Breaking down the Washington Capitals ahead of NHL Free Agency.
Pending free agents
Unrestricted: 14 | Restricted: 4 | See full list
[teamleaders league=”nhl” team=”was” season=”2013″]
Capitals overview
Alex Ovechkin wants a Stanley Cup. It’s the only trophy he cares to add to his mantel of NHL accomplishments — and it’s the most important one, the centerpiece. But Ovi and his Capitals fell just short of the playoffs this season, signaling an inevitable change in Washington. Adam Oates was ousted as the team’s head coach and in came Barry Trotz — a man who, like his star player, knows much about success but has yet to win the ultimate prize. Trotz will need to develop a good relationship with Ovi, who is used to carrying the weight of the Capitals on his back. An NHL team can’t win with a single superstar, and Trotz will look to take some of the burden and focus off Ovechkin so he can stick to scoring goals and feel the pressure lift.
The Capitals will always be a threat, but they haven’t been considered a real contender for a number of years. With Ovechkin hitting his peak, this is the time to turn Washington into a top threat in the East.
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| Click player positions to see depth chart | ||
Areas to address
The blueline needs most of the attention in Washington. The Capitals were 27th in shots allowed per game last season and 21st in goals allowed. To win, they’ll need to protect their own end first and let the offence work Ovi’s magic.
The Capitals might look to add a solid body on defence through free agency. They’ll also be on the hunt for a solid veteran backup for Braden Holtby. Prospect Philipp Grubauer played well when called on last year, but a veteran presence would be a huge support for Holtby. They traded Jaroslav Halak to the New York Islanders, signaling that the No. 1 spot belongs to Holtby. A veteran expecting to play a back-up role is ideal for Washington and there are a number of good options available on the market this off-season.
Once the holes on the defensive side are taken care off, the Capitals could look into picking up a solid second-line centre. Mikhail Grabovski was a good option when he wasn’t hurt last season, but he’s an unrestricted free agent. The Caps might look to re-sign Grabo, or take their chances elsewhere.
Possible signing targets
Paul Stastny (C): If the Ave’s don’t re-sign Stastny, the Caps will be one of the many teams taking a long look at adding his firepower.
David Legwand (C): A veteran player looking to play for a contender. The Caps aren’t quite there yet, but Legwand could be the proven second-line pivot they need.
Derek Roy (C): Again, another veteran presence that could fit well on the second line.
Jonas Hiller (G): After being pushed out of the Anaheim, Hiller could be a good fit behind Holtby, though he’s likely looking for a starting role.
Evgeni Nabokov (G): The Islanders decided not to re-sign Nabokov this season because he was asking too much. He could put some pressure on Holtby to hold onto his No. 1 role, and that’s a good thing.
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