Through the first three games of their opening-round series against the Florida Panthers, the Washington Capitals looked like they were in control and about to pull off the ultimate upset. After taking a 2-1 lead in the series, things were looking up in the nation's capital. Unfortunately for the Capitals, the Panthers led the NHL in comeback wins this season and worked their magic again.
The Capitals blew big leads in Game 4 and 5, and then they were sent packing in Game 6. As they begin planning for next season, it goes without saying that there are some big changes in store for Washington.
So without further ado, let's now take a look at three moves the Washington Capitals must make in the 2022 NHL offseason after their early exit from the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
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Moves Capitals must make in 2022 NHL offseason
1. Put more emphasis on developing their younger players
Over the past several seasons, the Capitals have put a heavy emphasis on loading up with veteran talent to support their superstar core. Just like in any other sport, though, hockey is a young man's game. With the Capitals boasting one of the oldest rosters in the NHL with an average age of 30.1 years old, it may be time for them to start investing in younger players.
Adding more youth, speed, and endurance will give their older players more relief and breathing room while allowing them to build their contender of the future. After three straight blown leads that cost them the series, it has become quite apparent that younger players are still needed to close out big games. A spryer, more youthful rotation will definitely help a veteran-laden squad like the Capitals throughout a highly demanding 82-game campaign.
This is especially true when facing a faster and more youthful team like the Panthers. The additions of Marcus Johansson and Johan Larsson certainly didn't help them address this issue either. There's no doubt that experience is important and counts in pivotal moments, but endurance, persistence, and athleticism are also vital in the playoffs.
2. Make a much-needed upgrade in net
With Vitek Vanecek and Ilya Samsonov both set to be restricted free agents this summer, the Capitals will have some tough decisions to make at goaltender. Both goalies were crucial to their success throughout the regular season. However, neither of them could produce for Washington during the playoff loss to Florida. One idea that could help them fix this problem in the offseason would be to trade for a veteran goalie who's a proven playoff performer.
This makes sense because this year's free agent market isn't particularly strong for goalies. A few names that could be worth looking into for the Capitals are Ilya Sorokin, Jonathan Quick, or Cal Petersen. They could also pursue Ville Husso, who's set to be an unrestricted free agent during the 2022 NHL offseason.
So, the Caps will certainly have their fair share of options to explore this summer as they aim to upgrade their talent in the net.
3. Stay committed to core of veteran superstars
Even though they're getting older and their championship windows are closing, the Capitals know that their best chance of competing for a title is with their core of veteran superstars. Between Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, Evgeny Kuznetsov, John Carlson, T.J. Oshie, and Tom Wilson, the Capitals have an aging core that they must continue building around.
It goes without saying that they must continue to get younger and develop their talent of the future, but if they really want to compete, they'll have to keep their battle-tested vets in the fold as well. Having these reliable champions around will only increase their chances of winning it all in 2023 and should be a focal point for them during the offseason.
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