Locked On Capitals - Daily Podcast On The Washington Capitals

The Washington Capitals’ 2025-26 schedule is out, and it could shape the future of the franchise.  It’s a schedule that will test depth, conditioning, and mental toughness.

All eyes will also be on the front office as trade rumors swirl.  And where does Hendrix Lapierre fit in? After re-signing on a one-year bridge deal, this is a make-or-break year for the young center, who could either lock in a top-nine role—or find himself in trade talks. The Capitals' season isn't just about the schedule; it's about transition, pressure, and proving the retool was worth it.

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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.

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Tom Wilson and Ryan Reaves, once fierce on-ice rivals known for their physical clashes and public disdain for each other, have surprisingly become friendly off the ice. Reaves recently praised Wilson on a podcast, confirming they’ve hung out socially and put their past behind them. Both players recognize each other’s value as rare “unicorns” in today’s NHL—big, skilled, physical presences who contribute on the scoresheet as much as in the hits column. Their newfound friendship shows how hockey’s fiercest rivalries can evolve with time and mutual respect.

Meanwhile, the Capitals continue offseason speculation with wild rumors swirling about Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin potentially leaving Pittsburgh amid a looming rebuild. Ovechkin admitted he’d welcome either legend to Washington, though such trades remain highly unlikely. Former Capital Lars Eller reflected fondly on his time in D.C., praising Ovechkin’s leadership and generosity during his record-breaking season. Though Eller has moved on to Ottawa, his heart—and his family—remains rooted in Washington.

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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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