NHL Reportedly In For 'Bananas' Week With NHL Draft & Free Agency Approaching; What Does It Mean For The Capitals?

The Washington Capitals and NHL are reportedly in for a very interesting next few days, as the 2024 NHL Draft kicks off on Friday in Vegas before the start of free agency on Monday.

And, per Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman , the league is in for quite a bit of action.

"I think this one is going to be a bananas week," Friedman said on 32 Thoughts. "I think there's going to be things that happen here that we absolutely do not see coming."

Washington is a week removed from its own big move, which saw the team acquire center Pierre-Luc Dubois in exchange for Darcy Kuemper. However, there's likely more coming down the pipeline for D.C.

But what exactly is to be expected from the Capitals?

There are quite a few questions and areas that need to be addressed in the District. While Dubois does add a spark when it comes to fixing the ailing offense, one player doesn't automatically resolve those issues up front, and now, Washington now has an influx of centers.

Related: Yes, Pierre-Luc Dubois Has A Reputation And Comes With Risk. But That Gamble May Just Be Worth It — And More — For The Capitals

All the while, T.J. Oshie's future remains in the air and there are also a number of free agents to address, including Connor McMichael.

Head coach Spencer Carbery also said at the end of the season that he'd like more size on the blue line, and general manager Brian MacLellan also has to decide whether or not he'll bring in a veteran goaltender to work with Charlie Lindgren, or if Hunter Shepard will make the full-time jump to the highest level as the backup.

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It's a big to-do list for MacLellan and company, and the Capitals also have to worry about their draft needs, as the team selects 17th and owns quite a few picks in the upcoming draft. Per reports, Washington will prioritize a defenseman.

Related: Report: Capitals Will Target Certain Position With 17th Overall Pick In 2024 NHL Draft

Expect, though, for this to be a telling week for D.C. Friedman also reported earlier in the week that the Capitals are not done and will in fact be "very busy" as they poinder several changes.

Just how big those changes remain to be seen, but there is flexibility and time to work with in the District.

It all appears set to go down at The Sphere in Vegas when the draft kicks off at 7 p.m. ET on Friday.