Yahoo Sports Capitals Acquire Lars Eller From Penguins, Bring Back Fan Favorite & Stanley Cup Hero
ARLINGTON, V.A. — 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.
Eller's return bolsters the Capitals center depth and gives the team a full-time third-line center, a position that's been a bit of a question mark with Hendrix Lapierre struggling to find his game this season.
“We are excited to welcome Lars back to our organization,” general manager Chris Patrick said. “This move enhances our depth at the critical center position. Lars is a versatile player, that we are confident will strengthen our team’s depth and competitiveness.”
Eller previously spent seven years with the Capitals organization from 2016 to 2023, picking up 208 points (87 goals, 121 assists) through 488 games and scoring the Cup-clinching goal against the Vegas Golden Knights back in 2018. He was traded to the Colorado Avalanche back at the 2023 NHL Trade Deadline and ultimate signed with the Penguins that summer.
The Danish center still stayed involved with his former team, skating with Washington at informal practices in the offseason.
Through 17 games with the struggling Penguins this season, Eller picked up four goals and three assists for seven points, along with a face-off percentage of 56.
Eller takes good care of the puck and plays heavy minutes, and he can also log time on the penalty kill and win key battles. Having him as an option gives the Capitals another strong forward to have in its arsenal and further adds to the team's offense, which has increased two-fold this season.
The 35-year-old will not be in the lineup against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
