After missing the playoffs for a 3^rd straight year and getting a top 5 pick for a 3^rd straight year.   GM Bast vowed to make significant changes.  One of the biggest additions was the addition of adding a young superstar in Connor McDavid.  Now yes this was by luck, winning the most anticipated draft lottery. 

After the draft the Caps re-focused their attention to Free Agency. The Capitals were one of the more active teams.  First by going out and signing one of the top available goaltenders in Marc-Andre Fleury.  Last year Fleury came within one game of hoisting the Stanley Cup.

Not long after the ink on Fleury’s new deal was dry.  The Caps signed an offensive winger to lineup with McDavid in Corey Perry.  Perry had a great year last year with the Flyers.  Scoring 39 goals while adding 42 assists.

Now the caps management knew they needed to redevelop their D core.  GM Bast made some major moves in signing 3 new defense.  Marc Staal to a 3 year 4M deal, Fedor Tyutin to a 1 year 2.25M deal, and Wille Mitchel to a 1 year 3M deal. 

Now other notable deals where Joffrey Lupul at 3M per year.  Lupul is someone who should see time on the 2^nd line with Horvat. 

Another good move by the Caps management was the acquisition of winger Thomas Vanek.  It is unsure where Vanek will suit up.  Whether that be on the top line with Perry and McDavid or on the 2^nd line to spread out the scoring with Lupul and Horvat.

None the less, caps fans can be assured they will not be bottom feeds this year.  They are making a push to be a playoff contender.

To recap the additions and subtractions.

Additions:                                           Subtractions:

Connor McDavid                                  Daniel Paille

MA Fleury                                           Justin Peters

Corry Perry                                        Devin Steoguchi

Willie Mitchell                                      Zach Sill

Fedor Tyutin                                        Aaron Johnson

Joffrey Lupul

Marc Staal

Scottie Upshall

Now whether this team is a playoff team one year after being the worst team in BRHL.  Having one of the worst GA in league history with a whopping 511 goals against, along with a brutal offense only scoring 185 goals.  Only one team last year had a worse year in those two categories.