On the day of the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline, the Pittsburgh Penguins traded forward Anthony Beauvillier to the Washington Capitals in exchange for a 2025 second-round draft pick. Beauvillier comes to the Capitals after bouncing around between a handful of teams after the New York Islanders traded him away in 2023 in exchange for Bo Horvat. What do the Washington Capitals stand to gain from Beauvillier, and where will he fit best as the team marches toward playoffs?
Play Style
Anthony Beauvillier is a solid bottom-six left winger who plays a fast, versatile game. He is a fantastic fit for the Capitals’ fourth line, which is notorious for shutting down big plays and halting puck movement. Beauvillier describes himself as hard-working, good on the forecheck, and a speedy playmaker. “I like to play with energy and a little bit of grit,” he says. With Ethen Frank still needing time to develop and continually being a healthy scratch, Beauvillier had the perfect spot to join the elite, high-energy Capitals fourth line.
This season with the Penguins, the forward has tallied 20 points and has reached a new career high in hits with 114. He’s also disciplined and clean, taking just 119 penalty minutes across his 9 seasons in the NHL. He finds open lanes, is a reliable passer, and grinds hard to get the puck to the net. In just his second game with Washington, for example, he scored a fast, confident breakaway goal on Anaheim Ducks’ goalie Lukas Dostal. These key factors will increase Washington’s forward depth and bolster their chances of success on their inevitable postseason run.
Playoff Experience
During his time with the New York Islanders, Anthony Beauvillier visited the playoffs three times, once with the Nashville Predators. He is an offensive weapon in the playoffs, creating clutch plays and being a high-scorer for any team he joins. His best playoff showing was in 2020 with the Islanders. Beauvillier tallied an impressive nine goals and five assists in 22 games played, with three of those goals being game-winners. His effort helped lead the team to the Eastern Conference Finals that season.
In the playoffs, Beauvillier is not afraid to just shoot the puck and see what sticks. He has attempted 249 total shots in his postseason appearances, with 144 of those being shots on goal. This grit, tenacity, and willingness to try (and try again) make him a successful postseason player. The Capitals are likely to be facing the first wildcard team in the first round, who, as of March 12th, is the Ottawa Senators. Beauvillier joining the fourth line will help give them the power they need to shut down powerful, offensive players like Brady Tkachuck, Tim Stutzle, and Claude Giroux. And, if his offensive prowess continues at the level seen with the Islanders, he could come in clutch in key playoff moments.
Adaptability
Playing for your sixth team since joining the NHL is no easy feat, but Anthony Beauvillier accepts each new location as an opportunity to learn and grow, taking on his new roles with grace and confidence. This ability to adapt quickly to new situations and adjust his play style to fit a different system is impressive, and his quick learning style will be key as the regular season begins to wind down. He seemed thrilled to be joining the Washington Capitals and was on the ice at practice less than 24 hours after the trade. “These guys have put in so much work this year. And obviously playing against these guys, never an easy game. Joining a team that’s had success and looking to have success over the next couple of months, it’s definitely an honor to be here and a privilege,” Beauvillier said. He showcased his adaptability against the Anaheim Ducks– scoring in just his second game under a new system, coach, and teammates.
Overall, Anthony Beauvillier looks impressive for the Capitals so far. As he continues to adjust, learn, and develop to his full potential with the team, he will (if history relives itself) be a keystone to the Capitals’ postseason run.
ITR 47: Then There Was Nothing – Inside The Rink
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