While camaraderie exists among NHL general managers, one might wonder if they jokingly give Washington Capitals GM Chris Patrick a hard time, saying, “Thanks for nothing, pal.”
Over the past year, the Capitals have set an incredibly high standard for quickly rebuilding a team while staying competitive. If they win the Stanley Cup soon, their season could be considered one of the most remarkable in recent NHL history.
The Capitals, having secured the top seed in the Eastern Conference, are concluding their regular season. Historically, the Pittsburgh Penguins dominated their rivalry, but Washington turned the tables in 2018, defeating Pittsburgh on their path to their first Stanley Cup.
In the seasons following that championship, both teams seemed to be on similar paths, gradually declining without committing to a full rebuild.
However, this season`s unexpected surge has distinguished the Capitals from the Penguins and other teams hesitant to rebuild yet eager to contend again.
The Penguins` struggles to regain health without a proper rebuild raise questions for teams like the Boston Bruins, New York Islanders, and Calgary Flames, who are in a similar middle ground. Can they achieve what Washington has?
Matching the Capitals` success will be challenging.
What`s behind Washington`s turnaround? A key factor is the franchise`s remarkable continuity in management.
Patrick is only the fourth GM for the Capitals since 1982, following David Poile, George McPhee, and Brian MacLellan, who promoted Patrick last summer after a decade as GM. MacLellan has been with Washington for 25 years, and Patrick for 15.
This long-term stability means a deep understanding within the organization, resulting in a roster filled with unique player success stories.
The Capitals` top centers are revitalized players. Dylan Strome, initially on a one-year contract in 2022, achieved a career-best 65 points, earning him a five-year deal and a point-per-game season at a $5 million cap hit.
Pierre-Luc Dubois was considered a risky acquisition after a disappointing season in Los Angeles. His hefty contract seemed untradable, yet Washington took a chance.
By trading goalie Darcy Kuemper, Washington freed up salary to acquire Dubois and encouraged him to simply play his game. He responded with a career-equaling 65 points.
Strome, at 28, is a former third-overall pick playing for his third team. Dubois, 26, was a fourth-overall pick and is now on his fourth team.
Washington also acquired Logan Thompson and Jakob Chychrun, both close to free agency. Thompson, obtained at a low cost from Vegas, excelled in save percentage above expected. Chychrun, acquired from Ottawa, has scored more goals than most NHL defensemen this season.
Thompson and Chychrun have both signed long-term extensions with Washington.
Washington`s strategy is clear: acquire talent, develop them, and secure their future.
Beyond trades, internal development is thriving. Connor McMichael, 24, reached 25 goals this season. Aliaksei Protas, also 24, a 2019 third-rounder, became a 30-goal scorer. Veteran Tom Wilson is also having a career-best season with 33 goals.
The Capitals` draft success continues. Ryan Leonard, a recent draftee, shows top-six potential. Ilya Protas, Aliaksei’s younger brother and a 2024 third-rounder, excelled in junior hockey.
The Hutson family is also making waves in hockey. While Lane Hutson is expected to win the Calder Trophy, Cole Hutson, a Capitals second-rounder, led the 2025 World Junior Championship in scoring as a defenseman for Team USA, suggesting he`ll soon follow Lane`s success in the NHL.
