Welcome to the Washington Capitals Mailbag here at The Hockey Writers. This column will allow our writers to field questions about the franchise as the season unfolds. If you would like to be featured in the next edition of the series, drop your queries in the comments section under this article.
In the inaugural issue of the mailbag, we answer your questions about Alex Ovechkin, Darcy Kuemper, and the Capitals’ new-look top-six. There’s a lot to discuss.
What Are Your Expectations for Dylan Strome and Connor Brown?
Let’s start with Dylan Strome, who joined the Capitals on a one-year, $3.5 million contract on the second day of free agency. The 25-year-old produced 48 points (22 goals, 26 assists) in 69 appearances for the Chicago Blackhawks last term, an impressive tally for a lottery pick-coveting franchise.
Strome is a fantastic fit for the Capitals on Peter Laviolette’s second forward line. The 6-foot-3 centreman has the physicality and puck-moving ability to make an impact at both ends of the ice and will solidify Washington’s attack in the absence of Nicklas Backstrom.
Also of note: his contract is exceptional value. Strome has produced offence at a consistent rate since debuting for the Arizona Coyotes in 2016-17, amassing 170 points (67 goals, 103 assists) in 273 regular-season appearances.
Connor Brown is an interesting acquisition for the Capitals, who spent a second-round pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft to lure him from the Ottawa Senators. He recorded 39 points (10 goals, 29 assists) in 64 contests last season, wearing an ‘A’ in his final season at the Canadian Tire Centre.
He is also expected to slide into Laviolette’s top-six, filling Tom Wilson’s shoes as he recovers from offseason knee surgery. Stylistically, the 28-year-old is a solid match for the Caps.
Brown is not the flashiest player around but has the experience and mindset to make the most of the opportunities that land on his stick. He will become an unrestricted free agent next summer, but his $3.6 million cap hit is handy in the meantime.
Related: Capitals’ Cap Management Looks Solid Before 2022-23 Season
All told, general manager Brian MacLellan deserves credit for sourcing reliable replacements and handling the NHL’s flat cap with Wilson and Backstrom on long-term injury reserve. Brown and Strome should be…
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