The Washington Capitals are a couple of weeks away from the start of free agency, but before looking to add, they have to address a handful of their pending free agents. Per PuckPedia, the Capitals have $9.375 million in projected cap space going into next season. Not only do they have to consider some moves to remain contenders next season, but they also have to start preparing for the post-Alex Ovechkin era. When it comes to restricted free agents, Washington has to decide whether or not to issue qualifying offers to Hendrix Lapierre, Alex Alexeyev [https://www.dcbackcheck.com/p/washington-capitals-alex-alexeyev-court-deferred-disposition], Henrik Rybinski, Pierrick Dubé, Tobias Geisser and Mitchell Gibson. Each RFA is arbitration-eligible with the exception of Lapierre and Geisser. D.C. still has faith in Lapierre and his upside, and it seems that a bridge deal is the next likely step for the 23-year-old if he's interested in continuing on with the organization. Given the Capitals' future and system, it seems more than likely that Rybinski, Dubé and Gibson will get extensions as they continue to develop with the AHL's Hershey Bears. However, when it comes to Alexeyev and Geisser, things aren't as black and white. Alexeyev played in just eight regular-season games and spent most of his time watching from the press box as an extra defenseman. He got the chance to draw into the lineup in the Stanley Cup Playoffs following Martin Fehervary's injury, but ultimately, didn't get much ice time and didn't do much to stand out. He also got arrested for public intoxication on May 17 [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/washington-capitals/players/capitals-defenseman-alex-alexeyev-arrested-charged-with-public-intoxication], though he received a fine and deferred disposition. That said, general manager Chris Patrick said the hope is that he'll get more games going forward, and given the team's depth on the blue line, Alexeyev may desire a change of scenery, and it may be best for the team to let him explore other options. Geisser, while technically still an RFA, signed a four-year deal with the National League's EV Zug at the start of the 2024-25 season. The 26-year-old left-handed blueliner is a talented defenseman with upside who spent some time developing in North America, but now, seems set on a career overseas. Then, there are a handful of unrestricted free agents. Nicklas Backstrom, who is rumored to be signing with the SHL's Brynäs IF, and T.J. Oshie, who officially announced his retirement on June 9, will not return. Forwards Lars Eller, Andrew Mangiapane [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/washington-capitals/players/mike-sgarbossa-explains-difficult-decision-to-leave-capitals-organization-as-he-signs-to-play-overseas] and Taylor Raddysh also appear set to hit free agency. Anthony Beauvillier is a UFA who could draw some attention across the league, but he proved to fit in well with Washington after arriving at the trade deadline and could be a solid forward option to extend. He also expressed his desire to remain in the District. It's just a matter of finding the right deal and being able to compete with other suitors. Looking at non-roster UFAs, Ethan Bear, who spent the year in Hershey before ending the season as a black ace for the playoff run, will likely head to the market to find an NHL deal and play somewhere where he can be a regular in the lineup at the highest level. Mike Sgarbossa is leaving the organizatio [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/washington-capitals/players/mike-sgarbossa-explains-difficult-decision-to-leave-capitals-organization-as-he-signs-to-play-overseas]n to continue his playing career overseas. Prospects Riley Sutter, Luke Philp and Alex Limoges could certainly sign extensions to remain in the system and continue to develop while playing mainly for the Bears. Lastly, goaltender Hunter Shepard is a UFA and is expected to hit the market following his tenure in the District. Washington has plenty of goaltending depth, and he can likely find more opportunity elsewhere while Clay Stevenson will be able to step into more of a full-time starting role in Hershey.
