Three weeks after the Capitals were eliminated from the playoffs by the Penguins, general manager Brian MacLellan spoke to the press, explaining how the DC hockey team will move forward: pretty much the same as before. Head coach Barry Trotz will return, Alex Ovechkin will remain as captain, and the team will likely get younger.
Tuesday’s press conference comes after a self-described two-year window for the Capitals closed without a championship.
MacLellan on change: "It's a lot easier to make this team worse than it is better. If you make a major change what's it going to involve?"
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) May 30, 2017
MacLellan says no intention to make changes to coaching staff, blow it up or make a major move. If a real “hockey trade” is there, possible.
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) May 30, 2017
Trotz going into last year of deal. MacLellan said no talk of extension for him yet.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) May 30, 2017
Brian MacLellan’s full answer when asked about people talking about the #Caps trading Alex Ovechkin: pic.twitter.com/bkrMKe2ycL
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) May 30, 2017
MacLellan said Ovi must evolve. “The game is getting faster. He’s going to have to train in a different way, more speed [than]…power.”
— Tarik El-Bashir (@TarikCSN) May 30, 2017
MacLellan is open to long-term deals for both Kuznetsov and Orlov.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) May 30, 2017
MacLellan says #Caps‘ RFAs (Kuznetsov, Orlov, Schmidt, Burakovsky, Grubauer, Connolly) are first priorities. Then look to see UFAs…
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) May 30, 2017
MacLellan said Caps will go 7-3-1 in expansion draft. Has his mind mostly made up on who to protect, but deciding on one more slot.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) May 30, 2017
Goaltending Mitch Korn’s future is unclear. Maybe a consulting role. Scott Murray has been groomed to potentially replace him.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) May 30, 2017
Mac on Oshie: “I like Oshie. Of the UFAs, he’s a good fit. It’s going to depend on what the salary cap # is + what he’s looking for.” #Caps
— Tarik El-Bashir (@TarikCSN) May 30, 2017
MacLellan says salary cap will play big role in offseason plans. If NHLPA uses escalator at cap at $77M, good shot at re-signing Oshie…
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) May 30, 2017
MacLellan referred to a top four with Niskanen, Carlson, Schmidt and Orlov multiple times. So, bye Alzner.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) May 30, 2017
MacLellan: “When you get to that level and you lose, things get exposed and things that need to be addressed need to be addressed.”
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) May 30, 2017
Headline photo: Patrick Smith
