The one positional group the Washington Capitals must fix in 2023

The Washington Capitals roster could use a small fix. I think they’re good on defense and goaltending. In particular they need to revamp the forwards and in particular try to add a young winger to the fold via trade or free agency.

First let’s get the basic out of the way. The Caps cannot and should not trade Tom Wilson. Not even consider it. But the rumor mill loves to swirl this time of year.

Other names to keep an eye on that could be moved and are more likely to do so are Anthony Mantha and Evgeny Kuznetsov. The Caps have openly told teams that the two forwards are on the table.

One name the Caps could go for is Edmonton Oilers winger Kailer Yamamoto. Another name to watch out for is Tyler Bertuzzi of the Boston Bruins.

As far as the forward lines go here’s what it would look like if I constructed the roster today with the gaps being moves yet to be made:

Ovechkin-Backstrom-…

….-Strome-Wilson

Milano-McMichael-Oshie

Protas-Dowd-NAK

So I believe Nicklas Backstrom will be back next season. Same with Alex Ovechkin (duh). I think top line right wing and second line left wing are the ones that are open.

I think Dylan Strome is in for a big season as is Tom Wilson as he enters a contract year. Sonny Milano, like Strome, was re upped for a good reason. T.J. Oshie has one or two good years left in him if he doesn’t get injured.

Nicolas Aube Kubel, that dude is a stud on any fourth line. Of course you gotta have Nic Dowd back there centering it. Aliaksei Protas and Connor McMichael both deserve NHL promotions after proving themselves in Hershey.

Anyway this is all just hypothetical thinking. I don’t call the shots when it comes to these things. But we’ll see what happens this summer.