The Washington Capitals only move of the 2025 Trade Deadline was acquiring Anthony Beauvillier from the Pittsburgh Penguins. Let's further breakdown the move by doing our annual report card for the Trade Deadline: 2025 edition.
Anthony Beauvillier
He's been described as an NHL journeyman who will join his sixth team since the 202023 season. The year in Pittsburgh overall is a mess. Look no further than the stadings itself. But even that said, he can slot in any team's bottom six. This was a good move by new general manager Chris Patrick.
The expense was just a 2025 second rounder but the Caps lost more the other day in Jakub Vrana who got claimed off waivers by the Nashville Predators.
Some may scoff at this deal but he was decent on the Vancouver Canucks before he joined a team that was less relevant in the Chicago Blackhawks. He struggled on that team.
Things didn't get better for him with the Nashville Predators but when the Pittsburgh Penguins took a chance on him, things got better. He had three points and a goal in Nashville and then he wounded up with 13 goals and 20 points overall with the Penguins.
Still not the best numbers bu Beauvillier has gotten aplenty of pucks to te net with 120 shots on goal and a 10.8 shooting percentage. Another good depth move by the Caps to keep them good come playoff time with Ryan Leonard in the wings.
No decision yet on Ryan Leonard but that will come later this month which will be an important day for the future of the Capitals. But back to Beauvillier. He's more than a bottom six.
He brings physicality to a Caps team that Tom Wilson would adore. He has 108 body checks and expect the goal numbers to go up playing for a team with a much better offensive attack.
At even strength Beauvillier holds a Corsi For of 51.8 percent with 32 on ice goals. It wasn't the 2001 blockbuser trade for Jaromir Jagr but it was a necessary move the Caps made to get better as the weather turns to spring.
Before the Capitals came back and beat the Red Wings Friday night, Chris Patrick gave his take on the trade to assembled media at Capital One Arena.
"He's a guy that gets around the ice really well, competes hard, got a lot of utility as far as moving around the lineup, moving left wing, right wing. And he's a guy who's had a couple of good playoff runs in his history. I think he's going to be a really good fit. "Chris Patrick
Chris Patrick on Anthony Beauvillier: “He’s a guy that gets around the ice really well, competes hard, got a lot of utility as far as moving around the lineup, moving left wing, right wing. And he’s a guy who’s had a couple of good playoff runs in his history. I think he’s going… https://t.co/32p9qUToLw
— Tarik El-Bashir (@Tarik_ElBashir) March 7, 2025
Grade B+
The Caps got what they needed. Everything comes at a price and we don't even know who the 2025 second round pick is so that's pretty much all you need to know. It helps the Penguins in their rebuild and it helps the Caps in their quest towards something greater than a goal record this spring. If Leonard indeed signs with the Caps, this turns into an A. Nicely done, Mr. Patrick. Not too bad for a beginner GM.