Sammi's Summer Notebook: Busy Weeks Ahead, Capitals Assessing Needs, Offseason Training
Some thoughts on the Capitals, plus Sammi's insight from her time on the ice, in her weekly notebook.
As the Stanley Cup Final enters its final games, the Washington Capitals and other teams are busy preparing for the offseason, and it looks like there could be a couple of busy weeks ahead.
Washington is one of several teams that have some outstanding business to take care of, and all the while, names are hitting the trade block while others are preparing to experiment the market for the first time.
In personal Sammi news, I’m working on sharing more beer league stories from across the States during this summer break, and I’m also working on my own game on the ice, mainly getting better at skating (and trying to stay loose).
That said, let’s get into it.
Washington Capitals Thoughts
- It looks like Nikolaj Ehlers is going to test free agency, and though he’s an interesting option, I don’t think the Capitals would necessarily want to put all their eggs in one basket. He’s 29, and the team is looking to get younger while also integrating more prospects and making Connor McMichael the 3C. That said, I don’t see D.C. making a big-name signing in free agency.
- Personally, I think the trade market is more likely. J.J. Peterka’s name is floating around out there, and he’s likely to get some offer sheets, too. Marco Rossi’s name was also mentioned, but looking at needs, a top-6 winger fits the bill more than a center given the team’s depth down the middle.
- Another name that a colleague brought up that could be of interest: J.G. Pageau if the team wants a solid bottom-6 center without a long-term commitment. He’s on the block for the New York Islanders. I’ll have more on this Monday.
- I do stand by the fact that another defenseman wouldn’t be a bad idea. I threw out Ryan Lindgren’s name, though he’s a left-hand shot, and Washington’s needs are more on the right side. That said, though, one injury can change the entire balance of things, as seen when Martin Fehervary went down with injury, so having one NHLer at the ready is ideal.
- When it comes to former Capitals in the Stanley Cup Final, all are fun to root for. Vitek Vanecek has drawn the ire of Stuart Skinner, and Connor Brown’s back in the final after a rough comeback from a torn ACL he suffered three and a half games into his D.C. tenure. Nate Schmidt is also in the running for his first Cup, and was one of the most beloved members of the team for years.
- Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there. I penned a piece for The Hockey News about just a handful of the Capitals’ dads, particularly girl dads, and how it’s the ultimate reward.