Penguins Trade Lars Eller to Capitals for Draft Picks – Hockey Writers – NHL News

On Nov. 12, the surging Washington Capitals add to their center depth in an out-of-the-blue move. The Pittsburgh Penguins, sitting at 6-9-2, traded Lars Eller for a 2027 third-round pick and a 2025 fifth-round pick. Eller, who was a member of the Capitals for seven seasons and won the 2018 Stanley Cup in DC, will rejoin his former club.

NEWS | The Washington Capitals acquired forward Lars Eller from the Pittsburgh Penguins for Washington’s third-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft and a fifth-round pick (from Chicago) in the 2025 NHL Draft. #ALLCAPS | @Shift4

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) November 12, 2024

The Capitals, just three points shy of the second-best record in the NHL at 10-4-0, appear to be buyers. Lifting depth is never a bad idea, especially when injuries start coming. They had the latest scare with forward Sonny Milano, who was placed on injured reserve on Saturday (Nov. 9). Eller is an additional option with more information.

Related: Lars Eller: Capitals ‘Next Man Up’

The 35-year-old played in 488 games with Washington and put up 208 points, leaving in 2022-23. He has seven points in 17 games for the Penguins this season and is in the final year of a $2.45 million contract.

As for the Penguins, they get some financial freedom and additional roster space to spend on whoever they like. Draft picks are always good to stack, so do more than enough. Pittsburgh doesn’t usually see itself as a franchise, but the days of Sidney Crosby’s dynasty are coming to an end. If they exited the playoffs in a row, the third would mark their longest drought since before they drafted Crosby in 2005.

The end of the season is here, and Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas is approaching it that way. He has yet to make a big splash, but the list is crumbling starting with his bottom thumb.