Yahoo Sports Lars Eller Is 'Back Where He Belongs' With The Capitals, And He's Ready To Make An Even Bigger Impact In His Second Go With The Team
WASHINGTON — Getting ready for dinner on Tuesday night, Lars Eller got a call from Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas with some news: he'd been traded to the Washington Capitals.
First, it was a wave of shock, as he was surprised by the news that he was being traded at the start of the season. Then, a wave of emotions and excitement, as he realized he'd be headed back to the organization that felt like home to him for so many years.
"If anybody had told me when the season started, within two months I was going to be playing for the Caps, I probably wouldn't believe you," Eller said, adding, "I could not imagine a better place coming than here. Now that I have to move, it's the best possible scenario. I i think just super excited to join a team that looks like they got something really good going for them. And you know, I never really wanted to leave in the first place. I always loved playing here and a great opportunity I have in front of me."
Eller spent seven years in the Capitals organization from 2016 to 2023, picking up 208 points over 488 regular-season games and scoring the game-winning goal in Game 5 of the 2018 Stanley Cup Final that secured the team's first championship.
Though Eller was dealt out of town 2023 NHL Trade Deadline sell-off and subsequently signed a deal to join the Penguins. Still, he remained connected to D.C. He kept his house in the area, joined the team at informal skates during the summer and was still an important part of the community.
“I think it certainly is the closest thing to home for me in the NHL. It’s where I played the most, the longest in my career," Eller said, adding, "Just driving down Constitution [Avenue] and going into the arena, it's a special place that's very near my heart. Like I said, I never really wanted to leave in the first place. It's all good memories when you when you come back here."
Not only is Eller excited to be back, but the feeling is mutual for his former and now current teammates. Eller is the second member of the 2018 Cup-winning team to return to D.C. this season, joining Jakub Vrana, and now, there are seven members of that group back on the roster.
"Getting the band back together," Tom Wilson smiled, adding, "It's like seeing a friend that you haven't seen in a few years. You go through a lot together as teammates, as a team, you win a championship and that's a bond you'll always have. So when someone like that comes back to what feels like where they belong, it's always exciting."
John Carlson and Alex Ovechkin were among the first to reach out to Eller, who packed his car and drove down from Pittsburgh back to his house in the DIstrict on Wednesday. He'll make his return to the lineup on Friday against the Colorado Avalanche, playing as the third line center.
"That's where I've played my whole career and probably what they know they have in me and know where i can be successful," Eller said.
For head coach Spencer Carbery, it gives the team a chance to "find a little bit of stability" on that line amid struggles for Hendrix Lapierre.
Regardless of his role, Eller is just happy to be back. "Tiger" is already feeling at home, and he's looking forward to adding to the team's energy.
"It’s just all smiles and good vibes and excitement," Eller said. "You can tell they’re glad to have me back, and the feeling is mutual.”
