Capitals Looking To 'Be Aggressive' Over Next Week, Plan To Address Defense & Other Areas

LAS VEGAS — Heading into the 2024 NHL Draft, the Washington Capitals are planning on being busy — at least that's what general manager Brian MacLellan hopes.

MacLellan said that the Capitals, who already made a splash by acquiring Pierre-Luc Dubois for Darcy Kuemper, are still looking to make some moves and address some key areas.

"We're still looking to do more, both in the free agency and the trade market, looking in a couple areas and hopefully, we're going to be aggressive here and try to improve our roster," MacLellan said.

When it comes to areas that he's looking to address, MacLellan noted that there's a lot to consider across the board.

"Looking at our defensive mix, wouldn't mind changing that up a bit and adding a forward, too," MacLellan said.

Related: After Watching Old Friend Dylan Strome Find A Home With The Capitals, Pierre-Luc Dubois Is Hoping He Can Do The Same

Up front, Washington has some flexibility and room to work with, as unrestricted free agents Nicolas Aube-Kubel and Max Pacioretty are unlikely to return. Restricted free agents Beck Malenstyn and Connor McMichael are in the midst of negotiations on extensions.

All the while, T.J. Oshie's future hangs in the balance as he looks to address his chronic back issues.

On the blue line, MacLellan hinted at the need to improve the d-corps, which consist of the likes of Nick Jensen, Trevor van Riemsdyk and more.

"We have a little bit of room... we have draft capital. It makes it easier to make things happen," MacLellan added.

Off the table for the Capitals, though, is the 17th overall selection; MacLellan likes the prospect pool that he has to choose from and, unless something big comes up, he will elect to hold onto that pick.

Still, anything could happen. After all, it's in Vegas, and the team expects to have more flexibility to work with this summer with the cap going up and several names avaialble.

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The 2024 NHL Draft kicks off on Friday at the Sphere, and free agency begins on Monday.