Capitals General Manager Brian MacLellan addressed the media before practice today at Kettler. He gave an update on Matt Niskanen, discussed a need for a third goalie, the possibility of resigning T.J. Oshie and next week’s trade deadline.
GM BM started by saying that Matt Niskanen is day-to-day with a lower body injury. The team will be patient and cautious with him. MacLellan also wants a third goalie and has been trying a while to get one.
As far as T.J. Oshie, with the possibility of entering free agency over the summer, MacLellan said that he has talked to Oshie’s representatives, but he would be surprised if both parties agreed to a deal before season’s end. He does want to resign Oshie.
For next week’s trade deadline, B-Mac doesn’t feel like there are any needs. He is comfortable with the depth going forward.
MacLellan said if he hadn’t traded for Eller at draft last year, he’d be in on Hanzal.
— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) February 23, 2017
MacLellan spotted Washington Post writer Dan Steinberg of the famous DC Sports Bog and said, “Oh Dan’s here? We know what one question it’s going to be”. It turned out to be about the infamous current playoff hockey format.
.@dcsportsbog asked MacLellan about the dumb playoff format. Mac said he’d like to set it re-set after the first round.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) February 23, 2017
The way the standings are situated and the toughness of the metropolitan division, he wants to have a discussion about the playoff format at next month’s GM meeting.
Current playoff picture (bracket) if season ended today. #YoNHLThisStillNeedsWork pic.twitter.com/sVRt15fM25
— NoVa Caps (@NoVa_Caps) February 23, 2017
MacLellan said he has no plans of bringing up Tom Gilbert right now. He wants him to remain at Hershey for the time being, but he might get him in some games up here in Washington before the playoffs start.
MacLellan said re: trades, there are a couple opportunities he is monitoring and staying actively involved. #Caps
— Jill Sorenson (@JillCSN) February 23, 2017
MacLellan said that any more trade deadline moves will be “on fringes”.
Mike Vogel sat down with Brian MacLellan for a one-on-one on Monumental Sports Network:
#Caps senior vice president and general manager Brian MacLellan talks one-on-one with @VogsCaps a week before the 2017 NHL Trade Deadline. pic.twitter.com/ywtwvSccPj
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 23, 2017
By Michael Marzzacco
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