Capitals get it right with Brian MacLellan
The Washington Capitals decided to drop some news while I was working on the last post. So this post will break down this news even further. The news involving general manger Brian MacLellan getting an extension and promotion is a big deal for the team’s present and future. And his past track record shows that he is well deserving of that extension.
Barry Svrluga of The Washington Post (subscription required) was the first to report this. The Capitals made it official with an announcement shortly after.
MacLellan not only got a contract extension as a General Manger, he also got promoted to President of Hockey Operations. Dick Patrick is appointed to chairman after serving as team president for the longest time. Dick’s son, Chris, got promoted to associate general manger.
MacLellan told Svrluga by phone:
“I like the job. I like the challenge of it. Ex-players always say coaching is the closest thing to competing still. Even being where we are, in hockey operations, it’s competitive. It’s fun. The juices flow. So you get your fix of the stuff you kind of got as a player. I played because I had fun. You competed. It was passionate. Now, at this age, you do it at a different level.”
This upcoming season will mark MacLellan’s 23rd with the Capitals organization, the 10th as general manager and the first as president of hockey operations and general manager. Ted Leonsis did not disclose the term and salary of the extension. He usually doesn’t when it comes to front office positions such as GM whether it’s his NBA or NHL franchise.
Since being named GM back on May 26, 2014, the Caps have compiled a record of 409-213-77 which is good for a .640 winning percentage and the third most wins in the NHL.
He’s had success in the past with a Stanley Cup, two Presidents’ Trophies and a franchise record five consecutive Metropolitan Division titles from 2015-16 to 2019-20.
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Now he looks to keep the window open just a little bit as the Caps prepare to win now and rebuild for the future.