Washington Capitals: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

Young Talent X-Factor for Capitals Season

The Washington Capitals were one of the most surprising teams of the 2024-2025 NHL season. It was a bit of a perfect storm, as the historic pursuit of Alex Ovechkin combined with the breakout seasons of players like Jakob Chychrun, Pierre-Luc Dubois and Aleksei Protas, the Caps rode that magic to a Metropolitan Division title and a playoff berth.

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Capitals Featured in League-Leading 18 National TV Broadcasts in 2025-26

The Washington Capitals will be presented on national television a league-leading 18 times during the 2025-26 NHL season. Capital One Arena will host seven regular-season contests, including the only home date against Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins on April 12, 2026.

Alexander Ovechkin News / Athlon Sports / August 31

Alex Ovechkin Makes Retirement Stance Clear Entering Contract Year

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin is not ready to talk about retirement yet. The Capitals forward, about to turn 40 in mid-September, is entering the final season of his five-year, $47.5 million contract with Washington.

Alexander Ovechkin News / Sporting News / August 30

Capitals' Alex Ovechkin breaks silence on retirement decision

Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin says he isn't thinking about retirement despite entering the final year of his contract.

Washington Capitals News / Inside The Rink / August 30

All Eyes Will Be on the Capitals in 2025-26

All eyes being on the Washington Capitals is nothing new. With Alex Ovechkin’s “Gr8 Chase” taking place last season, the Capitals were a hot topic across the league.

Alexander Ovechkin News / House of Hockey / August 28

Washington Capitals Fans React to Alex Ovechkin's Youthful' New Look

Alex Ovechkin has been looking his age in recent times, but in a recent photo on social media, fans have seen a much more youthful looking Capitals captain.

Capitals defenseman recalls Round 1 chaos against Canadiens

Washington Capitals defenseman Rasmus Sandin spoke about the crazy fights from Game 4 of their first-round series against Montreal.

Ryan Leonard News / The Hockey Writers / August 26

Capitals’ Ryan Leonard Invited to 2025 NHLPA Rookie Showcase

Ryan Leonard is the only expected representative for the Washington Capitals at the 2025 National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) Rookie Showcase on Sep.

Washington Capitals News / The Hockey Writers / August 26

Capitals’ Top 5 Prospects Heading Into the 2025-26 Season

The Washington Capitals finished as the best team in the Eastern Conference in 2024-25 with a 51-22-9 record and 111 points, three points better than the Toronto Maple Leafs (108 points) and five points shy of the top mark in the league set by the Winnipeg Jets (116).

Would Trading Arber Xhekaj Hurt the Habs?

On Thursday night’s Episode of the Sick Podcast Mailbag with Tony Marinaro and Brian Wilde, they received a question from @expos_habs on X/Twitter about what they think Arber Xhekaj’s trade value is.

Alexander Ovechkin News / Breakaway on SI / August 23

Capitals, Alex Ovechkin Still Motivated Entering Year 21

What else is left to accomplish in the NHL for Washington Capitals captain Alexander Ovechkin? The league’s newest all-time goal scoring leader is entering season number 21 in the NHL, and the first since he surpassed Wayne Gretzky to take over that mantle.

Washington Capitals News / Blade of Steel / August 22

Another European star facing serious trouble with his home country

The NHL offseason has delivered another surprising off-ice storyline, and this time it involves one of the game's biggest names. Washington Capitals legend Alex Ovechkin had several of his Russian bank accounts frozen after failing to submit tax returns back home, according to multiple Russian outlets.

Alexander Ovechkin News / House of Hockey / August 21

Alex Ovechkin Faces Consequences for Breaking Financial Laws in Home Country

Washington Capitals captain and the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer Alex Ovechkin is facing a headache in Russia over allegedly failing to submit tax returns dating back to 2023.

Washington Capitals News / Daily Faceoff / August 22

Maryland farm honors Alex Ovechkin's goal record with massive corn maze

One organization took a gigantic leap (with some big clippers) to celebrate the greatest scorer in National Hockey League history.

Which NHL teams have the longest current Stanley Cup droughts?

