Capitals 2025 Draft Preview: Keep or Trade Pick 27? RFA/UFA Breakdown + Mahoney Speaks

The Washington Capitals are heading into the 2025 NHL Draft with a flexible mindset. Assistant GM Ross Mahoney reaffirmed the team’s philosophy of selecting the best player available, citing strong character and maturity among this year’s draft class. Still, Mahoney acknowledged the possibility of trading the 27th overall pick if it means acquiring an immediate asset to push the Caps closer to contention.

Beyond the draft, the Capitals face key RFA decisions on Hendrix Lapierre and Alexander Alexeyev. Lapierre is expected to earn a modest one-year raise after a solid AHL showing, while Alexeyev’s minimal usage raises questions about his future with the team. Meanwhile, UFAs like Anthony Beauvillier and Taylor Raddysh showed enough to possibly return, but players like Andrew Mangiapane and Ethan Bear could be on the way out unless they take steep discounts.

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