Big news is brewing in the nation's capital — and if you blinked during the offseason, you might have missed a lot. The Washington Capitals are gearing up for the 2025–26 NHL season with a home opener that promises fireworks against the Boston Bruins on Wednesday night. After a stellar 111-point season that crowned them kings of the Eastern Conference, fans are eager to see if last year’s success was a preview of something greater—or just a high-water mark.
But here’s where things get interesting: despite their dominance, the Caps fell short in the second playoff round against Carolina. That stung. And management’s mission this summer was clear — reinforce without overhauling. Let’s catch you up on everything that happened if your hockey radar was off this summer.
Subtle but Strategic Roster Moves
The Capitals opted for precision over splash in their offseason roster tweaks. Despite kicking the tires on several high-profile free agents — including serious interest in star winger Nikolaj Ehlers — the team didn’t crack the big-name market. Instead, they reshaped quietly through trades, adding winger Justin Sourdif and defenseman Declan Chisholm.
Sourdif, only 23, arrived via a June trade with the Florida Panthers in exchange for two future draft picks. Expected to slot in on the fourth line alongside Nic Dowd and Brandon Duhaime, he’s stepping into the role vacated by Taylor Raddysh. Though Sourdif’s NHL résumé lists just four games and one goal, his high-energy playstyle could breathe life into the Caps’ depth lines. To seal the deal, Washington immediately inked him to a two-year, $1.65 million contract — a clear vote of confidence.
Meanwhile, Chisholm—a 25-year-old left-shot defenseman from Ontario—came over from the Minnesota Wild in a draft-day exchange. He’s projected to open the season as the team’s seventh defenseman, likely watching from the press box in Game 1. But with his smooth skating and reliable two-way game, don’t be surprised if he cracks the lineup when injuries inevitably hit.
The Ever-Busy Alex Ovechkin
Alex Ovechkin never seems to have an “off” season—and this summer was no exception. The Capitals’ captain balanced vacation time, media appearances, and charitable work, jetting between Turkey and his native Russia. Along the way, he made headlines from humorous to heartfelt — from feeding goats on vacation to winning an ESPY for Best Record-Breaking Performance.
Ovi also participated in the annual “Match of the Year” charity showdown, scored a hat trick in Pavel Datsyuk’s farewell game, released his own cereal brand (Ovi’s Great Crunch), celebrated his 40th birthday, and—because it’s Ovi—stirred minor controversy after a fiery exchange with referees. However, a lower-body injury during training camp temporarily sidelined him, raising concerns that quickly faded once he returned for the final preseason stretch.
Despite logging no points in those tune-ups, head coach Spencer Carbery isn’t worried. He called Ovi’s preseason “hard to evaluate” but maintains complete confidence in his readiness. The team’s captain will open the season on the top line with Dylan Strome and Aliaksei Protas.
And here’s the stat that’s got everyone buzzing: Ovechkin sits just three goals shy of 900—a feat no one in NHL history has ever reached. He’s also just nine games away from his 1,500th career appearance. Could this be the season he pushes his legend even further?
Spencer Carbery: Architect of a Turnaround
Last season’s 51-22-9 record didn’t happen by accident. Head coach Spencer Carbery transformed the Caps’ playbook — and the hockey world noticed. Carbery captured the Jack Adams Award as NHL Coach of the Year, becoming the first man ever to win that honor across the NHL, AHL, and ECHL. That’s a coaching trifecta rarely seen in pro sports.
Under Carbery, the Capitals boosted their offense by 70 goals while cutting 23 against — swinging their goal differential by an astonishing 93. His leadership turned a borderline playoff contender into a conference powerhouse. In the 2025 vote, Carbery claimed 81 of 103 first-place ballots, finishing well ahead of Winnipeg’s Scott Arniel. Love him or not, the results speak loudly.
Hendrix Lapierre’s Breakout Moment
Few players turned heads this fall like Hendrix Lapierre. The young center, drafted in the first round of 2020, arrived at camp with something to prove—and delivered. In five preseason games, Lapierre tallied seven points, tying for the league lead and securing a role on the Capitals’ Opening Night roster.
Originally, the plan was to slide Connor McMichael back to his natural center role following Lars Eller’s departure. But Lapierre’s breakout forced a reshuffle. He’ll now anchor the third line flanked by Anthony Beauvillier and Ryan Leonard, while McMichael moves to left wing beside Pierre-Luc Dubois and Tom Wilson.
Carbery praised Lapierre’s poise and adaptability: “He’s made us rethink our lineup flexibility.” Still, the pressure’s on — Lapierre is a restricted free agent in the summer of 2026, and this season could define his NHL future.
Ovechkin’s Milestone Chase
Ovechkin’s next goals could literally make history. At 21 seasons deep, the Capitals’ captain keeps defying age, skill, and expectations. Beyond his chase for 900 goals and 1,500 games, Ovi traditionally shines on opening nights—31 points (19 goals, 12 assists) in 20 season debuts. His last four-goal outburst in a home opener? Against Montreal in 2017. Don’t bet against another one tonight.
Logan Thompson: Taking the Reins in Net
Last season’s biggest surprise story might have been between the pipes. Goalie Logan Thompson effectively seized the starting role from Charlie Lindgren late in the year and never looked back. Now, it’s his crease to lose.
Carbery made it clear that Thompson earned the title of “number one.” The Calgary native’s 31 wins in 43 starts—and a sparkling .910 save percentage—earned him a fourth-place finish in last year’s Vezina Trophy voting. And if you’re wondering whether that was a fluke, Thompson just signed a six-year, $35.1 million extension to prove otherwise.
Adding some flair, he’ll debut a “Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian” themed mask—just in case fans needed one more reason to love him.
Opening Night Lineup Preview
Carbery’s final pregame practice confirmed his likely lineup to face Boston:
Forwards
Protas – Strome – Ovechkin
McMichael – Dubois – Wilson
Beauvillier – Lapierre – Leonard
Duhaime – Dowd – Sourdif
Defensemen
Fehervary – Carlson
Sandin – Roy
Chychrun – van Riemsdyk
Goalies
Thompson (starter)
Lindgren (backup)
Healthy scratches include Declan Chisholm, Sonny Milano, and Vincent Iorio. Meanwhile, Dylan McIlrath opens the season on injured reserve after a lower-body setback in preseason.
The puck drops at 7:30 PM ET on TNT and HBO Max, marking the beginning of Washington’s quest for redemption. Historically speaking, they’ve earned at least one point in eight of their last eleven openers — not a bad omen.
But here’s the real question for fans and critics alike: after years of aging star power, evolving rosters, and constant reinvention, is this the season the Capitals truly return to championship form—or just another chapter in their “almost” era? Drop your thoughts below: is Ovechkin’s team built for one more deep run, or are we witnessing the start of their sunset?
