- Katie Carerra: New Capitals GM Brian MacLellan said that coach Barry Trotz will be involved with some of their moves and recalls. MacLelan said that if Trotz isn’t on board, “we don’t make the call.” Adam Vingan: MacLellan was told a week ago that he would be promoted to GM. Chuck Gormley: Trotz wouldn’t say whether he would add new assistant coaches.
- Sky Kerstein: Capitals GM MacLellan: “I think we need Brooks Laich. When Brooks Laich’s in our line-up our team plays better. A healthy Brooks Laich.”
- Chuck Gormley of CSN Washington: The Capitals interviewed 15 candidates for the GM position before agreeing on MacLellan. Barry Trotz was the only coach they interviewed. When asked how he will be different from former GM George McPhee, MacLellan started to tear up and walked away to collect himself.
“He’s a good friend and he’s a character guy,” MacLellan said. “It’s a hard thing. We’re different people we have different personalities and different ways to approach things. I think any two people are different. His decision-making is going to be different than mine.”
MacLellan will look to change their culture.
“I think it’s an important aspect,” he said. “There has to be a relationship with agents. The players need agents to communicate with management and management use agents to communicate with their player. You have to work together to get the best out of your players. And you want to have players that want to come here, and agents direct that process.”
The Capitals will be looking at a “refresh” and not a “rebuild” according to Ted Leonsis. A suggestion that may mean their core players will remain.