Capitals' Moves, East Chaos, and the Power Shift Reshaping Hockey

Washington's offseason moves have set off a chain reaction across the Eastern Conference, with implications that extend far beyond one team's roster construction. The playoff race in the East is shaping up to be wide open, and player empowerment is becoming the hidden story that could change everything. Front offices are scrambling to adapt to a new reality where star players have more control than ever before.