Locked On Capitals - Daily Podcast On The Washington Capitals

As the Washington Capitals prepare for the 2025–26 NHL season, they return with a remarkably stable roster — all 20 NHL spots are already under contract heading into training camp. While this continuity speaks to management’s confidence, it also leaves limited room for surprises. The forward lines are mostly set, with Alex Ovechkin chasing historic milestones and Pierre-Luc Dubois poised for a full second season in D.C. after a strong debut. The key questions surround a few open winger slots, where returning veterans or young talent like Hendrix Lapierre could make their mark during camp. On defense, the Caps are locked in with seven NHL-caliber defensemen, including a newly extended Jakob Chychrun and a motivated John Carlson in the final year of his deal. Goaltending is finally stable as Logan Thompson and Charlie Lindgren form a strong tandem, while prospect Garin Bjorklund continues to develop in the system. With few roster questions and a deep, experienced core, the Capitals are betting big on internal growth and chemistry heading into a pivotal season for the franchise.

(CORRECTION: Logan Thompson through 30-31)

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In Part One of this special two-part crossover episode of Locked On Capitals, I’m joined by Hockey Troll from The Official Caps Chirp Podcast to relive one of the most historic moments in NHL history — Alexander Ovechkin breaking Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goals record, finishing the season with 897. We reflect on what this milestone means for the franchise, Ovi’s legacy in Washington and the league, and whether we think he’ll call it a career this offseason.

We also take a close look at the Capitals’ 2024–25 regular season and what it revealed about the team’s identity moving forward. Did they overachieve or fall short? We dig into the rise of Dylan Strome as a dependable first-line center, Pierre-Luc Dubois’ bounce-back year, and the impact of rookie Ryan Leonard. With Part Two coming soon, we’ll cover the defense, goaltending, offseason decisions, and bold predictions — but for now, we’re setting the stage with history, heart, and a whole lot of Capitals pride.

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Alex Ovechkin's wife, Nastya, may have just confirmed what Capitals fans have speculated for years—Ovechkin could be playing his final NHL season in 2025-26 before returning to Russia. In an exclusive interview, she revealed the family plans to move back to Moscow following the last year of Ovi’s contract, aligning with his long-rumored desire to finish his career with Dynamo Moscow. While the Capitals' front office has denied any official decision, this revelation adds fuel to the idea that next season could become an emotional farewell tour for one of the game’s all-time greats.

Meanwhile, the future is taking shape with standout prospect Ivan Miroshnichenko making major strides in Hershey and during his NHL stints. The Capitals are also focused on locking up key restricted free agents Connor McMichael and Martin Fehérváry, both of whom had breakout seasons and are eligible for extensions on July 1. With a rising salary cap and the risk of offer sheets looming, General Manager Chris Patrick is looking to be proactive in solidifying the team’s young core as the franchise braces for its post-Ovechkin era.

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Welcome to the NHL Squad Show! Today our hosts Gil Martin (Locked On Islanders), Eddie Garcia (Locked On Kings) and Zach Martin (Locked On Hurricanes) are here to talk about what really matters in the playoffs: goaltending. Also, we discuss how to improve the regular season AND the playoff format, before swinging back to the playoffs to talk about the importance of physical players like Sam Bennett in the postseason!

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Is 2025/2026 season going to be the last for Capitals star Alex Ovechkin? The Washington Capitals head into the 2024–25 season with a crowded center depth chart and a major question at third-line center. Hendrix Lapierre is looking to rebound after a disappointing stint in the NHL last year, while Pierre-Luc Dubois is coming off a resurgent season that solidified him as Washington’s No. 1 center. With Dylan Strome likely holding down the second line and Nic Dowd entrenched on the fourth, Lapierre will need to outshine Connor McMichael and Alexei Protas to seize a full-time role. Meanwhile, the blue line looks revamped with the additions of Jakob Chychrun and Matt Roy, and the Capitals' forward group has added speed and grit through Brandon Duhaime and Anthony Beauvillier.

Amid all this roster movement, speculation continues to swirl around Alex Ovechkin’s future. Rumors suggest the 2024–25 campaign could be his final NHL season, as he nears the end of his contract and the long chase for Wayne Gretzky’s goal record winds down. While the team remains committed to competing now, there’s a clear shift toward youth and long-term planning, with top prospect Ryan Leonard expected to make his full-time NHL debut. All eyes will be on training camp as the Caps balance legacy, transition, and the fierce battle for ice time down the middle.

