Options at Right Wing for the Capitals Top Line

 
1 • Nikolaj Ehlers

Nikolaj Ehlers is the top free agent still available not just in terms of name value, but because of how seamlessly his game would fit into Washington’s biggest area of need. Few players in the league can generate speed through the neutral zone like Ehlers. His edgewxxork is elite, his first few strides are explosive, and he has the puck control to slice through defensive layers while still scanning the ice. That skillset becomes even more valuable when paired with someone like Alex Ovechkin, who thrives when he’s freed up off the puck. Ehlers has shown in his time in Winnipeg that he can play both wings and skill that show he’d be a natural fit beside Ovechkin and Dylan Strome. The key for this line is having a RW who is fast enough to spread out defenders far enough such that Ovechkin can be effective. Ovechkin needs time to catch up to plays nowadays, and thats fine, Ehlers can do the legwork, gain the zone, pull defenders toward him, allowing the GOAT to get open and do his thing. In many ways, he’s the modern winger Washington could use for years to come. Long-term, a deal would carry a significant cap hit, but it’s the type of move that aligns with both the short-term and long-term trajectory of the team. Comparable signings in the last 24 hours include Mikael Granlund signing a 3x$7M AAV contract in Anaheim and Brock Boeser resigning in Vancouver on a 7×7.25 ticket. Ehlers should command a 7-year deal worth about $55M (~$7.85 AAV). Ovechkin’s retirement after this coming season will shift more offensive responsibility to Ehlers, and give the extremely talented young prospects of the Capitals some well-earned ice time. Rather than simply loading up for one more run, signing Ehlers would be a forward-looking investment in a faster, more dynamic Capitals attack.

 

2 • Anthony Beauvillier

Anthony Beauvillier isn’t on Ehlers’ level in terms of raw skill, but he brings some of the same tools: speed, effort, and an ability to support playmakers by creating time and space in the O-zone. When Beauvillier was given a stint on the top line with Ovechkin and Strome, the chemistry wasn’t always flashy, but it worked. His skating allowed him to be first in on pucks, and his straight-line play helped disrupt opposing breakouts, letting the more creative players do their work in the offensive zone. He also showed a willingness to go to the dirty areas, helping extend possessions and giving his linemates a bit more breathing room. At this stage of his career, Beauvillier is best viewed as a complementary piece, someone who can play up in the lineup in short bursts or anchor a checking line lower down. But if Washington wants to conserve cap space while still giving Ovechkin a viable line for one more push, a short-term Beauvillier return would be a safe and useful option. Anticipate Beauvillier getting a 3×2.75-3M AAV, considering his great play with the Capitals top line. Former Capital, Andrew Mangiapane, signed a 2×3.6M AAV deal with the Edmonton Oilers on July 1st. Expect Beauvillier to be in a slightly lower range.

 
3 • Jack Roslovic

Jack Roslovic remains one of the more intriguing names on the market a player with enough skill and speed to help the Capitals top line. If he can return to his prime form he could be a difference maker for the Caps. He’s a natural center but has spent time on the wing as well, giving the Capitals a flexible option to plug into different line combinations, something we know Spencer Carbery is not afraid to do. His skating isn’t quite at Ehlers’ or Beauvillier’s level, but he’s still a solid skater with good hands and the ability to carry the puck through the middle of the ice. In Columbus, he showed flashes of creativity and offensive instincts, particularly on the power play, something the Capitals desperately need to work on. For Washington, Roslovic could serve as a swing piece, someone who could rotate between center and wing depending on where Ryan Leonard, Andrew Cristall and Ilya Protas slot in. On a short-term deal, he offers low risk with the chance that a change of scenery and defined role could help him put it all together. Expect a deal in the 3-years, $3-4M AAV range. He might not drive a line, but he’s the kind of player who can elevate if placed with the right linemates. Another reasonable option for 1-2RW in Washington’s current structure.

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