How Washington Capitals can be Contenders without Nicklas Backstrom

Nicklas Backstrom is expected to miss the 2022-23 season after undergoing hip surgery, so if the Washington Capitals are to make the playoffs, they might need to do more than they have already done in the offseason to improve their team. This is what I would to ensure the Washington Capitals remain contenders without Nicklas Backstrom.

With Backstrom, Tom Wilson, and Carl Hagelin on LTIR, they can spend 17.11 million over the cap; they already have a payroll of 88.82 million, which is already 6.32 million over the cap. Wilson and Hagelin are expected to be back this season, so they really only have 2.88 million to spend, if Backstrom is remaining on the LTIR the whole season.

Washington added a bunch of rental players to replace their injured offensive players, but they haven't done much to improve their defense. The Offense of the Capitals is fine, but Washington really needs to improve their defense, if they are to contend in their division.

Washington Capitals Make the following Trades:

Washington Capitals acquire Jakub Chychurun from Arizona Coyotes for Hendrix Lapierre, Alexander Alexeyev, 2023 1st round pick.

It is tough to give up so much for one player, but I think Jakub Chychurun will improve the team tremendously and bring stability to the backend.

The Capitals also trade Marcus Johansson, Nick Jensen, and Cond. 2025 3rd round pick to the Buffalo Sabres for Rasmus Asplund, Zemgus Girgensons.

If Washington makes the playoffs, the Sabres get a 2nd round pick in 2025 or 2026. Buffalo retains half of Girgensons's contract.

The Capitals add some depth on offense, while also dumping Nick Jensen's contract.

This is how the lineup looks like after the trades

A.Ovechkin-E.Kuznetsov-C.Sheary

A.Mantha-D.Strome-TJ.Oshie

R.Asplund-L.Eller-C.Brown

Z.Girgensons-N.Dowd-G.Hathaway

M.Fehrevary-J.Carlson

J.Chychurun-D.Orlov

E.Gustafsson-TVR

D.Kuemper

C.Lindgren

LTIR: N.Backstrom, T.Wilson, C.Hagelin

The Washington Capitals are a way deeper team and would be poised for another playoff run once Wilson and Hagelin return to the lineup.

Comments

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