The Washington Capitals are less than two months away from their first game of the 2024-25 season. There is a lot for fans to look forward to, and many storylines that will play out during the entire campaign. While some topics for discussion get a lot of attention like Alex Ovechkin trying to break Wayne Gretzky’s goals record, there are some other bold predictions that have the possibility to occur during this upcoming campaign.
3.) Pierre-Luc Dubois is the Number One Center on Ovechkin’s Line
Last season was not the best for new Washington Capitals forward Pierre-Luc Dubois. The Los Angeles Kings traded for him and signed him to an eight-year contract. He was supposed to be one of the faces of the forward group for many years to come. After one season, Kings general manager Rob Blake decided it was best to move on. Former Washington GM Brian MacLellan took a risk by taking on Dubois’ contract, but Dubois has proven in previous seasons how valuable he can be to an offense. He scored 27 goals for the Columbus Blue Jackets back during the 2018-19 season, his second campaign in the NHL. He also scored 28 and 27 goals in back-to-back seasons for the Winnipeg Jets back in 2021-22 and 2022-23.
I believe that Dubois was simply not a fit with the Kings. There is a good possibility that Dubois can reach his goal totals from seasons’ past, and even exceed them. If he plays on a line with Ovechkin, the two could come together for some offensive magic. Dubois would be able to hit 30 goals a season if that was the case. There are other skilled centers like Dylan Strome who could also be put on a line with Ovechkin. However, I think Dubois finds a way onto Ovechkin’s line, and he plays at least a good portion of the season with him.
2.) Washington Capitals’ Andrew Mangiapane Nets 30 Goals
Andrew Mangiapane has only reached the 30-goal mark once with the Calgary Flames. However, he has the skills to reach that point total again. He has a talented group of teammates around him to help get him to that point. Also, Mangiapane is very talented in his own right. He had a bit of a down year statistically last season. In 75 games, he scored 14 goals and registered 26 assists for 40 points. He has the talent to bounce back and produce more numbers though in 2024-25.
Mangiapane scored 35 goals for the Flames back in the 2021-22 season. The closest he ever got to that total the rest of his young career so far was in 2020-21. In that campaign, Mangiapane scored 18 goals. I think the new team and change of scenery will be impactful for him. If head coach Spencer Carbery can find the right linemates that click for Mangiapane, I do not think 30+ goals is out of the question.
1.) Washington Capitals’ Connor McMichael Finishes with At Least 50 Points
The Washington Capitals got some solid production out of forward Connor McMichael during the 2023-24 season. It was his second full campaign mainly in the NHL, with his first being in 2021-22. In 80 games last season, McMichael scored 18 goals and produced 15 assists for 33 points. It was a significant growth in point production from his 18 points in 68 games back in 2021-22.
McMichael is only 23 years old at this point. He is just getting started with what he is capable of doing individually in the league. He was signed to a two-year bridge deal, but I expect GM Chris Patrick to hand him a long-term deal by 2026. Brian MacLellan worked hard this offseason on trying to add more goal-scoring into the lineup. He accomplished that with the Dubois and Mangiapane trades, but some additional production will come from the younger guys like McMichael and Hendrix Lapierre as well. They are constantly getting better every season, and McMichael has the tools that can get him to be a 50-point player in 2024-25. It also helps to have a great group around him.
I think McMichael hits 50 points this upcoming season. He should be able to net 20-25 goals for the Capitals, and provide another 30 assists as well. He could be one of the significant breakout stars in 2024-25.
