It’s no secret that one of the primary goals for the Washington Capitals this off-season will be to find ways to get younger. So before the off-season moves begin, I thought it would be helpful to set a baseline of current average ages for all 32 rosters. This will help us gauge the effectiveness of off-season moves when we go through this exercise again at the beginning of the 2022-23 season.
Let’s first begin by reviewing the average ages for all 32 teams at the start of the 2021-22 season. Metropolitan Division teams are shaded in light blue. [Data courtesy of CapFriendly.com].
While the Capitals began the 2021-22 season with the league’s oldest team, the roster saw significant injections of youth as the season got underway. It’s likely the team wasn’t the oldest roster a month or two into the season.
Additionally, we see a significant separation of all of the Metropolitan Division teams, as New Jersey, Columbus and the Rangers had the three youngest rosters in the league, while the Capitals, Islanders, Flyers and Penguins had four of the six oldest teams in the league.
End Of Season Average Roster Ages
The next table lists the average ages for the rosters of all 32 teams at the end of the 2021-22 season (today). [Data courtesy of CapFriendly.com].
The Capitals once again have the leagues oldest average age, followed by the New York Islanders. The Flyers trimmed age during the season and now have the eighth youngest roster in the league. The Rangers added age during the season and at the trade deadline, falling from the 3rd-youngest team to the 12th youngest team in the league.
There is no doubt the Capitals will get younger this off-season, as we will likely see Justin Schultz (31) and Michal Kempny (31) depart. We will also likely see age reductions for Carl Hagelin and Nicklas Bäckström’s spots, should the two players begin the season on an injury list. There will also be additional age reductions associated with Tom Wilson’s absence and the potential of an offeseason deal. Stay tuned.
By Jon Sorensen
I wonder just how far up the ladder we went last fall when Lavi was having to play prospects. I remember being compared to the Ducks in some rookie/prospect categories.
And it isn’t just the roster. What is the age on the bench, and what is age on the ice. Maybe the NHL needs a new metric — what is the average age for the team based on time on ice.
Old with little if any prospects. What a mess.
Changes on the way. Capitals could end up near the middle of the pack with expected departures and prospect elevations. Just need to wait and see.
Haha yeah changes on the way until they aren’t and they trade for more washed up vets and don’t play the kids and exit the first round of the playoffs. If I’m any prospect on this team without a contract I’m out. The savior mcmichael doesn’t even get to play.
Few top line/pair prospects. Plenty of 3rd and 4th line and bottom pair prospects. They could and should get a lot younger in the bottom half of the lineup. OTOH the average age (and performance) of the goalies should go up (please)…
As much as I like BMac, I am definitely questioning the philosophy guiding the organization right now. I get how Ovie’s pursuit of Gretzky’s goal-scoring record is a big deal. But I don’t see how another 2-3 years with the aging core makes any difference. Maybe it’s just that Ovie wants to share the record with as many vets as possible. That’s understandable. But if winning the Cup is really the goal then we clearly need to acquire some young star players. For that you either have to suck really bad for at least a few years or else trade off vets for half-decent draft picks and hope you get lucky.
Kuzy might bring back a decent return. I love Kuzy but who else are you going to trade and get a chance at a star draft pick? Eller might not be tradeable with his age and contract. Oshie is staying put. Carlson is probably staying put. Mantha is probably staying put at least until the trade deadline.
I have no problem with 1st round exits like this year in exchange for keeping Ovi as they did and being a very strong competitive team. Would I like to add a 25/26 year old stud, sure, but I don’t want to get rid of everyone. Been a fan since 1980 so I can handle some tough seasons in exchange for the cup and this great chase of the record. My guess is most of those whining about getting young and trading stars became fans when the Caps were winning and exciting and aren’t the core fans that love hockey in general and the Caps no matter what.