As each NHL team is eliminated from playoff contention -- either mathematically, losing in the postseason or winning the Stanley Cup -- we'll take a look at three keys to its offseason and a way-too-early prediction for what 2018-19 will hold.
What went right
This was the year where there were no expectations for the Washington Capitals.
No Presidents' Trophy as a burden. No hoopla entering the playoffs. Even GM Brian MacLellan tempered the mood, telling reporters last offseason that the Caps were wading through "the same kind of hangover" champions endure -- without actually winning a championship.
So of course this was the year that the Caps finally got over the hump. Perhaps it would have been a success just to oust the Pittsburgh Penguins from the playoffs. But Alex Ovechkin, in his 13th season, finally made it all the way. The Capitals, at long last, are Stanley Cup champions.
Keys to the offseason
1. Resolve the coaching situation.
The worst-kept secret in the league this season? That Barry Trotz was in the last year of his contract and had not received a new offer during the season. What's more, rumors swirled there was friction between management and the coaching staff -- and perhaps even within the coaching staff.
The writing was on the wall: This was going to be Trotz's last season, and assistant Todd Reirden was the obvious replacement.
Well, how can you part with Trotz now? (Unless he leaves on his own terms, of course). Management should offer Trotz a new contract; if he accepts, it's likely that Reirden will want to move on. After being groomed for the position -- and being blocked from pursuing other opportunities as recently as last summer -- it might be too awkward to stay.
2. Re-sign John Carlson.
He was a critical part of the Capitals' success, but he also becomes the league's most coveted free agent defenseman this summer. The projected term (around six or seven years) and cap hit (upward of $7 million per year) are probably out of Washington's realm -- at least in their current cap construction (see below). It will take some finagling, and perhaps a slight hometown discount -- it appears Carlson does indeed want to stay -- but the Capitals can get it done.
Why is it so important? The collective loss of Karl Alzner, Nate Schmidt and Kevin Shattenkirk from 2016-17 was significant, and the Caps opted for band-aid fixes. Some worked (like Michal Kempny) while others were irrelevant (Jakub Jerabek). But Carlson was a glue holding this blue line together, and if he leaves, you're looking at a major team deficiency next season.
3. Clear cap space.
The NHL's salary cap is going up, which is welcome news for a team like the Capitals. But still, their situation is so tenuous as is, some readjustments must be made. Buying out the remaining year of Brooks Orpik's contract is an option, though with every passing year, we understand just how much Washington values the veteran defenseman (even if fans sometimes don't).
Jay Beagle's contract does come off the books, but the Capitals also have to account for a new contract for Tom Wilson (whom the team loves), probably re-signing Kempny, and perhaps a new contract for Devante Smith-Pelly, who had a terrific postseason.
That means the Capitals might have to do something they don't want to, such as trading Andre Burakovsky. They could also consider selling high on backup goalie Philipp Grubauer to recoup some future assets.
Realistic expectation for 2018-19
Let's say they can keep their roster as relatively intact as possible -- and figure out a way to retain Carlson. This is still an excellent hockey team and one that should compete for the Metropolitan Division crown.
Ovechkin is still in his prime and, a year after writing him off as too old, slow and washed up, he came back with vengeance, playing some of his best hockey yet (while capturing yet another scoring title). Evgeny Kuznetsov has matured as a true star in his own right. Though T.J. Oshie's new contract appeared onerous, especially in term, he proved he's an important part of this core. Team-friendly deals to players like Lars Eller and Dmitry Orlov are already on the books.
With the burden of winning finally erased, this team will be a serious threat to repeat next season -- and it will still be a contender in 2019-20 as well.