Capitals Draft Strategy: Best Player or Trade Pick? RFA & UFA Decisions Ahead

The Washington Capitals are heading into the 2025 NHL Draft with a flexible mindset. Assistant GM Ross Mahoney reaffirmed the team’s philosophy of selecting the best player available, citing strong character and maturity among this year’s draft class. Still, Mahoney acknowledged the possibility of trading the 27th overall pick if it means acquiring an immediate asset to push the Caps closer to contention.Beyond the draft, the Capitals face key RFA decisions on Hendrix Lapierre and Alexander Alexeyev. Lapierre is expected to earn a modest one-year raise after a solid AHL showing, while Alexeyev’s minimal usage raises questions about his future with the team. Meanwhile, UFAs like Anthony Beauvillier and Taylor Raddysh showed enough to possibly return, but players like Andrew Mangiapane and Ethan Bear could be on the way out unless they take steep discounts.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Rugiet150,000 men have made the switch →Rugiet.com/LOCKEDONNHLUse code LOCKEDONNHL to get 15% off your order!GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnhl for 50% off your first year.Wonderful PistachiosGet snackin' and get crackin' with the snack that packs a protein punch. Visit WonderfulPistachios.com to learn more!  FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now, new FanDuel customers can get $150 in Bonus Bets if your first $5 bet wins!FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.