Photo: Bruce Bennett

Tuesday, Washington Capitals General Manager Brian MacLellan held a conference call with the media from Las Vegas, where the 2016 NHL Awards are taking place. MacLellan touched on his plans for the Caps’ restricted free agents, his thoughts on hockey coming to Vegas, and his worries about the upcoming expansion draft.

MacLellan also talked at length about current restricted free agent Marcus Johansson and what the current plans are in regards to contract talks with the Swede and his agent. MacLellan said that he was “optimistic” about the negotiations, but that some of the comparables for Johansson may have a higher salary than they are comfortable with.

MacLellan said he's "optimistic" on negotiations with Johansson and thinks both parties should be able to reach term/salary they agree on.

— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) June 21, 2016

MacLellan on Johansson talks: "Some of the comparables could have a higher number than we're comfortable with."

— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) June 21, 2016

This news comes right after ESPN Insider Craig Custance tweeted that the “Capitals are getting calls from GMs on Marcus Johansson but preference remains to sign him.”

Capitals getting calls from GMs on Marcus Johansson but preference remains to sign him. Contract talks continue. He's RFA.

— Craig Custance (@CraigCustance) June 21, 2016

Other topics MacLellan spoke about include:

MacLellan would "love to have" Chimera back. Would pursue it if things work out with timing and other factors falling into place.

— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) June 21, 2016

MacLellan said everything with Alzner's sports hernia surgery went well. Activity is supposed to start four weeks after.

— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) June 21, 2016

Caps GM Brian MacLellan says he feels 'a little mixed' about being up for GM of the Year and not getting the job done. #CapitalsTalk

— Chuck Gormley (@CharlesAGormley) June 21, 2016

MacLellan on expansion draft: 'I assume we're going to lose a good player we like.' #CapitalsTalk

— Chuck Gormley (@CharlesAGormley) June 21, 2016

MacLellan said Caps think they can get a good player at No. 26. Thinks quality of draft drops off in second round.

— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) June 21, 2016

Brian MacLellan said he plans on giving qualifying offers to RFAs Marcus Johansson, Dmitry Orlov, Tom Wilson, Michael Latta. #CapitalsTalk

— Chuck Gormley (@CharlesAGormley) June 21, 2016

MacLellan said it's 123 degrees in Vegas today. Wonders how the ice conditions will be there when team enters NHL in 2017-18. #CapitalsTalk

— Chuck Gormley (@CharlesAGormley) June 21, 2016

Video

Hear from #Caps SVP/GM Brian MacLellan who is at the 2016 #NHLAwards as a finalist for General Manager of the Year.https://t.co/BCVWk2fCqG

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) June 21, 2016