What's Left On Capitals' Offseason To-Do List, From Kuznetsov To Trades To The Top-6; Injury Updates

The Capitals still have some work to do this offseason, from trade possibilities to keeping an eye on their players' health.

ARLINGTON, V.A. -- The Washington Capitals signed a couple of free agents and addressed their RFAs, but there's still work for general manager Brian MacLellan to do as the offseason continues on.

MacLellan indicated last week that the Capitals are still exploring their options and have plans to continue improving the roster ahead of training camp on Sept. 20.

Here's what's left on the team's to-do list as the dog days of summer go on.

Washington was aggressively pursuing a trade at the 2023 NHL Draft and looking to make some moves to revamp the top-6, and the team was reportedly shopping Evgeny Kuznetsov and Anthony Mantha when discussing deals. Not only that, but the Nashville Predators were also one of the teams that were said to have an interest in Kuznetsov.

However, nothing came to fruition, and the team's approach to making a draft deal didn't pay off. It also doesn't help that the trade value for both is low right now given Kuznetsov's underwhelming season, criticized effort and run-ins with off-ice issues over the last few seasons, as well as Mantha's inconsistency and lack of production since arriving in D.C. (Mantha is also reportedly not getting much interest).

Their contracts are also difficult to move, with Kuznetsov making $7.8 million over the next two seasons and Mantha earning $5.7 million in 2023-24.

MacLellan is left with a choice: keeping them and seeing how they perform under a new head coach in Spencer Carbery -- though neither appeared to be on the same page as Peter Laviolette, though neither cited having tension or issues with the former bench boss) -- or trading them for a minimal return and perhaps having to retain salary.

Still, there are benefits to moving them, as they might be able to clear some cap space or get some pieces in return that can change the look of the roster. Moving these contracts could also open more spots for prospects if the team wants to continue getting younger.

MacLellan said that the team got what they were looking for on the top-6 wing, as newly-signed winger Max Pacioretty should be able to provide the secondary scoring that the Capitals need when he's fully healthy. However, there are still questions surrounding Pacioretty, who's dealt with major injuries and back-to-back torn Achilles over the last couple of seasons.

That being said, MacLellan is still keeping his eyes open for a top-6 player that matches their criteria: a proven scorer between the ages of 25 and 30. The GM also explained that the likely route would be on the trade market rather than free agency, as several top names are already gone.

When it comes to a deal, Kuznetsov and Mantha seem like the most likely trade chips, but again, their value isn't exactly at an all-time high.

MacLellan made some cryptic comments regarding Backstrom's future back on breakdown day, saying that he isn't sure how much better things will get from here following the 34-year-old's return from hip resurfacing surgery. However, the team has had talks with Backstrom and is planning to see how training camp goes for him.

"He's deserved a chance to see what he can do in the offseason and come into camp and see where he's at health-wise," MacLellan told NHL.com's Tom Gulitti on June 1, adding, "He's coming back and we'll go from there."

Meanwhile, Backstrom is excited to start with a clean slate in 2023-24, saying that he is pain-free and that a full summer of training and conditioning -- which he is experiencing for the first time in years -- should work wonders for him.

"I think the progress has been better, I mean, better and better. Obviously, it's not ideal to come in mid-season with a big surgery like that, and you missed a lot and you're trying to catch up," Backstrom pointed out in April. "It's not ideal, but I'm optimistic about next year. Have a good summer, the first really good summer in a couple of years, and be ready at training camp and be a part of that. That's what I'm looking forward to."

All MacLellan and the front office have to do here is keep the Swede in mind and be attentive when it comes to his progress and health.

- Nic Dowd underwent core surgery this offseason but will be ready for training camp.

- Rasmus Sandin's knee injury suffered at the 2023 IIHF World Championships is not serious, and he will be ready for training camp.

- T.J. Oshie had a double ablation at the end of the season to address back issues and said he feels "light years better." He is having a healthy offseason for the first time in years and expects to be 100 percent for training camp, too.