Capitals GM Chris Patrick Discusses Missing Out On Ehlers, Free Agency & What's Next
The Capitals GM disscusses his plans for the team as the summer continues.
ARLINGTON, V.A. — Washington Capitals general manager Chris Patrick wouldn’t confirm anything regarding Nikolaj Ehlers, who ultimately decided to go to the Carolina Hurricanes over D.C., though he did say that D.C. did try to make a big move — and it didn’t work out.
Patrick explained that Washington was looking at multiple options going into July 1, and names started to come off the board as the team pondered its decisions.
“Some big names came off the board that would have been interesting for our group that we were evaluating, stayed with their current teams, and I think we looked to try to do something big and it didn’t go our way,” Patrick said matter-of-factly.
Alluding to Ehlers, Patrick said that when it came down to it, it didn’t come down to term or salary, but where the right fit was.
“It didn’t come down to the money or the offer or the term or any of that. It was a player picking what he thought was the best situation both on and off the ice,” Patrick said. “Totally respect a guy taking his time to make the right decision for himself.”
That said, it’s been a light free agency period for the Capitals so far, with the only move for next season being re-signing Anthony Beauvillier to a two-year contract.
“Bringing Beau back, I think is huge for our group. He’s a versatile guy moving around the lineup. He’s showing he’s got chemistry with all four of our lines,” Patrick said.
As the offseason continues, the Capitals will continue to explore all of their options, and the most likely path will be the trade market.
“Potentially could be some interesting names out there,” he noted.
Patrick didn’t rule out bringing in another free agent, but did say he won’t sign an NHLer just for the sake of having more experience when a prospect could very well make the pro jump this coming season.
Ivan Miroshnichenko, Ethen Frank, Hendrix Lapierre, Bogdan Trineyev and Andrew Cristall are the top names that Patrick is banking on when it comes to who will make the roster come fall.
At the end of the day, though, Patrick is confident in its group and internal options, and is looking forward to being a top contender again this season.
“We have some cap space now, we have some young kids, they’re gonna get a good opportunity to compete for a spot in camp and see where it goes,” Patrick said.