One year ago, the Washington Capitals were downgraded.
Defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk, their big trade deadline acquisition, skated off to the New York Rangers. Justin Williams and Karl Alzner left as free agents. Nate Schmidt was plucked in the expansion draft. Marcus Johansson was a salary cap casualty. Even their re-signing of forward T.J. Oshie to an eight-year contract was criticized. One of their lone acquisitions was forward Devante Smith-Pelly, bought out by the New Jersey Devils and signed for $650,000.