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 traded a 2027 third-round pick and a 2025 fifth-round pick to the rival Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for forward Lars Eller, the team announced on Tuesday.

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.

The Washington Capitals are bringing back a key forward from their Stanley Cup championship from the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Eller, a member of the Capitals’ Stanley Cup winners in 2018, returns after being traded to Colorado in March 2023.

ARLINGTON, Va. – The Washington Capitals have acquired forward Lars Eller from the Pittsburgh Penguins for Washington’s third-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft and a fifth-round pick (originally from Chicago) in the 2025 NHL Draft, senior vice president and general manager Chris Patrick announced today.

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

The Washington Capitals are bringing back their Stanley Cup hero and a fan favorite, acquiring center Lars Eller from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for a 2027 third-round pick and 2025 fifth-round pick.