Nic Dowd was signed to fill in the fourth line center role replacing longtime Capital and fan favorite Jay Beagle. Dowd lived up to expectations and had a great impact in his first season with the Washington Capitals
Dowd finished the year with 22 points (8 goals, 14 assists) and added a goal in the playoffs on a penalty shot. Dowd was coming off a career worst last year with only tallying four points all year playing for both Los Angeles Kings and the Vancouver Canucks.
Dowd also had prior success in the minor leagues playing for the Manchester Monarchs averaging 46 points a year during his two year time before his NHL debut.