The Washington Capitals were in the running for Nikolaj Ehlers until the bitter end, but ultimately, fell just short of getting the top free-agent winger.
Ehlers chose to sign a six-year, $51 million contract with the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday, leaving Washington looking at its backup options with an eight-time 20-goal scorer headed to a Metropolitan Division rival.
While it's not ideal, Ehlers wasn't the end-all be-all for the Capitals this summer; in fact, in a way, it puts D.C. in a more flexible spot.
Ehlers' cap hit of $8.5 million on a long-term deal is a lot to have on the books, especially with him turning 30 in February. Washington's goal is to incorporate more youth and prospects over time, and Ehlers, though an asset, would create a bit of a logjam there. Not to mention, he does have a history of injury, and D.C. would be in a rough position if he does end up missing games.
Not to mention, the Capitals are already a playoff team with top producers and names like Alex Ovechkin, who had the third-most goals last season despite breaking his leg, Dylan Strome, Tom Wilson, Pierre-Luc Dubois and more.
Though adding another star name would help, Washington doesn't necessarily need it. The team dominated the Eastern Conference in the regular season, and all it needs is consistency that carries over into the postseason.
Looking at the situation as a whole, too, Ehlers isn't the only option; D.C. can pivot to the trade market and can explore other names out there, and missing out on him doesn't mean that the team doesn't have the ability to bring in a top player that fits the bill. Plus, it also allowed the team the space to bring back Anthony Beauvillier, a well-liked player in the room that can play up and down the lineup.
Then, of course, looking ahead to next offseason when Alex Ovechkin and John Carlson come off the books, there will be bigger names set to become free agents that D.C. can try and go for, including Kirill Kaprizov and, though he'll more than likely stay in Edmonton, Connor McDavid.
Not having another expensive player on the books or having to scramble right away to make moves to clear space will do the team wonders as it evaluates its future and continues to build for the post-Alex Ovechkin era.
While missing out on the sweepstakes for Ehlers may sting, it doesn't mean that the Capitals have lost in free agency. It means there are other paths to take, with plenty of time to explore those paths.