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Washington Capitals General Manager Brian Maclellan held a press conference at 3:30 PM today, a half-hour after the NHL’s trade deadline expired. MacLellan spoke about the trades that took place late Sunday night, and the events that transpired during, what is typically a busy day, leading up to the trade deadline at 3:00 PM today.
On the trade deadline
According to Isabelle Khurshudyan, MacLellan said they were comfortable with what they had on defense. Caps made some calls about depth forwards, but no dice today. With new cap flexibility, Isabelle asked Maclellan if they’d now start talks with UFAs and RFAs. MacLellan said he just put “money in the bank,” so doesn’t know.
On the Acquisition of Daniel Winnik
According to Zac Boyer of the Washington Times, MacLellan stated that Daniel Winnik is a good penalty killer. “I would say he’s the equivalent of Brooks Laich — maybe a touch of an upgrade.”
On the trading of Brooks Laich
MacLellan acknowledged it was an emotional situation to trade Brooks Laich, but it was a business decision for the team. According to Zac Boyer, MacLellan had called Laich before putting him on waivers on Saturday, but they’ve played phone tag since and hadn’t talked about trade. As per Isabelle Khurshudyan, MacLellan said he thought the Maple Leafs were the only team that would take on the whole contract.
MacLellan said Laich tried to talk him out of it. “He expressed that he really wanted to be a part of it and win a Stanley Cup here.”
— Zac Boyer (@ZacBoyer) February 29, 2016
Brian MacLellan held back tears. Said trading Laich was hardest thing he’s done as GM.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) February 29, 2016
MacLellan on team chemistry: “I mean, nobody likes to see their friend leave. It’s hard to do. I think, in the end, it takes a little time.”
— Zac Boyer (@ZacBoyer) February 29, 2016
On Trading Connor Carrick
MacLellan said that the Leafs had requested Carrick. The Leaf’s GM Lou Lamoriello would later say the Leafs consider Connor Carrick an ‘A’ prospect. According to Zac Boyer, MacLellan projected Carrick to be able to “play in the NHL, but that’s what we had to give up to get the deal done.”
On the Trade of Chris Brown for Ryan Bourque
MacLellan stated that the trade between the Rangers, which swapped Caps prospect Chris Brown for the Rangers Ryan Bourque was simply because the two players wanted a change of scenery.
More:
Interview with Mike Vogel (Prior to press conference).
Interview with CSN’s Jill Sorenson
Full video of press conference
It’s sad to see Brooksy go as he has done so much for the DC area and is such a great person on and off the Ice. I still have the pictures of my youngest son and Brooks at the car show. We have so many pictures with him.. It’s like loosing a family member.
Its tough William. Its makes it even more difficult that he is a great guy, did so much for the region.