Washington Capitals 2025–26 Roster Locked In? Can This Core Compete?

As the Washington Capitals prepare for the 2025–26 NHL season, they return with a remarkably stable roster — all 20 NHL spots are already under contract heading into training camp. While this continuity speaks to management’s confidence, it also leaves limited room for surprises. The forward lines are mostly set, with Alex Ovechkin chasing historic milestones and Pierre-Luc Dubois poised for a full second season in D.C. after a strong debut. The key questions surround a few open winger slots, where returning veterans or young talent like Hendrix Lapierre could make their mark during camp. On defense, the Caps are locked in with seven NHL-caliber defensemen, including a newly extended Jakob Chychrun and a motivated John Carlson in the final year of his deal. Goaltending is finally stable as Logan Thompson and Charlie Lindgren form a strong tandem, while prospect Garin Bjorklund continues to develop in the system. With few roster questions and a deep, experienced core, the Capitals are betting big on internal growth and chemistry heading into a pivotal season for the franchise.

(CORRECTION: Logan Thompson through 30-31)

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6 comments

  2. Hard to argue the Logan Thompson and Pierre Luc Dubois trades as being anything other than positives. I'd like to see them pull off another couple of trades like those in this free agency.

  3. Protus scored 30 goals playing on the first and second lines. Mc Michael scored 25 goals on the second line. Those two youngsters should stay where they are IMO. They need to let them grow into consistent top six forwards. The bottom six should be rese for promotion from within especially since Carbury is the coach. He coached many of them a Hersey and should be able to develop them at the NHL level as he's already done with Protus and Mc Michael. Why else did they hire him if he can't develop the talent already in the system?

  4. What ro we think of getting somone like Ryan O'Reilly as a 3c? Not going to get anyone particularly special in the late 1st round this year. Definitely still an option to trade that pick. He's off contract at season's end if I'm not mistaken. I know he's old but it's their biggest need and he's not on a risky long term contract.

  6. I really wanna see the Protas-Protas line and maybe another top prospect try out for the team next year. Maybe Andrew Cristall, Cole Hutson, or Miroshnichenko.

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