym preparing for the 2025-26 NHL season after a historic campaign where he scored 44 goals in just 66 games, surpassing Wayne Gretzky as the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer. Entering the final year of his contract at age 40, Ovi remains a dominant force, leading the league in even-strength goals per 60 and tying Gordie Howe’s age-39 goal record. Though his future beyond this season is uncertain, he’s focused on performing at a high level again for the Capitals.

Meanwhile, former Capital Evgeny Kuznetsov is weighing offers, with the Montreal Canadiens emerging as a possible destination. Kuzy, now 33, is looking for a bounce-back deal—no PTOs—with hopes of reuniting with Ivan Demidov and boosting Montreal’s center depth. The Caps also added KHL scoring standout Sheldon Rempal on a two-way deal to bolster AHL Hershey, bringing in proven offensive talent who could serve as valuable forward depth.

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Connor McMichael is set to compete for the Washington Capitals' third-line center role after a career-best season playing second-line wing alongside Pierre-Luc Dubois. With Hendrix Lapierre and Henrik Rybinski also in the mix, the battle for center depth will heat up in training camp. Meanwhile, the team reportedly explored adding Jack Roslovic in free agency but may now lean on younger internal options.

Top defensive prospect Cole Hutson stood out at development camp but will return to Boston University to continue his growth, following a similar path to Ryan Leonard. In net, Clay Stevenson will take over as Hershey's starter following Hunter Shepard's departure, while Mitch Gibson and Garin Bjorklund are set to battle for the AHL backup spot, signaling a new era in the Capitals' goalie pipeline.

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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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