Harry Lichtman
The Washington Capitals traded veteran forward Nic Dowd to the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday.
In return, the Capitals acquired prospect goaltender Jesper Vikman, a 2027 third-round pick, and a 2029 second-round pick.
“Really difficult day for our organization, our team, players, staff. Nic Dowd being traded after seven years,” Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery told reporters. “He’s meant a lot to this team. He’s meant a lot to this community, him and his family. He’ll be missed. It’s one of the unfortunate parts of this business, saying goodbye to good people.”
Dowd, 35, recorded 16 points (4 goals, 12 assists) in 55 games with the Capitals this season. The fan favorite ends his tenure in Washington with 166 points (79 goals, 87 assists) in 506 games since 2018-19.
Dowd had been a staple on the Capitals’ fourth line and penalty kill unit during his tenure in D.C. The 35-year-old posted a career-best 27 points (14 goals, 13 assists) last season.
Dowd was originally drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in the seventh round (198th overall) of the 2009 NHL Draft. The forward also spent half a year in Vancouver before signing with the Capitals in the 2018 offseason. The team had just won the Stanley Cup at the time.
Meanwhile, Vikman was selected by Vegas in the fifth round (125th overall) of the 2020 NHL Draft. The 23-year-old goaltender has spent his entire 2025-26 campaign with the AHL’s Henderson Silver Knights.
In 18 games this season, Vikman has an 8-7-3 record, a 3.41 goals against average, and a .866 save percentage for the Silver Knights.
Right now, the Capitals (31-25-7) are four points behind Boston for the final Eastern Conference wild card spot. Both teams will face off on Saturday afternoon, a day after the trade deadline ends.
