The Capitals are in for an interesting season after a summer full of changes.
The Washington Capitals are in for an interesting season.
Washington got to work this summer by overhauling a third of its roster and answering some big questions, while also parting ways with some key pieces.
Looking at the new roster and more going into the new year, here are three bold Capitals predictions for 2024-25 that could very well happen.
Alex Ovechkin Breaks Wayne Gretzky's Goals Record
The "GR8 Chase" is in full swing as Alex Ovechkin enters the final two years of his contract, as he sits just 42 goals away from breaking Wayne Gretzky's all-time NHL goals record. And looking at the numbers and his career over time, it's not completely outlandish to wonder if he could break the record this season.
Ovechkin finished last season on an absolute tear, picking up 22 goals in his final 36 games of the season to finish with his record-breaking 18th 30-goal season after a slow first half. Down the stretch, he was scoring .61 goals per game, which in a full 82-game season, would have him hitting the 50-goal mark.
It won't be an easy feat for the 39-year-old, but several factors are at play as he goes into his 20th NHL season. He's figured out the stick situation and admitted that had an impact on his performance, and also has more pieces to work with after D.C. overhauled a third of its roster to add more offense.
Having Pierre-Luc Dubois and Andrew Mangiapane give Ovechkin two new forwards to work with, and Jakob Chychrun and Matt Roy also help bring offense to the blue line. That being said, Ovechkin will have more help, and that can help make it easier for him to hit 42.
Pierre-Luc Dubois Regains His Form & Hits 60-Plus Points
Washington took a big gamble to kick off its busy offseason, acquiring Pierre-Luc Dubois from the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for Darcy Kuemper. The 26-year-old is coming off a rough first year of the blockbuster eight-year deal he signed with L.A. after being traded from the Winnipeg Jets just one year ago.
This is Dubois' fourth team in four years, and though he's shown he can be a 60-point player in the past, he had just 40 points in 82 games last season and dealt with inconsistency and struggles that made him a bottom-6 center with the Kings.
The 6-foot-4, 225-pound pivot said he's excited for a change of scenery and is looking to prove himself with the Capitals and said he feels "extra motivation" to come in and silence the critics.
With head coach Spencer Carbery ready to take on the challenge of helping him unlock his potential, and with Alex Ovechkin and more veterans to help lead the way, Dubois could very well find a home in D.C. just as his old friend and fellow third-overall pick, Dylan Strome, has over the last two seasons.
Dubois has shown that he can be a major threat on offense and play a sound 200-foot game that can help any team. Now, it's just applying that talent and finding that consistency on a nightly basis.
Jakob Chychrun Signs Long-Term In D.C.
In another big move this summer, the Capitals revamped their blue line by bringing in defenseman Jakob Chychrun in exchange for Nick Jensen and a pick.
Chychrun gives D.C. another offensive-minded blueliner like John Carlson and a top-4 guy who can quarterback a power play and take on big minutes. It's just what Washington needed to give the team another option and take some of the pressure off of Carlson, who skates 30-plus minutes on a nightly basis.
The 26-year-old has one year left on his contract and is still looking for a long-term home, and it's possible that the Capitals could be that perfect fit. Chychrun's play and ability work well with head coach Spencer Carbery's systems, and Washington's revamped blue line with Matt Roy also joining the mix could help the team become a contender.
Chychrun also has the ability to take on a leadership role and make up part of the future core as the team revamps and prepares for life following the Alex Ovechkin era, and several factors are at play that could make D.C. a preferred long-term stay for the former Ottawa Senator.
