In this episode of Locked on Capitals, we dive into how the Washington Capitals might approach free agency in the summer of 2025, starting with a bold look at veteran winger Brad Marchand. Currently making waves with the Florida Panthers during their deep playoff run, Marchand's grit, leadership, and playoff pedigree could bring a massive spark to the Capitals' aging core—if Washington could make the cap space work. We discuss potential trade options and where he might slot into a top-nine forward group that’s still anchored by Alex Ovechkin and Tom Wilson.

The second and third segments explore how centermen Matt Duchene and Mikael Granlund, both coming off productive seasons with the Dallas Stars, could offer the Caps the kind of depth and versatility they’ve been lacking. We break down what kind of contracts these veterans might command, how they'd fit stylistically into Spencer Carbery’s system, and which current Capitals might be moved to accommodate them. With Washington looking to retool on the fly rather than rebuild, adding experienced playmakers could be the perfect balance between now and the future.

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