5 NHL teams that nailed Day 1 of 2018 NHL Draft

2. Washington Capitals

The Washington Capitals did a wonderful job on Friday evening. They began their night by clearing some much-needed cap space. The Capitals traded goaltender Philipp Grubauer and defenseman Brooks Orpik to the Colorado Avalanche for their second-round pick (47th overall). Washington didn’t have to retain any salary on the latter, which is significant.

This added cap space should give the Stanley Cup champions what they need to keep the band together. Most importantly, it creates enough room to sign star defenseman John Carlson. Tom Wilson, Michal Kempny, and Devante Smith-Pelly should all be able to return as well. Depending on how much money is left over after those guys, center Jay Beagle could be back too.

Props to the Avalanche for using their cap space creatively. You rarely see it in today’s NHL. They got a goalie who should have cost them a first-round pick for a second-round pick because they were willing to take on Orpik’s contract.

Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan handled the trade like a veteran. You have to be cruel and heartless at times to be a great general manager. MacLellan, less than a month after winning the Stanley Cup, shipped out Grubuaer, who helped them win the Metropolitan Division, and Orpik, who the Russian players in the Caps locker room called “Batya” That means “father” in Russian and it’s a nickname you don’t give to just anyone. It’s a sign of respect.

The Capitals also selected Russian defenseman Alexander Alexeyev with the final pick of the first-round. Numerous experts had him in the top 15 or 20 before a rough season. Alexeyev lost his mother during the season, which could explain some of his struggles. But even with a bad season, he still nearly averaged a point per game in the WHL. Alexeyev should be a quality defenseman for the Capitals. If nothing else, Washington is now a forward away from bringing back the Russian Five. That’s a big win for everybody.