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    Sammi Silber
    Jun 28, 2025, 23:00
    Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke — Imagn Images

    ARLINGTON, V.A. — The Washington Capitals kept busy over the last couple of days, taking a handful of rising prospects in the 2025 NHL Draft while making a couple of moves and continuing to monitor outstanding business.

    Here's a full breakdown of the Capitals' moves, picks and what's coming.

    Capitals Transactions

    Added F Justin Sourdif — The Capitals made two trades, acquiring Justin Sourdif on Thursday ahead of the draft. Sourdif is expected to play full-time at the NHL level this coming season and can play either center or wing, and the 23-year-old is known for his good hands, high hockey IQ and wicked shot.

    Washington's been going after Sourdif for years, and per GM Chris Patrick, the market for him got competitive around draft time. Asking price was a second, and Capitals are confident in the upside he has to the point where they offered that and a sixth-rounder to sweeten the offer and outbid other teams also willing to give up a second.

    Sourdif signed a two-year, $1.6 million contract on Saturday.

    Added D Declan Chisholm —  The Capitals felt the need to add another defenseman after seeing Martin Fehervary go down with injury and being unable to completely fill the void in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. They like Chisholm's character and what he brings to the table, and noted that the 25-year-old is a rising defenseman capable of playing NHL minutes and playing a versatile role.

    Chisholm is a RFA, which helps D.C. control the cost a bit. With Chisholm, another LHD, joining the mix, it likely bodes the end of Alex Alexeyev's time in the District.

    Traded D Chase Priskie — Part of the price (along with the No. 123 pick) for Chisholm. Priskie was an AHL mainstay and right-handed defenseman who was a leader in the room and played a big role with the Hershey Bears. Won the Calder Cup in 2024. He's a pending UFA, so it remains to be seen if the Minnesota Wild keep him or let him hit the market.

    Capitals 2025 Draft Picks

    LW/RW Lynden Lakovic, No. 27 — The Capitals took forward Lynden Lakovic in the first round. The 6-foot-4 winger has size and a lethal shot, but is also a sneaky good playmaker that can make things happen in tight spaces. He's coming off a pivotal year with the WHL's Moose Jaw Warriors, where he was named captain after winning the championship in 2024.

    C Milton Gästrin, No. 37 — Washington was surprised to see that Milton Gästrin dropped to the second round and all the way down No. 37, and made no mistake, taking him almost immediately after it was announced they were on the clock. He's a talented two-way forward and natural leader known for his playmaking ability and hockey IQ. Management raved about his character and leadership.

    LW Maxim Schäfer, No. 96 — The Capitals traded down from No. 93 and took German winger Maxim Schǎfer. The 6-foot-4 winger is aggressive on the forecheck and has good skating ability and offensive instincts, and he does whatever he can to get open and get to the high-danger areas. Good timing, too, and played against grown men in the DEL this past season.

    C Jackson Crowder, No. 155 — Washington picked up a competitive checking forward in Jackson Crowder, a 6-foot-3 pivot who's by no means fun to play against. He plays a responsible two-way game and uses his size and speed to his advantage. Coming off a strong finish to his season in the USHL, just needs more consistency.

    D Aron Dahlqvist, No. 180 — With their final pick in the draft acquired via trade, the Capitals took defenseman Aaron Dahlqvist. The left-hand shot is a monster, towering at 6-foot-4, 205 pounds. He loves to battle for the puck and throw his weight around, and will punish his opponents and make you pay for trying to ghet to the netfront. Takes care of his own zone first, and can pass well.

    Capitals Free Agents

    - Washington has spoken to all of its pending UFAs in Andrew Mangiapane, Lars Eller, Anthony Beauvillier and Taylor Raddysh. Will continue to assess if it makes sense to keep any of them from an economic standpoint. If not, the Capitals will go in a different direction.

    - Alex Alexeyev appears unlikely to receive a qualifying offer. Patrick noted the team will be "helpful" in trying to get him an NHL opportunity going forward, just doesn't seem like that'll come in D.C.

    - Hendrix Lapierre is likely to sign a bridge deal as he looks to continue proving himself as a full-time NHL player.