On the Washington Capitals …
AP in USA Today: Capitals GM Brian MacLellan on making sure that the Alex Ovechkin playoff window doesn’t close soon
“Our job is to surround him with a little more depth so there’s not the pressure,” MacLellan said. “I think he can play a lot more if he doesn’t feel that pressure that he needs to win the games. … I think he can play longer given a good team, a deep team. I mean, if you’re going to put pressure on him every night to carry the team, he’s not going to be more excited about playing.”
Next year, Justin Williams, T.J. Oshie and Karl Alzner’s contract expire. Evgeny Kuznetsov’s entry-level deal is also expiring, so the Capitals it will be an important offseason when looking at their long-term direction and chances of winning.
“I don’t know that the window closes off, but it’s got to change because money needs to be allocated to different players and that sometimes squeezes out other players,” MacLellan said. “The situation will change after next year.”
On the New York Rangers and Rick Nash …
Chris Nichols of Today’s Slapshot: Elliotte Friedman on WGR 550 on if the New York Rangers could trade Rick Nash.
“Yes, I do. I think – guys, honestly, a couple of guys have told me that they think they is going to be a crazy off-season. That this has the potential… the amount of names that are going to be discussed is going to be wild, and the type and quality of player that’s going to be discussed is going to be very high.
…
“I think the New York Rangers are at a crossroads. Really disappointed with the way the season ended this year. He has a no-move clause. So he controls his destination. But I do think if the Rangers could find a place where he would want to go, I could definitely see the possibility that they try and move him. Absolutely.”