Capitals' Free Agency Movement & Acquiring Chychrun
Plus, a look at updates on Ryan Leonard, Connor McMichael, and more!
Welcome to the THW Washington Capitals Substack newsletter, with all the latest from our Capitals writers.
What if the Capitals Drafted Joe Sakic?
July 6, 2024 by Nathan Moser
During the NHL Draft on June 13, 1987, a trade was completed between the Washington Capitals and the Quebec Nordiques. The Capitals received forward Dale Hunter and goalie Clint Malarchuk for Alan Haworth, Gaetan Duchesne, and a first-round pick in that draft, which became the 15th overall selection, and Quebec used it to pick center Joe Sakic of the Swift Current Broncos of the Western Hockey League (WHL).
Forgotten Washington Capitals: Matt Cooke
July 4, 2024 by Nathan Moser
When hockey fans remember former NHL player Matt Cooke, they may picture him either as a Vancouver Canuck or Pittsburgh Penguin. Both cases are fair. Cooke was in Vancouver for parts of nine seasons, while he was a member of the Penguins for five seasons. He also won a Stanley Cup with Pittsburgh in 2009 in the organization’s rematch with the Detroit Red Wings. However, despite these two teams being his main time in the league, Cooke also suited up for two more teams. He finished his career with the Minnesota Wild and played for them from 2013-14 to 2014-15. The other franchise he played a brief amount of time with is the Washington Capitals.
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Capitals’ Leonard Still Plans to Stay at Boston College
July 3, 2024 by Nathan Moser
Washington Capitals’ 2023 first-round selection (eighth overall) Ryan Leonard is in town for development camp along with other prospects. Some fans have wondered after this past season with the Boston College Eagles if Leonard would leave school and ink a contract with the Capitals. That topic was discussed when Leonard met with the media during development camp interviews. Sammi Silber of The Hockey News discussed that press meeting in one of her latest articles. “Leonard said on Wednesday that he has not reconsidered his decision regarding taking the next step with the Capitals, and the plan is to return to the NCAA and try to win a championship,” Silber wrote.
Capitals Hope for Further Growth From McMichael
July 3, 2024 by Nathan Moser
It may be easy to forget with all the newer additions that Washington Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan and his managerial staff have added like Jakob Chychrun, Matt Roy, Pierre-Luc Dubois, and Andrew Mangiapane among others; but the team also re-signed one of their own on what was a busy first day of NHL free agency. The Capitals announced they re-signed forward Connor McMichael to a two-year deal worth $4.2 million. McMichael was one of the restricted free agents that they needed to take care of, and now he is in the mix for the next couple of seasons.
Capitals’ 2024-25 Schedule Released
July 2, 2024 by Nathan Moser
On Tuesday, the NHL announced the regular-season schedules for all 32 clubs, including the Washington Capitals. This season will be the Caps’ 50th Anniversary celebration with special nights to commemorate their entrance into the league, along with the Kansas City Scouts, in the 1974-75 season.
Capitals Continue Active Offseason in Free Agency
July 1, 2024 by Nathan Moser
The Washington Capitals have had a busy offseason so far. They addressed their offense by acquiring Pierre-Luc Dubois (from the Los Angeles Kings) and Andrew Mangiapane (from the Calgary Flames). They also gained a backup goalie by grabbing Logan Thompson during Day Two of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft from the Vegas Golden Knights. With all of that action, the Capitals were still not done. General manager Brian MacLellan and his staff continued making moves on July 1 with a trade and through free agent signings. They specifically made some changes involving their blueline by dealing with the Ottawa Senators for Jakob Chychrun and signing Matt Roy from the Kings.
Washington Capitals Sign Matt Roy to 6-Year Deal
July 1, 2024 by Michael Ostrower
The Washington Capitals have signed defenseman Matt Roy to a six-year contract worth $5.75 million annually, according to Elliotte Friedman.
Capitals Acquire Jakob Chychrun From Senators for Nick Jensen
July 1, 2024 by Michael Ostrower
The Ottawa Senators have traded defenseman Jakob Chychrun to the Washington Capitals for defenseman Nick Jensen and a 2026 third-round pick. Chychrun was acquired at the 2023 Trade Deadline for a first-round pick and two second-round picks. He had 16 goals and 46 points in 94 career games. Jensen, a defensive defenseman, had one goal and 14 points in 78 games with the Capitals. He has 19 goals and 115 assists across his 562 career regular season games split between the Capitals and Detroit Red Wings.
Capitals’ Activity From Day 2 of the 2024 NHL Draft
June 29, 2024 by Nathan Moser
After selecting winger Terik Parascak with the 17th overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft on Friday, the Washington Capitals ended Day 2 with more action and more new prospects in the pipeline. They picked a total of seven players in the draft this time around. Here is a bit of a recap of what went down for Washington.