Are the Washington Capitals working on something major?
In recent years, the Caps have been very active in the free agency and trade market, but this year they have been much quieter than usual so far.
Could that be because they really like the current roster and feel like they are already a contender? Surely, and I wouldn't disagree. This group as it currently stands doesn't have many weaknesses. However, this isn't the way that Brian MacLellan and Chris Patrick operate.
Last summer during the NHL Draft, they acquired both Logan Thompson and Jacob Chychrun, which paid off in droves. Both are now signed to long-term contracts with the organization and will be major facets to what the Caps do on the ice for years to come.
But the quiet has me thinking that Washington is up to something big here very soon.
Jack Roslovic is a guy that I think makes a ton of sense for Washington. He's a young, point-producing forward that can do a lot of different things well. And if a contract projection around $4 million AAV, the Caps would have enough in the bank to sign him. But is it a move that Washington feels like they need to pursue, or could they be working on something bigger?
Another name that has floated around is Jason Robertson from the Dalla Stars. There have been conflicting reports about just what his availability is on the trade market, but he's another player that makes a lot of sense for what Washington could be looking for. The big question for me with the Robertson situation would be: what would it cost? You've built a really nice core of talent in the District and it would be a shame to blow that up. Now, if you could get Robertson for say Anthony Beauvilier, Matt Roy, and two picks, I would do that. Any higher than that would be tough to pull off.
In the end, fans just need to trust Chris Patrick and B Mac. They have shown time and time again that they are capable of putting together a winning roster and they will no doubt do it again in 2025-2026.