The Washington Capitals’ trade for minor-league forward Justin Sourdif was their biggest offseason move. Five months later, Sourdif is back in Sunrise, Florida, on Thursday for his homecoming game after playing in all 16 contests with the Capitals to start the season — four times more NHL opportunities than he received with the Panthers.
A Florida 2020 third-round pick, Sourdif spent most of his time in the Panthers organization with the AHL’s Charlotte Checkers, recording 96 points (35g, 61a) in 149 games. Sourdif made his NHL debut during the 2023-24 season and scored one goal in his four appearances.
“I was super excited to get to Washington, get the chance to play with this great group of guys over here,” Sourdif said after the Capitals’ morning skate. “I’ve been welcomed, and it’s been amazing so far. I’ve really enjoyed my time in DC, and I’m starting to get really comfortable with everybody and the systems and whatnot. Having a fresh start was definitely nice, and just looking forward to continuing that.”
While he may be receiving his first extended NHL look with the Capitals, the 23-year-old forward is still grateful for what he learned with the Panthers and Checkers since he turned pro for the 2022-23 campaign.
“They definitely helped me a lot,” Sourdif said. “Yeah, three years in that organization. I learned a lot from those guys over there. They kind of showed me the way as a young guy, and I’ve taken a lot of that and tried to integrate it into my life as a pro. I’m very thankful for that.”
Sourdif, a Capitals fan growing up, is set to play another game on the team’s third line, lining up at center between fellow youngsters Ryan Leonard and Hendrix Lapierre. In his last three games, Sourdif has not received more than 7:31 of total ice time and has a plus/minus of minus-three.
In 16 games this season, Sourdif has recorded one goal on 12 shots. He has also drawn four penalties, thrown 23 hits, blocked five shots, and is an even 50 percent in the faceoff circle. His recent move back to center comes after spending much of the start of the season on the wing, playing with Nic Dowd and Brandon Duhaime on the fourth line — a spot that Ethen Frank is currently occupying.
The Capitals have posted impressive numbers with Sourdif on the ice at five-on-five, seeing 55.9 percent of shot attempts, 53.9 percent of expected goals, 56 percent of scoring chances, and 54.8 percent of high-danger chances.
“I’ve played both positions, obviously,” Sourdif said. “Going back and forth, you know, guys who have done it, I just kind of ask them questions, ask how they’ve adjusted to it. I think the biggest thing with center is just helping your D out in the D-zone. You’re not standing at the point, so it’s a little bit more of a task down there. And then, if I ever go back to wing, I think just playing with speed and trying to get in on the forecheck as quickly as possible.”
As his role with the club changes, Sourdif is aware that he needs to continue improving and have a positive impact on games with the ice time he does receive from head coach Spencer Carbery. Carbery shared Wednesday that he’s trying to balance the Capitals’ win-now attitude with the development of players like Sourdif, Leonard, and Lapierre.
“I try and get better and better every game, and just working on the little things, the little details, and other aspects of my game,” Sourdif said. “I think puck battles on the wall, keeping my feet moving in the O-zone, just little things like that.”
The Capitals and Panthers come into the game with identical 8-7-1 records. The Caps beat the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday night, while the Panthers took down the Vegas Golden Knights on Monday.