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In this episode of Locked on Capitals, we dive into how the Washington Capitals might approach free agency in the summer of 2025, starting with a bold look at veteran winger Brad Marchand. Currently making waves with the Florida Panthers during their deep playoff run, Marchand's grit, leadership, and playoff pedigree could bring a massive spark to the Capitals' aging core—if Washington could make the cap space work. We discuss potential trade options and where he might slot into a top-nine forward group that’s still anchored by Alex Ovechkin and Tom Wilson.

The second and third segments explore how centermen Matt Duchene and Mikael Granlund, both coming off productive seasons with the Dallas Stars, could offer the Caps the kind of depth and versatility they’ve been lacking. We break down what kind of contracts these veterans might command, how they'd fit stylistically into Spencer Carbery’s system, and which current Capitals might be moved to accommodate them. With Washington looking to retool on the fly rather than rebuild, adding experienced playmakers could be the perfect balance between now and the future.

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In this Mailbag Monday episode of Locked On Capitals, host Dan Holmi fields fan questions about the team’s offseason strategy. He discusses where the Capitals might upgrade their roster after re-signing Nic Dowd, including targeting a scoring winger to balance the middle six. Goaltending with Charlie Lindgren and Logan Thompson is stable for now, but not untouchable. The segment also highlights potential trade chips on defense, such as Martin Fehérváry or Trevor van Riemsdyk, to improve forward depth ahead of the 2025–26 season.

The episode also dives into Alex Ovechkin’s next chapter after surpassing Wayne Gretzky with 897 career goals. Holmi breaks down why Ovi remains a key piece and how Tom Wilson is the likely heir to the captaincy. Ryan Leonard’s pro debut is discussed—he’s done at Providence and will either make the Capitals’ opening night roster or start the season with the Hershey Bears. Finally, the show examines Alexei Protas’ emergence as a first-line regular and whether this retooled roster is ready to push for a playoff spot next spring.

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In this episode of Locked On Capitals, we explore three high-profile NHL free agents — Sam Bennett, Brock Boeser, and Aaron Ekblad — and evaluate how each could fit into the Washington Capitals' evolving roster. Sam Bennett brings grit, versatility, and playoff intensity to a potential third-line center role, which could complement Connor McMichael’s skillset and balance the team’s depth down the middle. Boeser would address the Capitals’ pressing need for secondary scoring, potentially becoming a top-six sniper alongside Dylan Strome or Pierre-Luc Dubois while easing pressure on aging star Alexander Ovechkin. Both forwards would require cap maneuvering, potentially prompting Washington to move mid-tier contracts or depth pieces.

Meanwhile, Aaron Ekblad presents an opportunity for a true top-pairing, two-way defenseman to anchor the blue line alongside emerging talents like Rasmus Sandin and Martin Fehérváry. With John Carlson aging and Jakob Chychrun more offense-focused, Ekblad could provide the shutdown presence and leadership Washington needs to compete in the East. However, signing or trading for any of these players would likely force GM Brian MacLellan to make tough decisions, including letting go of expiring contracts or packaging draft capital. This episode maps out not just who fits where — but how Washington could actually pull it off.

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The Washington Capitals are entering a pivotal offseason marked by key decisions surrounding veteran defenseman John Carlson, who has one year left on his contract. While he remains a vital part of the team’s core, general manager Chris Patrick indicated that no extension is imminent, citing the franchise’s shift toward a younger roster and the desire to evaluate how things evolve next season. Carlson, 35, still logs significant minutes and had a strong regular season, but his postseason performance showed signs of decline. With prospects like Vincent Iorio waiting in the wings, the team must strike a balance between honoring veteran contributions and creating opportunities for emerging talent.

Meanwhile, longtime center Nicklas Backstrom appears to be closing the book on his NHL career, reportedly preparing for a return to his roots with Swedish club Brynäs. Having spent the 2024–25 season on long-term injured reserve due to complications from hip surgery, Backstrom’s quiet departure underscores the end of an era for the franchise. He leaves behind a legacy of over 1,100 games and 1,000 points — including a Stanley Cup in 2018 — and will almost certainly have his number retired in Washington. On a different note, trade deadline acquisition Anthony Beauvillier is hoping to extend his stay in D.C. after a solid playoff showing. His versatility and locker-room fit make him a candidate for re-signing, though the Caps must weigh his projected cost against their limited cap space and growing prospect pipeline.

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Welcome to the NHL Squad Show! Today our hosts Gil Martin (Locked On Islanders), Eddie Garcia (Locked On Kings), Haley Taylor Simon (Locked On Blues), Ann Kimmel (Locked On Preds) and Seth Toupal (Locked On Wild) are here to check in on the start of the conference finals, talk through each team’s changes, make some predictions on the Stanley Cup Final, dissect the latest playoff disappointment from the Toronto Maple Leafs, and check in on the teams that still need a coach.

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