3 Washington Capitals Who Won't Be Back Next Season: Post Trade Deadline Fallout

Most of the changes to the Washington Capitals are going to come from their forward group, not only because there are a bunch of UFAs, but also because there is a lot of young talent that is coming quickly like Ryan Leonard. With that being said, the Capitals have been excellent this season and aren't looking to regress.

Andrew Mangiapane

Andrew Mangiapane has stepped up and been a solid bottom-6 player at times while accepting his role. He isn't going to demand as much money as he's currently making, but will be looking for a better opportunity so that he may be able to get that kind of money again as a former 35 goal scorer in the NHL. Mangiapane is eighth on the Capitals in goals and 11th in points. While I mentioned a player like Leonard coming, Hendrix Lapierre and Ivan Miroshnichenko also need spots in the lineup.

Lars Eller

Lars Eller was brought back this season by the Capitals and hasn't exactly been stellar. The 35-year-old has six goals and 14 points in 51 games, and while his faceoff percentage is slightly over 50%, it is down from the last four-plus years and earlier this season with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He is older and I think the Capitals will be looking for a third line center upgrade as the team likes Nic Dowd as their fourth line center and Eller is playing above where he should. He is a UFA after the season as well.

Taylor Raddysh

Taylor Raddysh has turned things around from the poor season in 2023-24 with the Chicago Blackhawks, but it isn't enough to beat out a number of players on the Capitals and earn himself another contract. The 27-year-old has seven goals and 26 points in 70 games, but is an exclusive bottom-6 player. Once again, there are players the Capitals are going to be wanting in the lineup in a full time capacity and Raddysh is an easy body to move off from. He has done his job on a one-year contract, but should be moving on.