The 'Most 30-goal seasons in NHL history' quiz

Nicklas Backstrom News / Inside The Rink / August 21

Nicklas Backstrom: An Underrated Capitals Legend

Long-time Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom officially stepped away from the NHL after his contract expired earlier this summer. The 37-year-old had not played a game since October 2023 due to continued issues after a hip-resurfacing surgery.

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Washington Capitals News / NHL Trade Talk / August 20

Capitals Likely Shut Door on Familiar Face for Tryout Chance

Evgeny Kuznetsov has been spotted frequently around Washington this summer, skating in local beer leagues and training at MedStar Capitals Iceplex. But according to Sammi Silber of The Hockey News, fans shouldn’t expect a reunion between the former Stanley Cup champion and the Capitals on a professional tryout contract.

Washington Capitals News / The Hockey Writers / August 20

Remembering Goalie Jim Carey’s Meteoric Capitals Career

If you were watching the NHL in the mid-’90s, you probably remember Jim Carey. Not the comedian with the rubber face—but the goalie with the lightning glove, the calm composure, and the meteoric rise that had the hockey world buzzing.

Dru Krebs News / Inside The Rink / August 19

ECHL: Fort Wayne Komets Add Dru Krebs and Paxton Leroux

The Fort Wayne Komets have announced that they’ve signed forward Paxton Leroux and Dru Krebs for the 2025-26 season. Fort Wayne now has 20 players signed for the 2025-26 season.

Washington Capitals News / NHL on ClutchPoints / August 19

Washington Capitals top breakout candidates for 2025-26 season

The Washington Capitals were the top team in the Eastern Conference in 2024-25. The front office did not make a lot of moves over the summer, as the Capitals were generally quiet in NHL Free Agency.

Washington Capitals News / Daily Faceoff / August 18

2025-26 NHL Prospect Pool Breakdown: Washington Capitals’ Top 10

Welcome back. It’s time for Daily Faceoff’s third annual NHL Prospect Pool Breakdown, looking at the best all 32 teams have to offer. We’re highlighting the top 10 prospects for every franchise, their biggest strengths and weaknesses and so much more.

Kyle Connor News / Yardbarker / August 14

Three best fits for Winnipeg Jets' Kyle Connor if he hits free agency in 2026

Let's examine three teams that would be the best fits to pry the two-time All-Star out of Winnipeg next summer.

Longtime Penguins superstar receives high praise from GM

Panthers organization finds way to retain veteran goaltender

Five NHL players who may benefit from positive regression in 2025-26

Five NHL stars in danger of regressing in upcoming season

Five bounce-back candidates for 2025-26

Washington Capitals News / NHL on ClutchPoints / August 5

1 move Washington Capitals should’ve made in 2025 NHL offseason

The 2024-25 Washington Capitals were the top team in the Eastern Conference, but would fall in the second round of the playoffs to the Carolina Hurricanes.

Washington Capitals News / Pro Hockey Rumors / August 4

Capitals hire Derek King as AHL head coach

The Washington Capitals have appointed Derek King as the Hershey Bears head coach. He will become the 29th head coach in franchise history, taking over the role from Todd Nelson who was promoted to an assistant coach role with the Pittsburgh Penguins earlier this summer.

Niklas Backstrom News / Daily Faceoff / July 30

Why former Capitals star Nicklas Backstrom wasn't ready to give up on hockey

The 37-year-old hasn’t played in almost two years after undergoing hip surgery.

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The 'Most 30-goal seasons in NHL history' quiz

Washington Capitals News / Pro Hockey Rumors / July 8

Strategic drafting will keep Capitals competitive for years to come

The Washington Capitals seemed well on their way towards reclusion a few seasons ago. They managed to win the first Stanley Cup in franchise history in 2018 — but by 2022, only eight members of the Cup-winning roster were still in Washington.

Capitals tried to sign a big-name free agent

Capitals sign Sheldon Rempal to one-year contract

The 25 most memorable Stanley Cup-clinching moments

The 'Most 30-goal seasons in NHL history' quiz