The Capitals have added some forward depth, announcing that they’ve acquired Justin Sourdif from the Panthers. In return, Florida receives Washington’s second-round pick in 2026 and Washington’s sixth-round selection in 2027.
The 23-year-old was a third-round pick by the Panthers back in 2020, going 87th overall. He spent the following two seasons in the WHL, splitting time between Vancouver and Edmonton, including his final season that saw him notch 72 points in just 52 games.
However, despite the offensive prowess in junior, NHL playing time has been hard to come by so far for Sourdif. He has just four appearances at the top level under his belt with only one of those coming this season in a game in late February when he scored his first career NHL goal. The rest of his time has been spent at the AHL level with Charlotte.
After putting up 24 points in 48 games with the Checkers in his first professional season in 2022-23, Sourdif was able to improve on that the following year with 38 points in 58 appearances. This year, his point total dipped slightly to 34 but he only got into 43 games after missing the first month of the season due to an injury sustained during training camp. He played an important role in Charlotte’s run to the Calder Cup Finals, collecting 10 points and 32 penalty minutes in 18 postseason appearances.
Sourdif will be waiver-eligible for the first time next season and clearly, the Capitals feel that he’s ready for full-time duty at the NHL level despite the limited opportunity that he has received so far and were willing to give up a return of some significance to make sure they got him while Florida adds a pair of future selections to their pick cupboards which aren’t exactly well-stocked at the moment.
The first order of business for the Capitals with Sourdif will be signing him to a new contract as his entry-level deal is set to expire at the end of the month. He’ll be a restricted free agent without arbitration eligibility and will be owed a two-way qualifying offer worth $874K in the NHL and $80K in the minors. Given that they clearly view Sourdif as an NHL piece moving forward, it wouldn’t be surprising to see a one-way contract given to him that checks in a little below that amount, giving Washington a little extra cap flexibility heading into free agency.
What an awful trade by Washington
Mangiapane’s replacement.
Really? How did you determine this? Do you already know how effective this guy will be for the Caps and who the two players are that the Panthers will grab with the draft picks? Or will they use the picks in another trade? Best answer is that you are making it up as you go.
The Capitals’ scouting has been pretty good the last few years, I would give them the benefit of the doubt here. Giving up a 2nd round pick says to me that at least one other team was trying to get him. Looks like he plays heavy, he should fit right in.
And you’ve determined this….how exactly?
Sourdif has never gotten much of a fair shake due to an increasingly stacked Panthers team. With the Caps, he may just have an opportunity to actually play with consistency.
It would be best to wait and see if he can convert on those nice junior and AHL stats with increased playing time.
Giving up a 2nd for someone who’s played a whole 4 NHL games is a lot and it’s just my opinion obviously 🤡
Sourdif played a few games and looks nhl ready. Panthers might not have any roster spots specially if they sign Marchand. Capitals are getting a good prospect.
Really shrewd business move for Florida. Draft picks are in short supply after a few years of “win now” – and to be clear, they won – and this is a player that didn’t have a clear path to the NHL. A 2nd in a deep 2026 draft is a stellar return.
For Washington… It’s a dice roll. Maybe Sourdif becomes an NHL mainstay, and the price was a fair one. Big gamble though.
A second AND a sixth for a guy who’s played four NHL games??? I don’t care how “NHL ready” he is, that’s the price one might pay at the deadline for a genuine impact player.
I like Sourdif a lot. He has upside and he can play right away. It seems like an overpay, but I suspect there are a few suitors looking to pick the bones of a veteran cup winning team.
guess a cup winners trash .. is another teams treasure.. hope he makes the most of the chance he’s been given
A 2nd and a 6th for a 3rd rounder with 4 NHL games under his belt. Mind-boggling. (And why did it have to be Florida again?! WHY?!)
Obviously the Caps think he’s worth the price. Hoping for their sake that he blossoms into what they clearly think he’ll become…otherwise this could be a laugher for the ages
Well it is a 2nd next year (which like a 3rd this year) and a 6th in 2027 not both 2025 picks. I think the Caps did a great job getting younger over the last year and retooling without a harsh rebuild. If he is competent at all or replaces what they got for Mangiapane, that’s great.
If not, I don’t call it a laugher for the ages. That would be Erat for Forsberg – yikes.