In a move that caught many by surprise, the Washington Capitals traded for veteran center Lars Eller on Tuesday, bringing him back to the team after several seasons apart. Eller, who famously scored the game-winning goal in the Capitals’ 2018 Stanley Cup victory, returns to Washington as a seasoned presence with a strong two-way game. He is expected to step into the third-line center role, replacing Hendrix Lapierre, as the Capitals seek to stabilize a line that has struggled early in the season.
Eller comes to the Capitals from the Pittsburgh Penguins, who have struggled to find consistency this season with a 6-9-3 record, sitting seventh in the Metropolitan Division. The Danish forward acknowledged the challenges in Pittsburgh, noting that while he felt his individual performance was solid, the team had been unable to string together consistent play. “We just could never really string a consistent good game together over weeks or over months,” Eller said. “It just didn’t work out for the team.”
According to reports, Eller had been available on the trade market since the 2023-24 trade deadline.
Timeline of the Trade:
- Spring 2024: Eller is placed on the trade market by Penguins’ GM Kyle Dubas, as reported by Taylor Haase of DK Pittsburgh Sports.
- Monday, November 11: After a 7-1 loss to the Dallas Stars, Haase reports that “everyone is available, except 87” (Sidney Crosby) on the Penguins’ roster.
- Tuesday, November 12, 6:30 PM: The Capitals announce they have acquired Eller from Pittsburgh in exchange for a third- and fifth-round pick. Capitals GM Chris Patrick expressed excitement about adding Eller’s experience and versatility to the team. “Lars is a versatile player who will enhance our depth at the center position and strengthen our team’s competitiveness,” Patrick said in a statement.
- Tuesday, November 12, 7:35 PM: To accommodate Eller on the roster, Mike Sgarbossa is reassigned to the AHL’s Hershey Bears. Hendrix Lapierre, who remains waivers-exempt, stays in Washington.
- Tuesday, November 12, Late Evening: Penguins GM Kyle Dubas informs local media that Eller did not request a trade and was moved to the Capitals only after the team met Pittsburgh’s asking price.
- Wednesday, November 13: As the Capitals prepare for a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, head coach Spencer Carbery confirms that Eller will not be in the lineup, as he is not expected to arrive in time. Lapierre is slated to play on the third line.
- Wednesday, November 13, 8:20 PM: Eller gives his first interview as a Capital, expressing excitement about returning to Washington. “I’m just really excited to be a part of it and have an opportunity to contribute,” Eller said.
- Thursday, November 14, 11:00 AM: Eller takes the ice for his first practice with the Capitals.
- Thursday, November 14, Noon: Carbery addresses the demotion of Lapierre, saying the young forward still has a bright future but needs time to develop consistency. “Lappy can play in this league all day long,” Carbery said. “It’s just as a young player, becoming consistent takes a little bit of time.”
- Thursday, November 14, Afternoon: The Capitals depart for Denver ahead of their game against the Colorado Avalanche.
- Friday, November 15, 9:00 PM: Eller is expected to make his season debut with the Capitals in their game against the Avalanche.
As the Capitals continue to adjust their lineup, Eller’s return brings both experience and leadership to a team that hopes to contend for a playoff spot in the competitive Metropolitan Division.