Capitals Soar While Penguins Sell: A Shift in the Metro Division

The Washington Capitals have emerged as a model franchise after finishing first in the Eastern Conference for the 2024–25 season. Rather than rebuilding following a disappointing 2022–23 campaign, the team retooled with NHL-ready talent and now finds themselves ahead of rivals like the Pittsburgh Penguins, who are entering a major transitional phase. With a new coach, Dan Muse, and key veterans potentially on the move, the Penguins are poised to embrace a full rebuild.Pittsburgh is reportedly shopping nearly all players except Crosby, Malkin, and Letang, with Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell drawing the most interest. General Manager Kyle Dubas may be positioning the team to target phenom Gavin McKenna in the 2026 draft, leveraging their cap space to acquire picks. Meanwhile, Malkin is expected to play his final season with the team in 2025–26, closing out an era while the franchise eyes its next chapter.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!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 TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in Bonus Bets if your first FIVE DOLLAR 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.