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Despite missing out on the postseason in 2025-26, the Washington Capitals have emerged as one of the NHL’s most improved teams this summer — and according to Dylan Strome, it’s Stanley Cup or bust heading into what could be Alex Ovechkin’s final season.
“I mean, I think it has to be,” the 29-year-old told NHL.com’s Mike Zeisberger at Smilezone Foundation’s 12th Annual Celebrity Golf Tournament on Monday.
“I think with the pieces that we’ve added, you can’t ask much more from management, so now it’s time for the players to step up and do what’s asked of us.”
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Capitals general manager Chris Patrick has been locked in this offseason, adding proven scoring talent in Alex Tuch and Jordan Kyrou. Both forwards have reached the 30-goal mark at least three times in their careers.
Tuch was brought to the nation’s capital in a sign-and-trade with the Buffalo Sabres, inking a massive eight-year, $84 million extension that should keep him in Washington for most of the rest of his career.
Kyrou was acquired from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for Connor McMichael, top prospect Milton Gastrin and Washington’s 2026 first-round pick (16th overall).
The additions of Tuch and Kyrou should help get Washington’s offense back on track. Patrick also signed longtime Blue Jackets captain Boone Jenner to a four-year, $23 million contract, adding another experienced two-way presence to Washington’s forward group.
All three should make an immediate impact. Most importantly, however, the Capitals will also have Alex Ovechkin back after the captain committed to at least one more season — his 22nd in the NHL.
Strome believes management accomplished exactly what it set out to do this offseason.
“Not only with Ovi coming back but some of the other things too,” he told Zeisberger. “Tuch was the big fish. So I think they had the goal in mind of what they wanted to do in the offseason and it seems they obtained that goal pretty well, getting some high-octane offensive guys that can definitely help on the power play and 5-on-5 scoring which is obviously important during the playoffs.”
Washington now boasts an impressive blend of veteran talent along with a few emerging young contributors, including Cole Hutson, Ryan Leonard and Ilya Protas.
Add in Vezina-caliber goaltender Logan Thompson, and the roster looks like one capable of contending in 2026-27.
The front office has done a commendable job of surrounding Ovechkin with as much talent as possible as a potential ‘Last Dance’ looms for the greatest goal scorer of all time.
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