The Capitals acquired the forward from the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday in exchange for a third-round pick in 2025 and a fifth-round pick in 2027, the teams announced.
“We are excited to welcome Lars back to our organization,” said Capitals general manager Chris Patrick in a statement. “This move enhances our depth at the critical center position. Lars is a versatile player, that we are confident will strengthen our team’s depth and competitiveness.”
Eller, 35, has logged seven points (4 goals, 3 assists) through 17 games in his second season with Pittsburgh.
The six-foot-two Danish center previously spent seven seasons in Washington from 2016-23 and was a member of the 2018 Stanley Cup-winning team. Notably, he cored the title-clinching goal in Game 5 against the Vegas Golden Knights.
Eller logged 208 points (87 goals, 121 assists) through 488 games as a Capital during his previous tenure. He was second on the team in games played and sixth in points through that span.
Washington originally acquired Eller ahead of the 2016-17 season from the Montreal Canadiens. He’s played a total of 1,053 NHL games between the Capitals, Penguins, Canadiens, Colorado Avalanche and St. Louis Blues.