Anthony Beauvillier is no stranger to new locker rooms. Since January 2023, he’s gone through four mid-season trades and a move in free agency, with the Capitals marking his sixth team in three seasons.
“Hearing I was coming to Washington, I couldn’t be more pumped,” he said Saturday. “These guys have put in so much work this year. And obviously playing against these guys, never an easy game. Joining a team that’s had success and looking to have success over the next couple of months, it’s definitely an honor to be here and a privilege.”
The Capitals added Beauvillier on Friday in their only move at the trade deadline, acquiring him from the Pittsburgh Penguins for a second-round pick. Though Beauvillier knew he could be on the trade block — the Penguins rank last in the Metropolitan Division and his contract expires at the end of the year — he was still surprised by the news.
“I mean, you never really expect it,” he said. “I knew there was maybe a chance, with my situation, being on a one-year deal. Yeah, you never really expect it, but I knew there was a possibility. But knowing that it’s here, I couldn’t be more happy.”
Barely 24 hours after the deal, Beauvillier was on the ice with the Capitals, set to slot in on the fourth line with Nic Dowd and Brandon Duhaime.
“These guys, they’re super predictable and hard to play against,” he said of his new linemates. “So I’m happy to be on these guys’ line and not to have to play against them anymore.”
Beauvillier highlighted work ethic, forechecking, speed, and playmaking as strengths of his, noting he likes to play with “energy and a little bit of grit.” In the first few days of his Capitals tenure, however, he’s focused on getting used to the team.
“Just hoping to fit in,” he said. “Obviously trying to bring some speed and energy, just try to do that. Yeah, I’m super excited to be here. I’m just going to try to focus on what I can and try to bring speed, energy, and hopefully a couple goals.”
Friendly faces were already helping to ease that adjustment period. Beauvillier and Lars Eller started the season together with the Penguins — even playing on a line together at points — before the latter returned to the Capitals in November, and had also spent time with Dylan Strome, Jakob Chychrun, and Pierre-Luc Dubois.
“I know a couple of guys already,” Beauvillier said. “Lars, played with Stromer growing up with Team Canada stuff, and Chychrun as well. It’s good to see some familiar faces and definitely helps the transition.”
This year’s trade deadline landed in the middle of a three-game road trip for the Penguins, who woke up in Vegas Friday ahead of a game against the Golden Knights. With a three-hour time difference between Vegas and Washington, Beauvillier hadn’t even started his day before getting the news.
“I was still sleeping, so it was definitely a crazy morning,” he said.
Though he wasn’t able to make it in time for the Capitals’ 7 pm game against the Detroit Red Wings, Beauvillier was able to get a flight to DC and arrived around 9:30 Friday night.
This season’s move came nearly a year to the day after the 2024 deadline, which saw Beauvillier dealt from the Chicago Blackhawks to the Nashville Predators. Though he noted the experience could help him adjust to Washington, getting traded was still jarring.
“I guess it’s definitely easier now than it was the first time, but you never get used to it,” he said. “I think the game itself stays the same. You play against the same kind of players. But you’ve definitely got to try to get the system under your belt as quick as possible. But I think the biggest thing for me is getting to know the guys as quick as possible and [being] comfortable around them. Usually that shows on the ice.”
Beauvillier will suit up for his first contest with the Capitals on Sunday, facing the Seattle Kraken before the Caps leave on their California trip. After seeing what the Capitals can do in their home barn from the opposing bench, he’s glad he won’t be playing against them this time.
“I’m excited to play,” he said. “And obviously that’s a building that’s tough to come in as a visiting team. I’m super happy to be on the good side of it now.”
