2026-27 Washington Capitals Season Preview

The Washington Capitals enter the 2026–27 season with a reshaped roster after a busy offseason that saw them add scoring punch, veteran leadership, and defensive depth while parting ways with several young players. The moves signal a win-now approach, leaning on a veteran core and adding experienced pieces to push them into a battle for the top of the Metro Division.

Key Additions

Alex Tuch (RW) – Acquired from Buffalo on June 24th in a sign-and-trade, signing an eight-year, $84 million deal ($10.5 million AAV). The 30-year-old scored 33 goals and 37 assists in 60 games last season, bringing size, speed, and top-six scoring punch.

Jordan Kyrou (RW) – Acquired from St. Louis on June 23rd in exchange for Connor McMichael, Milton Gastrin, and the No. 16 pick in the 2026 draft. The 28-year-old scored 18 goals and 28 assists in 67 games last season, bringing elite skating, skill, and top-six scoring punch.

Boone Jenner (C) – Signed a four-year, $23 million deal ($5.75 million AAV) on July 1st. The 33-year-old brings physicality, two-way play, and middle-six depth, expected to play a third-line role.

Vincent Desharnais (D) – Signed a four-year, $16.8 million deal ($4.2 million AAV) on July 1st. The 30-year-old left-shot defenseman brings size, physicality, and third-pairing minutes.

Justin Holl (D) – Signed a one-year deal on July 1st. The 34-year-old left-shot defenseman brings veteran presence, and stability.

Key Subtractions

Connor McMichael (C) – Traded to St. Louis on June 23rd in the Kyrou deal. The 25-year-old scored 20 goals and 26 assists in 82 games last season, a significant loss of youth, speed, and middle-six scoring.

Hendrix Lapierre (LW) – Traded to Pittsburgh on June 26th in exchange for a 2027 third-round pick and a 2028 fifth. The 24-year-old brings two-way play, versatility, and middle-six depth, a notable loss of youth and potential.

Trevor van Riemsdyk (D) – Signed a two-year deal with Pittsburgh on July 1st. The 35-year-old had 10 assists in 67 games, removing veteran presence and stability from the third pairing.

Brandon Duhaime (LW) – Signed a three-year deal with Toronto on July 1st. The 29-year-old had 10 goals and 18 points in 68 games, a loss of physicality and depth from the bottom six.

David Kampf (C) – Traded to Buffalo on June 24th in the Tuch deal. The 31-year-old had 10 goals and 18 points in 68 games, removing veteran depth and two-way play.

Sonny Milano (LW) – Departed in free agency. The 30-year-old had 10 goals and 18 points in 68 games, a loss of scoring punch and depth.

Impact on 2026–27

The Capitals’ offseason moves signal a clear push toward competitiveness. Tuch and Kyrou add elite scoring and speed to the top six, while Jenner and Desharnais bolster forward and defensive depth. The departures of McMichael, Lapierre, and van Riemsdyk remove youth and veteran presence, but the additions should push Washington up the standings. Expect the Capitals to be in the playoff hunt, with a deeper, more balanced lineup pushing for a deep playoff run.

Salary Cap Situation

Projected cap hit – $103,924,583
Roster – 23/23
Projected cap space – $75,417
Deadline cap space – $348,355

Washington Capitals Depth Chart