Insider reveals the Washington Capitals offseason mentality
The Washington Capitals are officially done for the season, and general manager Chris Patrick now looks to the offseason to make strategic adjustments to his roster. That said, insider Chris Johnston feels the Capitals won't be quiet in the coming weeks.
The Washington Capitals were unfortunately eliminated by the Carolina Hurricanes in the second round of the NHL postseason, and two factors stood out in their defeat.
The team needs an upgrade at the 3C position, and more importantly, they need speed.
Washington Capitals feel comfortable being aggressive this offseason
According to RMNB, after an earlier playoff exit than anticipated, the Capitals enter what could (or could not) be the last summer of captain Alex Ovechkin's NHL career. Given that added onus to win now, hockey insider Chris Johnston believes the team will once again be very involved in the trade market, just as they were last year.
«This is probably the last kick at the can with Ovi, most likely, so I think that will inform their summer as well,» Johnston told Julian McKenzie on The Chris Johnston Show. «I think you're going to see them be pretty aggressive and see what they can get done on the trade market.»
«I think that they've shown that they're willing to think outside the box and make some deals,» Johnston said. «They would be a team, I think you could see getting involved in the trade market because the truth is, it's not the deepest free agent class.»
To no ones surprise, GM Chris Patrick end of season press conference aligns perfectly with Johnston claims.
«We will definitely evaluate everything,» Patrick said. «I think a big hack this summer could potentially be like a really big hack. With a rising cap environment, a lot of teams that are looking to spend - the prices, I think we saw it at the trade deadline with the prices going up, I think it could follow the same path here in free agency. We'll see what we have available to spend, and hopefully we can be competitive in some of that stuff if we think it's the right fit.»
Luckily, Chris Patrick has an important ace in his pocket - a first round draft pick.
The Washington Capitals proved more than capable of a deep playoff run, and a strategic offseason trade could help them get over the hump.
More details to follow.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 4 | 50 ANSWERS Insider reveals the Washington Capitals offseason mentality Do you think the Washington Capitals will make a blockbuster trade? | ||
| Yes | 31 | 62 % |
| No | 19 | 38 % |
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