After over 4 decades of suffering, the Washington Capitals finally broke through in 2018 and won the Stanley Cup. Constructed with a solid core group that consists of Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, Evgeny Kuznetsov, and Braden Holtby, the Capitals are built for the long haul. The Capitals have been a very competitive team for over the last decade, and it looks like it will not slow down any time soon.
The Capitals have all the right ingredients in their lineup. The goaltending has been excellent with Braden Holtby in between the pipes. The defensive unit is strong, and has a good mix of young players and stable veterans. At forward, the Capitals are very deep up the middle with Backstrom, Kuznetsov, and Eller.
During the regular season and postseason, the Capitals saw plenty of young players enter the mix and contribute some big goals. Players like Jakub Vrana, Chandler Stephenson, and Devante Smith-Pelly were big time performers and all are playing on reasonable contracts.
WHAT DOES BARRY TROTZ DO?
The big offseason question facing the Capitals involves the status of Barry Trotz. Trotz does not have a contract for next season, and his future is still unknown.
Trotz is among one of the top coaches in the league, and will surely get a hefty raise wherever he goes. On the flip side, there could be a slight chance where Trotz decides to walk away from the game and retire.
No matter what Trotz does, his services will be chased if he does not return to the Capitals. If he decides to walk away from the game, he will always be known as a well-respected coach that has a ton of wins under his belt.
JOHN CARLSON IS A FREE AGENT
On the blueline, 28-year old John Carlson is set to become an unrestricted free agent. Carlson had an excellent season for the Capitals. He recorded 15 goals and 68 points. He added 5 goals and 20 points in the postseason.
Carlson will likely be looking at a big time pay raise and a long-term contract. It will be interesting to see if the Capitals can meet his upcoming contract demands. Carlson is a defenseman that plays in every situation for the Capitals, and will be highly sought after if he makes it to free agency.
WHAT IS PHILIPP GRUBAUER’S STATUS?
Grubauer had an outstanding regular season for the Capitals. He played in 35 games for the Capitals this season, and recorded a 2.35 goals against average. Grubauer is set to become a restricted free agent, but there could be some play to move him if a good trade comes along.
The 26-year old German born goaltender has been excellent as a backup to Braden Holtby, and it will be interesting to see what kind of money and term Grubauer will be seeking as a restricted free agent.
By: George Foussekis
Even though I think Rierdon is a superb bench prospect I’ve always contended that BT is the best coach we ever had. My only complaint with Trotz has been the amount of time he plays or sits the younger players on our roster. Outside of that I think there’s no denying the fact that he’s gotten this team to play a much better brand of hockey than any of his predecessors could. And this year, our team exhibited more “want-to” from one end of the season to the other than it has at any former time.
So if Barry wants to come back I say let’s give him a second four year plan.I feel he’s earned it and I also think that with our mixture of veterans and youth–plus the youngsters we have in the pipeline, we can bag at least two more Cups in the next four years…
CONGRATS & KUDOS ALL AROUND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Clifford
July 1 is start of Free Agency, heres whats next as far as Im concerned. After the parade, sit Trotz down and give him a 4-5 yrs extension whatever he wants. As for free agency itself, short term and long term views… Tommy Wilson RfA hes needs a 3-4 yr extension probably in 3-3.5mil range for a high energy, physical power forward, Kempny UFA 2-3yr re sign for 2-2.5mil per, re sign Beagle 2-3 more yrs 1.75mil-2mil Faceoff king, pk beast, 4th line C. Maybe bring back DSP too on minimum salary 1mil per 2 yr deal. Let Chiasson walk, Jerabek, Gruby. Carlson is the elephant in the room, would love to have him but I feel like we’re at the same situation 4-5 years ago talking about Mike Green getting 6mil+ a year for 4-5 years. Now rumor has it cap likely going up to 82mil so he could fit but you are still paying 4-5 years. Thats where choosing comes in, and mid and long term outlook. 1, Backy only has 2 years left on his contract and OV 3 years both will need extensions. Yes Ov will be 35, but Backy only 32 and we’ve seen in hockey you play into your 40s if your great, Joe Thornton,Jagr,etc. So re sign your slamdunk HOF Players who started “Rock the Red Era” until they ride off into the sunset whether thats 39,40,41.. and with Kuzy, Oshie tied up for 7 years and Vrana,Stephenson,Gersich etc maybe squeeze out another cup.
John Carlson is a more reliable player than Mike Green was. While, in terms of overall offensive production, there’s rough equivalence in their games, Carlson doesn’t usually make stupid mistakes with the puck or take the dumb penalties Mike Green became infamous for before management finally came to their senses and let him go–as they did with another talented head case we had around the same time, if you recall, named Alexander Semin…
Clifford
No one gives GMBM credit. Took a team that missed， next year almost beat Prez winners… then 2 prez trophies then cup
I would let Beagle go and BO Orpik. Trade Grubbie. You get younger real quick.
Totally agree will this comment
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