Trades are usually few and far between in the early stages of an NHL season, but the Washington Capitals were involved in an early deal that did more than just bolster their forward depth. In a trade with the Pittsburgh Penguins,

The Washington Capitals have brought back a familiar face, acquiring forward Lars Eller from the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Washington Capitals have reunited with veteran center Lars Eller. Washington has sent a 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2027 third-round pick to Pittsburgh for Eller, who spent seven seasons with the Capitals and helped the club win the franchise’s first Stanley Cup in 2018.