Beauvillier 'Couldn't Be More Pumped' To Join Capitals, Ready To Bring Energy & Grit To Lineup: 'It's An Honor To Be Here'

ARLINGTON, V.A. — Anthony Beauvillier was still asleep on Friday when the news broke that he was traded to the Washington Capitals, and when he opened his eyes, he was in for a crazy morning.

On a west coast swing with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Beauvillier packed his belongings and flew back across the country to make it to D.C., where he reported for practice on Saturday morning. And though it was a bit chaotic, he wasn't completely surprised and couldn't be happier to have landed with the Eastern Conference-leading Capitals.

"Hearing that I was coming to Washington, I couldn’t be more pumped. These guys have put in so much work this year," Beauvillier said. "Obviously, playing against these guys, it's never an easy game. Joining a team that’s had success and looking to have success over the next couple of months, it’s definitely an honor to be here and a privilege.”

The first thing he noticed was the tightness and positivity in the locker room and on the ice. It helped having a few familiar faces in the room, including former teammates Lars Eller, Dylan Strome and Jakob Chychrun, but beyond that, the rest of the group has embraced him already.

“It’s definitely easier (being traded now) now than it was the first time. You never get used to it, but it’s a good group," Beauvillier said. "Just coming here, it’s a fun group of guys, and had some good laughs already.”

Beauvillier hopes to bring a lot to the table on both sides of the puck for Washington, citing his speed, high-energy style of play and work ethic.

"I'm just hoping to fit in. Obviously trying to bring some speed and energy and just gonna try to do that," Beauvillier said, adding, "I like to think I'm a hard-working guy that's good on the forecheck and can generate speed and create plays. I like to play with energy and a little bit of grit."

The 27-year-old, who has 13 goals and seven assists for 20 points in 63 games this season, will slot in on the fourth line with Brandon Duhaime and Nic Dowd, which coach Spencer Carbery thinks will be "a good starting point" for his game.

"Those guys are hard to play against. I'm happy to be on these guys' line and not have to play against them," Beauvillier laughed.

Beauvillier will make his Capitals debut on Sunday before heading back out west for a road swing with his new team. And as he continues to acclimate, he hopes to do what he can to capitalize on his opportunity.

"(Get the) system udner your belt as soon as possible," Beauvillier said. "The biggest thing for me is to get the know the guys as soon as possible and get to know them and usually that shows on the ice."