Capitals' Blue Line Overhaul Hinges on Desharnais and Hutson

Washington is betting big on a defensive rebuild anchored by Vincent Desharnais and Cole Hutson, two players tasked with carrying the load on the back end. The Capitals have essentially wiped the slate clean on their blue line, and the success or failure of this youth movement will determine whether this retool works or becomes a cautionary tale. The pressure on these two to thrive immediately is immense, and the organization is clearly counting on them to be difference-makers from day one.