Top 5 concerns Capitals must address this offseason

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Connor McMichael, Washington Capitals Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

#3 Forwards

The Capitals need to shuffle up their forward lines and try to find something that works next season. Head Coach Peter Laviolette can’t be afraid to embrace the youth movement. You not only have Connor McMichael there. You also have Brett Leason, Aliaksei Protas, and Axel Jonsson Fjallby right there. The youth is right there. The question is if Laviolette is willing to give them the minutes.

There’s actually at least two openings at forward this upcoming season. Maybe more. Trade deadline acquisitions Marcus Johansson and Johan Larsson will be unrestricted free agents. There could be more openings depending on what the Caps do at center to create an opening for Connor McMichael.

Could there be a shakeup in more ways than one on the forward lines? If so how badly? It really depends on the status of Nicklas Backstrom and Carl Hagelin. Whatever happens there will dictate the rest of the offseason. If you’re without both there could be drastic changes. If one comes back maybe the changes won’t be as drastic.

If there’s one thing for sure, it’s that the Caps need to get younger. How they get younger internally or externally all lies on GMBM. Youth is what will help adapt to today’s NHL.

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