Washington Capitals: Brian MacLellan press conference updates
Follow along with Washington Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan’s end of the season press conference with live updates.
On Tuesday May 30, Washington Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan will give his yearly end of the season press conference starting at noon. This was postponed from an earlier date, suggesting some changes might be occurring. MacLellan has a lot to talk about and a lot to answer for, so this press conference should be a very telling one.
One of the decisions he must make is what to do with head coach Barry Trotz. He has one year left on his current deal. It makes very little sense to have Trotz go into his final season under contract without knowing his future, so expect some clarity regarding his future. This could come in the form of an extension or by being relieved of his duties.
Another topic the team will most likely address is Alex Ovechkin’s future. There have been a lot of rumors regarding his availability in trades. Majority owner Ted Leonsis might give his own statement, considering he knows how valuable his captain is. However, expect MacLellan to address this personally because the team hasn’t done so yet.
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He will likely address the 2018 Stadium Series now that it’s official. Leonsis has already done so, but as general manager, MacLellan will likely comment on it as well, at least briefly. While he will be asked questions about T.J. Oshie after reports came out this weekend he’s close to an extension with the Caps, keep in mind MacLellan is in a catch 22. He can’t comment on anything that isn’t official. While MacLellan would avoid any tampering charges if he comments on Oshie, it wouldn’t be very professional of him to do so.
Here are the highlights and update from the press conference.
No changes in coaching personnel, per MacLellan.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) May 30, 2017
Trotz going into last year of deal. MacLellan said no talk of extension for him yet.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) May 30, 2017
MacLellan said RFAs would be the top priority this offseason #Caps
— JJ Regan (@JJRegan41) May 30, 2017
Goaltending Mitch Korn's future is unclear. Maybe a consulting role. Scott Murray has been groomed to potentially replace him.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) May 30, 2017
On Oshie: MacLellan said they've just had some general talks. If he re-signs depends on what salary cap is. If it's 77 mill, decent chance.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) May 30, 2017
MacLellan said no major changes coming. Said it's easier to make the team worse than better.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) May 30, 2017
MacLellan says no intent to remove Ovechkin as captain.
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) May 30, 2017
MacLellan said team is going to get younger. Thinks they'll be competitive, but probs not as good at first.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) May 30, 2017
MacLellan said he did not anticipate having any buyout discussions. #Caps
— JJ Regan (@JJRegan41) May 30, 2017
On Ovechkin: Caps won't strip of captaincy. Not ready to trade him but "maybe" if a hockey deal came around at some point, MacLellan said.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) May 30, 2017
MacLellan doesn't think any players need offseason surgery.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) May 30, 2017
MacLellan is open to long-term deals for both Kuznetsov and Orlov.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) May 30, 2017
On a possible Ovechkin trade: MacLellan said it's not in the organization's best interest right now.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) May 30, 2017
MacLellan said team's history plays a role in pressure for players. Could sense it G7. Said it's on coaches to get players mentally ready.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) May 30, 2017
MacLellan wants Connolly back. Expects to give him a qualifying offer.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) May 30, 2017
Brian MacLellan's full answer when asked about people talking about the #Caps trading Alex Ovechkin: pic.twitter.com/bkrMKe2ycL
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) May 30, 2017
MacLellan referred to a top four with Niskanen, Carlson, Schmidt and Orlov multiple times. So, bye Alzner.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) May 30, 2017
MacLellan said Caps will go 7-3-1 in expansion draft. Has his mind mostly made up on who to protect, but deciding on one more slot.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) May 30, 2017
MacLellan said Ovi must evolve. "The game is getting faster. He's going to have to train in a different way, more speed [than]...power."
— Tarik El-Bashir (@Tarik_ElBashir) May 30, 2017
Here's how GMBM broke down what the roster will look like going forward: Burakovsky in top6. Schmidt in top4. Connolly on 3rd line.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) May 30, 2017
What do you think Caps fans? Let us know in the comments!