“Excited to welcome Lars back” – Capitals acquire Lars Eller from Penguins to bolster center in 2024-25 run, fans react

Washington sent a 3rd-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft and a 5th-round pick from the 2025 NHL Draft for Lars Eller.

“Excited to welcome Lars back” – Capitals acquire Lars Eller from Penguins to bolster center in 2024-25 run, fans react

Lars Eller [Image Credit: Pittsburgh Penguins - X]

Washington Capitals welcomed back veteran forward Lars Eller to the team in a trade with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Eller was part of the Capitals when the team won the Stanley Cup Championship in 2018.

To acquire Eller from a 2-year $4.9 million contract from the Penguins, Washington sent a 3rd-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft and a 5th-round pick from the 2025 NHL Draft. His AAV with the Penguins was $2.45 million for the ongoing 2024-25 season.

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Lars Eller recorded seven points in four goals and three assists with the Penguins this season. Previously he spent seven seasons with the Capitals before they traded him to Colorado Avalanche in 2023.

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The Pittsburgh Penguins later picked him up in July 2023 for a $4.9 million contract. Capitals GM Chris Patrick was excited to welcome the veteran back to the lineup.

We are excited to welcome Lars back to our organization. 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.

Chris Patrick said, as per NHL.com

As part of the Capitals in the 2018 Stanley Cup race, Lars Eller scored the victory shot in Game 5 against the Vegas Golden Knights. Over the course of his career with the Capitals, Penguins, Avalanche, Montreal Canadiens, and St. Louis Blues, Eller recorded 409 points in 1,053 games.

Fans react to Washington Capitals acquiring Lars Eller from Penguins

The Washington Capitals are on the way to rebuilding their team for the 2025 Stanley Cup run. Adding Eller to the center will provide the team with much-needed depth. He’ll be an experienced and reliable option to guide the others during games.

Lars Eller
Lars Eller [Image Credit: Washington Post]

Social media seemed pretty confused and surprised by the sudden move between the Capitals and Penguins with Lars Eller in the mix. Many welcomed back the veteran, while many questioned if it was even necessary.

One X user noted, “That is insane value for a player his age,” while another said, “Quickly put together a jersey swap for him”. Some even questioned, “Why did we do this?”. Check more fan reactions below:

After a whirlwind ride from Washington to Colorado and then Pittsburgh, Lars Eller is once again back to his former team. The fans and his teammates will undoubtedly welcome him back as he resets in the Capitals locker room for the 2024-25 season.