With the Washington Capitals 2023-24 campaign now in the rear view mirror, Caps Nation next turns its sights to the 2024 offseason and the opportunities for upgrading the team, primarily the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, which begins on June 28th, and the opening of free agency, which starts on July 1.
Prior to entering any offseason planning, it’s useful to take a “big picture” look at the organization with regards to player depth, ages and potential at each position. This can be more easily understood through the following table. [Click to enlarge].
It should be noted that many players play more than one position. The table above represents each players primary position or most recent position during the 2023-24 season. Additionally, the table and this post do not include goaltenders, which will be covered in a follow-up post.
There are a number of assumptions that were made when creating the table above. Unrestricted Free Agents (UFAs) were not included. The players include:
- Max Pacioretty
- Nicolas Aubé-Kubel
- Lucas Johansen (UFA-G6)
- Joe Snively
- Matthew Phillips (UFA-G6)
- Chase Priskie
The table does include restricted free agents (RFA’s). It’s conceivable that one or more of the following are not re-signed, but typically a majority of RFA’s are re-signed. They include:
- Connor McMichael
- Beck Malenstyn
- Hardy Haman Aktell
- Ethan Frank
- Riley Sutter
- Alex Limoges
Finally, as always, NoVa Caps considers a “prospect” to be any player signed or drafted by the Capitals but not on the Capitals team, and is not age dependent. They are a “prospect” to make the team.
NOTABLE DEPTH DEFICIENCIES
Blueline Pipeline
The Capitals blue line continues to be age-heavy on the right side. Organizationally, the Capitals defensive depth is very thin and lacks NHL-caliber talent in the middle ranks (Hershey). With the exception of Vinny Iorio, and a long shot for Hardy Haman Aktell, the cupboard is relatively bare. The years of drafting potential scoring forwards with top picks was needed, but now that focus is showing up in lack of depth on the blueline.
Further down in Juniors, it looks like Ryan Chesley is the only player (right now) ready to make jump to the pros (Hershey). Look for the draft to start addressing that. [Click to enlarge].
Screen cap: Cap Friendly
Forward Looking
The lack of scoring this past season has to also be mentioned, Although the “need” may not jump off the page in the table above. The question of whether the Capitals have enough NHL-talent is a valid one. Look for free agency to address that, along with adding immediate help on the blueline.
Assuming that Ivan Miroshnichenko eventually makes the jump to the Capitals, the organizational depth begins to thin out very quickly on the left side as well. Andrew Cristall could be an answer there, and it’s no doubt why the Capitals signed Zac Funk this season.
The right side in Washington needs reinforcements. Tom Wilson and Sonny Milano should be in place for several seasons to come, but TJ Oshie’s injury woes are likely drawing his career to a close. The Capitals will need to find two solid right aiders moving forward. Look for free agency to provide one. Ethen Frank has demonstrated the ability to score at the AHL level, but it feels like the Capitals have already made a decision on him. (No playing time in Washington). Maybe his 5’-9” size is a deterrent. Pierrick Dube got a short look but Bogdan Trineyev may be the wild card, but that’s another 1-2 years down the line.
Connor McMichael and Hendrix Lapierre will get every opportunity to locked down 2C and 3C this coming season. Whether they thrive or just survive will be the question. Nic Dowd has been excellent as the Capitals 4th line center, defending against the league’s top forwards, but his age is a factor. The next in line for 4th-line center is Riley Sutter. He possess many the skills you need (good at draws, good defensively, good on the penalty kill) but is he ready for the NHL? The answer remains to be seen.
By Jon Sorensen
