Chris Patrick’s first year as Capitals general manager was defined by an ambitious and highly successful offseason. BMAC brought in Pierre-Luc Dubois, who emerged as a top-line force and career-year producer, upgraded the defense with Jakob Chychrun and Matt Roy, and landed a Vezina-caliber goalie in Logan Thompson—all without giving up core assets. It was a dramatic and efficient reload that repositioned the Capitals as a competitive team without entering a full rebuild.

However, the in-season decisions were less effective. The deadline additions of Lars Eller and Anthony Beauvillier failed to address the team’s most glaring need—third-line center—and cost real assets in return. Defensive depth also went unaddressed, exposing the team in the playoffs. Heading into the offseason, Patrick’s top priorities include solidifying that 3C spot, adding reliable depth on the blue line, and preparing the roster for the post-Ovechkin era as younger players step into larger roles.

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