Capitals snatch Lars Eller from the Pittsburgh Penguins

On the eve of playing the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Washington Capitals acquired forward Lars Eller from the Pittsburgh Penguins for Washington's third round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft and a fifth round pick originally from the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2025 NHL Draft, marking the first big trade of the Chris Patrick era.

Patrick would say in a press release from the Caps

We are excited to welcome Lars back to our organization. This move enhances our depth at the critical center position. Lars is a versatile player, that we are confident will strengthen our team's depth and competitiveness.

The 35 year old has recorded seven points with four goals and three assists in 17 games with the Penguins this season and the six foot two, 208 pound center has won 56.0 percent of his face offs while averaging 16:25 minutes of ice time per game.

Eller previously spent seven seasons with the Caps from 2016 to 2023, recording 208 points with 87 goals and 121 assists in 488 games. He was a member of the 2018 Stanley Cup winning team and scored the Cup clinching goal in Game 5 of the Final agaisnt the Vegas Golden Knights.

Eller was orginally acquired from the Montreal Canadiens during the NHL Draft ahead of the 2016-17 season and during his first tenure with the team Eller ranked second in games played, sixth in goals, and seventh in points. The Rodovre, Denmark native also registered 31 points with nine goals and 22 assists in 59 Stanley Cup playoff games with the Caps, including a career high 18 points in 24 games in 2018 with seven goals and 11 assists.

In additon, Eller ranks first in games played, second in goals and third in points all time among Danish born players. Eller leaves the Penguisn with a corsi for percentage of 47.17 percent, an expected goals for percentage of 45.50 percent, and a high danger chances for percentage 44.44 percent.

Expect those numbers to go up in Washington especially being reunited with former teammates. It worked for Jakub Vrana. And having Eller back into the fold will make the Caps a threat as they enter a tough and challenging week ahead.