The Washington Capitals have emerged as a model franchise after finishing first in the Eastern Conference for the 2024–25 season. Rather than rebuilding following a disappointing 2022–23 campaign, the team retooled with NHL-ready talent and now finds themselves ahead of rivals like the Pittsburgh Penguins, who are entering a major transitional phase. With a new coach, Dan Muse, and key veterans potentially on the move, the Penguins are poised to embrace a full rebuild.

Pittsburgh is reportedly shopping nearly all players except Crosby, Malkin, and Letang, with Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell drawing the most interest. General Manager Kyle Dubas may be positioning the team to target phenom Gavin McKenna in the 2026 draft, leveraging their cap space to acquire picks. Meanwhile, Malkin is expected to play his final season with the team in 2025–26, closing out an era while the franchise eyes its next chapter.

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