After acquiring him from Sidney Crosby’s Penguins, Alex Ovechkin’s Capitals re-sign veteran forward to two-year extension

The Washington Capitals continue shaping their roster around veteran core leadership as they re-signed winger Anthony Beauvillier to a two-year contract extension worth $5.5 million. The deal, announced Thursday, secures Beauvillier through the 2025 and 2026 NHL seasons, reinforcing stability up front as the organization transitions around Alex Ovechkin’s final years.

Beauvillier arrived in Washington just before the 2025 trade deadline, acquired from Sidney Crosby’s Penguins. Though initially seen as a depth piece, he quickly elevated his role. In 18 regular season games, the 29-year-old registered five even-strength points and recorded 31 hits—ranking third-most on the team during that stretch.

He proved even more valuable in the postseason, where he contributed six points (two goals, four assists) in 10 games, skating primarily on the top line with Ovechkin and Dylan Strome. Beauvillier finished as Washington’s third-leading scorer in the playoffs, playing a crucial role in their first-round win over the Montreal Canadiens.

From depth to dependable: Beauvillier’s role in D.C.

Originally drafted 28th overall by the New York Islanders in the 2015 NHL Draft, Beauvillier has logged time with six different NHL teams. While Beauvillier found chemistry on the top line, he also contributed valuable minutes further down the lineup, particularly on the fourth line alongside Nic Dowd and Brandon Duhaime. That adaptability was key as the Capitals continued rebuilding their forward corps.

Anthony Beauvillier #72 (l) poses with Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals (r) following Ovechkin’s record-breaking goal against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena on April 06, 2025 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Strategic re-signing amid offseason changes

The extension comes after the Capitals were unable to land Nikolaj Ehlers in free agency. With other forwards like Lars Eller and Taylor Raddysh departing, Beauvillier is currently the only unrestricted free agent to re-sign with Washington this offseason.

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Given the expected salary cap increase and the presence of younger talent on the rise, Beauvillier’s return represents a cost-effective commitment to experience and reliability. The Capitals retain a player with playoff pedigree, positional flexibility, and the ability to complement both top-line stars and bottom-six grinders.