Capitals GM has been one of the more active GMs in the BRHL.  Transforming his team from a cusp playoff team to a legitimate cup contender.  Caps still have a few holes to fill but not many.   

Forwards

Loui Eriksson who was picked up from Colorado in a deal that seen struggling youngster Brett Ritchie and a late pick go to Colorado.  Also in the deal was that if Eriksson doesn’t score 20 goals in the NHL Colorado would need to send Washington a 6^th for a 7^th.  Since joining the Washington Eriksson has score 14 goals and 17 assists for 31 points in 36 games.  Not to bad for a mid season pickup.

Blake Wheeler is another mid season pickup.  Caps moved PIM beast in Corey Perry, Top Goaltending prospect Alex Nedeljkovic and a 6^th round pick previously acquired in the Eriksson deal.He has actually only suited up for 13 games for the caps.  Recording 2 goals and 9 assists.  But what Wheeler brings to the table for this team isn’t only his ability to put up points.  But his leadership to help out Connor McDavid as he continues on his path to greatness.

Dylan Larkin was in this GM’s mind a great pickup.  Now I know others disagree because of what is happening in the NHL.  Larkin was acquired along with $1M in cash for highly touted prospect Jonathan Drouin, along with struggling D Derrick Pouliot and forwards Nic Kerdiles, Taylor Leier, Mike Richards and Scottie Upshall.  This GM looks at this deal as a deal to watch not this year, not next year but in 3-5 years.  Since joining the Caps Larkin has not played well until as of late.  Only putting up 12 points in 31 games is not something you would expect from someone like Larkin.  Although since joining the top line with McDavid has started to put up points.  Since joining McDavid, Larkin has 1 goal, 1 assist to go along with a +3 rating.

Pierre-Alexandre Parenteau was another midseason pickup.  Picking up PA Parenteau along with $2M for a 5^th round pick.  PA Parenteau for most of his time with the Caps has seen time on the 3^rd line with Bo Horvat and Joffrey Lupul.  PA Parenteau has impressed with racking up 5 goals and 3 assists and a +7 rating in only 12 games, while only logging on average 16 mins of ice time.

 Defense

Ryan McDonagh is the rock on this D core.  Was acquired early in the season for struggling Dmitry Orlov, Jared McCann and potential expansion claim Nick Schmaltz along with $1.5M in exchange for McDonagh and a 5^th round pick.  McDonagh since joining the caps has put up 24 points in 36 games and logging an impressive 22:40 in ice time on a daily basis.  McDonagh until recently would play in all situations.  Top Line, PP, PK and Last Minute.

Alex Edler is one this GM got a lot of flak for picking up mid-season.  Capitals picked up Edler along with a 6^th round pick and 1M in cash for Nikita Tryamkin who would need to be protected in the waiver draft along with a 7^th round pick.  Edler along with Mcdonagh has formed a great duo.  Playing in all situations.  While playing in all situations Edler has also tacked on 13 points in 29 games for the Caps while playing 22:83 in ice time. 

Mattias Ekholm another deal with Colorado which is another deal that got a lot of flak for.  Ekholm coming to Washington for Washington’s 1^st round pick in 2018, 5^th round pick previously acquired in the Mcdonagh deal, and a 6^th round pick.  Now while some don’t like this deal, this GM loves it.  Ekholm in his 2 games for Washington has been awesome.  Racking up 2 points and a +/- rating of +3 in 2 games.  Ekholm is currently playing on the third line with Fedor Tyutin.  Where Ekholm makes up his value will be seen on the PP with Mcdonagh.  Although Next year could see Ekholm move up.

Goaltending

Marc-Andre Fleury, now he wasn’t a midseason pickup.  He still is worthy of talking about.  After Fleury signed the monster $14M 1 year deal.  The writing was on the wall for this team to make a push for the playoffs.  Fleury has played out of his mind so far this season.  In 44 games has racked up 27 wins and only 13 losses along with 4 OT losses.  Also to note is his save pct of .927.  Along with a 1.99 GAA.  Fleury should get some consideration for the Venzia this year. 

Karri Ramo now isn’t a big name pickup.  But Ramo has been brought in to help lighten the load of Fleury.  Ramo was picked up for $2M in cash, which the Caps have lots of cash so was an easy deal.  Ramo since coming in has played very well.  Posting a 3-0 record to go along with his .945 save pct and a 1.00 GAA.  Now Ramo has been giving the easier schedule, with the exception of Montreal.  Jury is still out if Washington is still looking for a bigger backup tender.