The Washington Capitals have traded forward Nic Dowd to the Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2029 NHL Draft, a third-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft – originally held by San Jose – and goaltender Jesper Vikman, as announced today by senior vice president and general manager Chris Patrick.
A New Goaltender for the Capitals
The Capitals are adding a 23-year-ancient goaltender to their organization in Jesper Vikman. Vikman was originally drafted by Vegas in the fifth round of the 2020 NHL Draft. This season, he has played 18 games with the Henderson Silver Knights of the American Hockey League (AHL), posting an 8-7-3 record with a 3.41 goals-against average and a .866 save percentage.
Vikman’s Background
The Danderyd, Sweden native has a history of strong performance. Over 41 career AHL games with Henderson, Vikman has a 16-18-5 record, a 3.48 goals-against average, and a .880 save percentage, including one shutout. Prior to joining the AHL, Vikman played two seasons with the Vancouver Giants in the Western Hockey League (WHL) from 2021-2023, where he was named the BC Division’s First Team All-Star Goaltender for the 2022-23 season.
Dowd Moves to Vegas
Nic Dowd, 35, has been a consistent presence for the Capitals since joining the team in 2018-19, registering 166 points (79 goals, 87 assists) in 506 games. This season, Dowd recorded 16 points (4 goals, 12 assists) in 55 games with Washington.
Dowd’s NHL career began with the Los Angeles Kings, who drafted him in the seventh round in 2009. He has also played for the Vancouver Canucks, accumulating a total of 192 points (88 goals, 104 assists) in 637 career NHL games.
What’s Next?
The acquisition of Jesper Vikman could provide the Capitals with goaltending depth as he develops within the organization. It is possible Vikman will continue to hone his skills in the AHL before potentially joining the Capitals’ roster. The draft picks acquired from Vegas could be used to select future talent in the upcoming NHL drafts. The Golden Knights may look to integrate Dowd into their lineup immediately, potentially bolstering their forward depth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long has Nic Dowd played for the Capitals?
Nic Dowd has played 506 games with Washington since the 2018-19 season.
What draft position was Jesper Vikman selected in?
Jesper Vikman was selected by Vegas in the fifth round (125th overall) of the 2020 NHL Draft.
What picks did the Capitals receive in the trade?
The Capitals received a second-round pick in the 2029 NHL Draft and a third-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft (originally from San Jose).
How will this trade impact the Capitals’ long-term strategy as they navigate the remainder of the season and beyond?
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