The Capitals finished the 2025-26 season with a record of 43-30-9 (95 points). Washington's 95 points were tied for the 12th-most in the NHL, while their 37 regulation wins were the seventh most. The Capitals did not qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs for just the third time since 2007-08 (2013-14, 2022-23, 2025-26). Their 16 playoff appearances in the last 19 seasons are tied for the most in the NHL with Pittsburgh and Boston. Despite missing the postseason, the Capitals ranked tied for fifth in the NHL in 5v5 goal differential (+32), tied for seventh in goals against per game (2.90), tied for third in points by defensemen (212) and tied for fifth in points by rookies (94). Washington’s 94 points by rookies marked their highest single-season total since 2005-06.

Friday, June 26

7 p.m. ET: Round 1 of the 2026 NHL Draft, KeyBank Center in Buffalo

TV: ESPN, ESPN+

Saturday, June 27

10 a.m. ET: Rounds 2-7 of the 2026 NHL Draft, KeyBank Center in Buffalo

TV: NHL Network, ESPN+

Tuesday, June 30 – Friday, July 3

Washington Capitals 2026 Development Camp

Wednesday, July 1

12 p.m. ET: NHL Free Agency period begins