The Washington Capitals have traded veteran center Nic Dowd to the Vegas Golden Knights.
The news was first reported by The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta on Thursday morning. The Golden Knights confirmed the deal hours later, announcing the Capitals would receive goaltender Jesper Vikman, a 2027 third-round draft pick, and a 2029 second-round draft pick in return.
The 2025-26 campaign was Dowd’s eighth with the Capitals since they signed him as a free agent in 2018. The 35-year-old pivot has been a staple on the team’s fourth line and penalty kill since joining the team and posted a career best 27 points (14g, 13a) just last season.
Dowd was signed to a two-year, $6 million ($3M AAV) extension by the Capitals this past April. He has 16 points (4g, 12a) in 55 games this season.
With the move, a spot at center on the Capitals has seemingly been permanently opened up for Justin Sourdif. The 23-year-old rookie had been forced out onto the wings in recent games after Pierre-Luc Dubois’ return from a long-term injury.
The Golden Knights, who played Mark Stone on injured reserve to free up a roster spot for Dowd, have been using star winger Mitch Marner up the middle after losing centers William Karlsson and Brett Howden to long-term injuries earlier this season. The acquisition of Dowd could allow them to move Marner back to his strongest position and shore up their bottom-six forward depth.
The Capitals and Golden Knights have one more game against each other this season on March 28th in Vegas.
