It's the calm before the storm, as NHL free agency opens in less than 24 hours. Teams are making the final preparations for what's shaping up to be one of the craziest summers we've seen. Just like the rest of the league, the Washington Capitals are finishing off what they have to do in terms of re-signing players.
One of the decisions that they needed to make was about the future of Hendrix Lapierre. The former 22nd overall pick in the 2020 draft was set to become a restricted free agent on Tuesday. However, the Capitals extended a qualifying offer to the young forward. While he can still listen and receive an offer sheet, this news makes it more likely that Lapierre will return and be in the Capitals' lineup on opening night.
This is a great start to Washington offseason, but how does Lapierre fit the Capitals roster and what does his future look like?
How Lapierre fits into the Capitals future plans
After being drafted in the first round by the Capitals, Lapierre bro career has had its ups and downs. He has spent time in both the NHL but has had a hard time staying, and has been sent to the AHL on numerous occasions. In 84 career NHL games, he has recorded nine goals and 22 assists for 31 points, 39 hits, and 10 penalty minutes. In his 113 AHL games, he's racked up 27 goals and 52 assists for 79 points and 65 penalty minutes.
While his time in the NHL has left a lot to be desired, his AHL stats should inspire confidence. His high assist count is a sign that he's still a good passer and can still be a good playmaker, which is what the Capitals drafted him to be. He will also only be 23 years old at the start of next season. While we love to talk about the early 20s players lighting the league on fire, those are exceptions, not the rule. Sometimes it takes players longer to develop than others. Lapierre could be a player who needs to mature to live up to his hype.
Lapierre should be a staple of the bottom six this upcoming season, and could find time on the power-play if his playmaking ability is all it's cracked up to be. This will help the Capitals immensely as they look to get younger. They won't need to go out and make a trade, or give up on a veteran for young talent, if Lapierre is able to make the jump we're all expecting him to.
Although there is still a possiblity Lapierre wears a different sweater in October, it seems very unlikely. It's looking increasingly likely that he'll be on the Opening Night roster.
Also of note, the Caps have signed Declan Chisholm while parting with Alex Alexeyev and Pierrick