On the Washington Capitals …
- James Mirtle: The Blackhawks aren’t the only team that is looking to create some extra salary cap space. The Capitals are also active in that scenario. They could move a bad contract and a draft pick to make it happen.
- Chuck Gormly of CSN Mid Atlantic: Capitals GM Brian MacLellan on what they might be interested in doing before the trade deadline.
“Our conversations are basically, how do we provide depth? Or provide elements that we don’t have? How do we add to the overall depth of the organization – forwards and defense – just so we’re ready for a playoff run. I mean, I’m pretty content with the way our team’s played. We have a lot of guys playing well. I’m not interested in bringing a guy in and throwing him in front of (Andre) Burakovsky or somebody like that. Our top nine (forwards) has been basically settled for quite a while here, and I’m comfortable with it.”
On the temptation to add a big-name player.
“I think it’s a little unusual this year in that we don’t have a hole up there that we’re trying to fill. 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, so it’s not, ‘Do we need to fill a big hole?’ We’re not trying to fill that hole. We’re just trying to cover ourselves in case something happens. As deep as we can get our team, we’re going to get it.”
- Chuck Gormley of CSN Mid Atlantic: Capitals GM Brian MacLellan on the Capitals Stanley Cup window.
“I view it as a two-year window. We’re going for it this year, we’re going for it next year and then after that we’re evaluating where we’re at. We’re going to have some decisions to make as far as veteran players and our young guys (Kuznetsov, Marcus Johansson, Andre Burakovsky, Tom Wilson, Karl Alzner, Nate Schmidt) are going to be due for some pay raises.”
MacLellan on if the Capitals are done making moves.
“We could be done. We could be.”
- Chuck Gormley of CSN Mid Altantic: Capitals GM Brian MacLellan on if the Capitals will wait until after the season to negotiate with their pending unrestricted and restricted free agents.
“Yeah, I think so. We’re going to have some decisions to make. (Recently signed defenseman) Taylor (Chorney) has done a great job in his role. He’s filled in, he’s got a good attitude, everybody likes him and he’s comfortable with his role. We’re going to have Marcus (Johansson’s) contract, we’re going to have Chimmer (Jason Chimera) and (Dmitry) Orlov. So we’re going to have to balance out how much money we have and what the priority is.”
