Capitals News & Notes: Trade Winds Bring Changes to Washington’s Roster Before 2026 NHL Draft

After the blockbuster acquisition of Jordan Kyrou and the sign-and-trade for Alex Tuch earlier this week, the Washington Capitals enter the 2026 NHL Draft weekend tied with four teams for the fewest number of picks. Washington opted to add future draft capital in trades for Hendrix Lapierre and Declan Chisholm yesterday, giving them one selection in the middle of the first round, via the Anaheim Ducks from the John Carlson trade, before sitting idly until the fourth round, barring additional movement up or down the draft board. 

Washington Trades for Assets

Despite completing four trades in the last 48 hours, Washington still has flexibility with a projected $14.3 million to work with under the $104 million salary cap for the 2026-27 season, according to PuckPedia. Teams can exceed that mark by 10% during the offseason, which gives general manager Chris Patrick plenty of breathing room to continue trade discussions. That overage could also serve as an invisible placeholder for Alex Ovechkin, if he chooses to return to the NHL with a small increase over his previous $9.5 million salary. 

Lapierre was the first casualty as the Capitals looked to add top-six talent, being traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins for a pair of mid-round picks over the next two draft cycles. The 24-year-old scored four goals and 16 points in 74 games this season, but averaged less than nine minutes of ice time per night in head coach Spencer Carbery’s lineup. Lapierre is a restricted free agent and is due for a raise from his $850K salary. 

Chisholm scored once and recorded seven points in 26 games in his only season in Washington following a trade for Chase Priskie and a 2025 4th-round pick at last year’s draft. The 26-year-old left-handed defender heads to the New Jersey Devils with one year remaining on the $3.2 million contract he signed in June 2025. Washington acquired a 2027 4th-round pick from the Devils for the defenseman.

Capitals Fans Face Long Wait Following First Round

Washington’s scouting team will face a long wait between selections following their opening-round pick. The Capitals will select 18th overall, then must wait through multiple rounds before the next scheduled selection in the fourth round (112th overall). They also hold picks in the fifth (144th) and seventh (208th) rounds. They have done well, arming their war chest with additional draft picks in the 2027 NHL Draft. They have the rights to nine selections in next summer’s draft, including four picks inside the first three rounds. 

The Capitals’ prospect pool already features high-end winger talent such as Terik Parascak and Lynden Lakovic. Still, the organization has shown a willingness to take the best available player on the draft board, so expect them to do the same this weekend.

Are there More Trades to Come in Washington? 

The Capitals have 21 players under contract for the 2026-27 season (not including Ovechkin). However, a few players could benefit from a change of scenery, giving Washington maximum flexibility to design their roster this summer.

Ivan Miroshnichenko, a 22-year-old winger, has produced at the NHL level when given the opportunity with 13 points in 52 games over three seasons in Washington. As a first-round pick from the 2022 NHL Draft, he could represent a reclamation project for a team that can provide him with consistent minutes next fall. 

Anthony Beauvillier re-signed in Washington after seamlessly fitting into the lineup following a trade at the 2024 Deadline, including a six-point performance in 10 postseason games during the 2025 NHL Playoffs. However, Beauvillier totaled 28 points in 82 games this season despite averaging 15:48 per night, his highest usage in several seasons.

With two new high-profile additions in the top six and young skaters like Ryan Leonard and Ethen Frank needing minutes, will the 29-year-old forward be the odd man out? Beauvillier has one year remaining on his $5.5 million contract with a $2.7 million average annual value, which should be an acceptable contract for any NHL franchise looking for a boost in their top nine. 

Charlie Lindgren struggled to a 9-8-3 record in 21 games this season while watching Logan Thompson thrive and steal the lion’s share of starts. The 32-year-old goalie finished with an inflated 3.52 goals-against average and a .879 save percentage, his worst numbers since a brief rookie appearance with the Montreal Canadiens – a 4-8-2 record, a 3.03 GAA, and a .908 SV% in 14 games – during the 2017-18 campaign. Lindgren has two years remaining on his contract at $3 million per season, so he will be a trade candidate if the front office decides to cut costs between the pipes. 

These three players could all be serviceable members of Washington’s roster next season. Still, there are compelling reasons to consider moving each of these athletes if another NHL franchise comes calling with a palatable offer. It won’t be long before we see how things shake out this weekend at the 2026 NHL Draft, as teams begin to position themselves for the start of NHL Free Agency on July 1.