NHL News: Capitals GM Chris Patrick explains why they couldn’t pair Alex Ovechkin with Nikolaj Ehlers this offseason

The last NHL season is now behind us, having crowned the Florida Panthers as champions, and all eyes are already on what’s next — including the Washington Capitals. The team’s initial offseason plan was to unite the talents of Alex Ovechkin and Nikolaj Ehlers, but unfortunately, this dream of Chris Patrick’s couldn’t come to fruition.

The Capitals’ General Manager aimed to bring in one of the Winnipeg Jets’ top stars of recent years, but unfortunately for him, the player decided to join the Carolina Hurricanes instead.

In a recent conversation with the press, Patrick himself made it clear that Ehlers’ rejection was not due to financial reasons or contract terms, but rather a simple decision to join Rod Brind’Amour’s team.

“It didn’t come down to the money or the offer or the term or any of that,” Patrick said via NHL.com.

Nikolaj Ehlers #27 of the Winnipeg Jets skates in with the puck during a 4-1 loss to the Los Angeles Kings at Crypto.com Arena on April 01, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

“It was a player picking what he thought was the best situation, I think, both on and off the ice. The process dragged out, obviously, but totally respect a guy taking his time to make the right decision for him.”

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NHL News: Alex Ovechkin’s Capitals sign young forward with potential to make an offensive impact

Ovechkin won’t be alone

Despite unsuccessful efforts to secure the services of Nikolaj Ehlers, who ultimately decided to join the Hurricanes, the Capitals have managed to close new signings ahead of the upcoming season.

Washington have brought back Anthony Beauvillier, signing the unrestricted free agent to a two-year deal worth $5.5 million, carrying an average annual value (AAV) of $2.75 million. The 28-year-old forward split last season between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington, accumulating 25 points (15 goals, 10 assists) in 81 games.

While this current offseason has been relatively quiet for Washington, the team made significant moves, bringing in seven new players via trades and free agency. These additions were clearly aimed at bolstering the roster around their 39-year-old captain, Alex Ovechkin.

Key reinforcements included forwards Pierre-Luc Dubois, Andrew Mangiapane, Taylor Raddysh, and Brandon Duhaime, along with defensemen Jakob Chychrun and Matt Roy, and goaltender Logan Thompson, all acquired to strengthen the team’s core.