Ryan Leonard’s quick jump from college to the NHL gave the Capitals a glimpse of his high potential, even if his short stint didn’t show up on the stat sheet. After a stellar season at Boston College and leading Team USA to a gold medal at the World Juniors, Leonard’s brief playoff experience with Washington sets him up well for his first full NHL campaign, where he’s expected to help fill the team’s secondary scoring needs.

Meanwhile, Tom Wilson enjoyed a resurgent season with career highs across the board, reaffirming his importance as a top-line winger and leader for the Capitals. On the blue line, Matt Roy quietly delivered stability despite middling analytics, giving Washington reliable depth as they look ahead to 2025-26. Together, these pieces shape a Capitals team aiming to blend veteran presence with emerging talent.

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The Washington Capitals made targeted offseason moves to bolster their depth on defense and forward. Defenseman Declan Chisholm arrives from Minnesota as a reliable, NHL-ready option who can step in immediately and challenge for ice time, adding mobility and solid puck-moving to the blue line. Meanwhile, the Capitals traded for forward Justin Sourdif from Florida, banking on his high motor, playoff pedigree, and 200-foot game to solidify their bottom-six forward group. Both players fit the team’s push for more depth, flexibility, and youth in a competitive Metropolitan Division.

Additionally, Washington signed veteran Louie Belpedio to a two-way deal to provide further blue-line insurance. Known for his leadership, physicality, and ability to step in when needed, Belpedio strengthens the organizational depth after last season’s defensive injuries exposed weaknesses. These strategic moves signal GM Chris Patrick’s commitment to ensuring the Capitals are better prepared for the grind of an 82-game season and beyond.

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Alex Ovechkin may be publicly shutting down retirement rumors, but signs are mounting that this upcoming season could be his final NHL campaign. Between a team email mistakenly labeling next season as his last, comments from his wife about returning to Russia, and Ovechkin’s own vague “anything can happen” remarks, there’s reason to believe the 39-year-old could walk away after completing his current contract — especially after surpassing Wayne Gretzky for the all-time goals record.

Meanwhile, first-round pick Lynden Lakovic turned heads at Capitals development camp with his towering frame and promising game. GM Chris Patrick called him bigger and more impressive than expected, and the Capitals are betting on his future as part of their evolving roster. Combined with quiet offseason moves to shore up defense and depth, Washington appears poised to embrace a transitional year, balancing veterans like Ovechkin with prospects ready to step into larger roles.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)