Photo: Patrick Smith
General Manager Brian MacLellan met with the press Thursday to discuss the Capitals’ acquisition of Mike Weber and talk about the team’s thinking as it heads into the trade deadline next week.
Here’s a summary of what he said:
With Weber, compared it to Gleason trade last year. Still no specifics on role, but Capitals saw a physical net-front guy team doesn't have.
— Zac Boyer (@ZacBoyer) February 25, 2016
MacLellan was asked about pending UFAs Chimera, Richards and other RFAs (Johansson, Orlov). Said those discussions would happen after season
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) February 25, 2016
On Galiev: MacLellan said they're afraid they'd lose him if he went on waivers. Said they're not ready to cut the cord with him.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) February 25, 2016
MacLellan on the Glencross trade last year: "We probably overpaid a little to get the guy.” Felt it was needed b/c of 92 & 65's development.
— Katie Brown (@katiebhockey) February 25, 2016
MacLellan also said Mike Richards is relieved to have possession charges stayed in Manitoba court, adding that Barry Trotz 'loves' him.
— Chuck Gormley (@CharlesAGormley) February 25, 2016
MacLellan acknowledged Capitals have a two-year window to win the Stanley Cup, followed by some big decisions on personnel. #CapitalsTalk
— Chuck Gormley (@CharlesAGormley) February 25, 2016
MacLellan sounded like Caps are not interested in going after Andrew Ladd or Loui Eriksson. Might be interested in a Zach Sill type forward.
— Chuck Gormley (@CharlesAGormley) February 25, 2016
It's unlikely that any of the Capitals' prospects will play a role down the stretch as fill-ins, too. Sill was mentioned as having a role.
— Zac Boyer (@ZacBoyer) February 25, 2016
MacLellan said Scott Gomez is just a Hershey thing. No plans to sign him. "I don't think he would give us what we need."
— Katie Brown (@katiebhockey) February 25, 2016
MacLellan on needing to clear cap room to activate Beagle: "Trade deadline is at 3 on Monday, and we should have it all worked out by then.”
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) February 25, 2016
MacLellan: "We’re not coming in and saying that we need a top-six forward. I like our top-six forwards. I like our third line."
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) February 25, 2016
Brooks Laich was a popular topic, with MacLellan saying this regarding his performance and time with the team:
Since this is what y'all really care about, here's GMBM on Laich: pic.twitter.com/la8JZRZqI9
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) February 25, 2016
Although, after all that, I can conclude that this is the quote that matters the most:
Forsberg trade was obviously a topic. Mac: "I'd love to have Forsberg but I think you've got to move on. You make a mistake, you move on."
— Katie Brown (@katiebhockey) February 25, 2016
Let’s be real . . . should we really move on, GMBM?
