The Washington Capitals are expecting a relatively quieter offseason, but that doesn't mean they won't be looking for ways to improve the roster. That said, one area the team is looking to address is down the middle, with D.C. looking for a permanent solution at third-line center.
General manager Chris Patrick spoke on the positional need at breakdown day, explaining that while Lars Eller did what he was supposed to do when it came to filling in the third-line role, it didn't prove to be the right fit.
"Going into next year, I think that's defintiely an area that we need to look at to find ways to improve and I think we have both internally, some options with some younger players in our system, and we'll alsso see what else is out there externally," Patrick said.
There are multiple directions that Washington can go in when it comes to filling that role, and the first option the team will explore is filling that role internally. This is also the most likely option.
Connor McMichael, who thrived on the wing while playing on the second line this season, said that he wants to be a full-time center going forward, as it's his natural position and somewhere he feels he can drive play. He got that opportunity in Game 5 against the Carolina Hurricanes and did a decent job with that role, too.
“I thought I took a pretty big jump… really solidified myself as a good player in this league. Just fine-tuning all the things I did work on to bring to my spot, but also looking to find areas to improve and always wanting to get better to elevate my game,” McMichael said, adding, "I love it here. I want to be here for a very long time – as long as possible — and help this team win.”
Hendrix Lapierre is another option. Though he couldn't stick at the NHL level after a rough start to the season, he bounced back with a point-per-game campaign with the AHL's Hershey Bears and proved to be a catalyst on offense. Management is looking forward to seeing what he can do at training camp, and if all goes well, he could fill that role.
Not only do the Capitals have options down the middle, but Washington could also prioritize searching for a high-scoring winger by promoting one of the players within the system.
The next route D.C. could take is the trade route, and this would likely be the best move ahead of a relatively thin free agent market down the middle. Washington could be "pretty aggressive" this summer when it comes to making deals, per insider Chris Johnston, and perhaps this would be the way to bring in a top center.
Marco Rossi and Trevor Zegras are just two young names that are on the trade block, but D.C. needs to be wary of cost and what it would give up in return. Plus, bringing in another center means that McMichael and Lapierre won't get that chance down the middle.
Lastly, the Capitals could explore free agency, though there aren't many names out there that fit the bill with what Washington's looking for. Jonathan Toews is a solid depth name and eyeing an NHL return, but D.C. wants to get younger, and he doesn't fit the bill there. Other centers could also end up being too expensive, with prices going up. The only other name that would fit is Ryan Donato, who had 62 points in 80 games with the Chicago Blackhawks this season, but his defensive numbers leave a bit to be desired while he also has to show this year wasn't a one-off.
Ultimately, the Capitals have a lot of options at their disposal, but the best way to go to start is to look to promote from within.
