Roster turnover in the NHL offseason is a given. Teams swap out players via trade, sign free agents, bring up prospects from their farm systems. Just within the Metropolitan Division, the New York Rangers added Ryan Reaves, Patrik Nemeth, and Barclay Goodrow. New Jersey added Jonathan Bernier and Dougie Hamilton. Philadelphia added Cam Atkinson and Ryan Ellis. Columbus added Jakub Voracek in his second stint with the club. These can be interpreted as significant roster additions, not unusual in a league where player turnover is frequent.
The Washington Capitals are in a very different situation.