Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP

ARLINGTON, Va. — Washington Capitals’ General Manager, Brian MacLellan, held his long-awaited, annual end-of-season press conference today at Kettler Capitals Iceplex. MacLellan, who has typically met with media within days following the conclusion of the season, waited 20 days to speak with the media this year following the Capitals exit from the playoffs on May 10th.

The first question he fielded was in regards to the status of head coach Barry Trotz and the current coaching staff.

No changes in coaching personnel, per MacLellan.

— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) May 30, 2017

MacLellan was also asked if his post-season assessment led to any conclusions regarding the team:

MacLellan: “I don’t know that I have conclusions” #Caps

— JJ Regan (@JJReganCSN) May 30, 2017

MacLellan was also asked about the status of T.J. Oshie:

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 also commented on the status of Alex Ovechkin:

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

Here is the full quote on Alex Ovechkin:

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 added, there won’t be any buyouts this summer (Orpik) and that he is open to long-term deals for both Kuznetsov and Orlov. He also stated that he doesn’t think any players need off-season surgery.

MacLellan said the team is going to get younger. He thinks they’ll be competitive, but probably not as good at first. MacLellan said no major changes are coming. He said it’s easier to make the team worse than better. MacLellan stated that he wants Connolly back and expects to give him a qualifying offer.

On the Capitals playoff history, MacLellan said that the team’s history plays a role in pressure for players. He could sense it in Game 7. He said it’s on coaches to get players mentally ready. On Trotz’s comment brushing off the team’s history, MacLellan said he and the coach have a philosophical disagreement there.

With regards to the Capitals defense:

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 the Capitals will go with the 7-3-1 protection option in the expansion draft. He said he has his mind mostly made up on who to protect, but is still deciding on one slot.

By Jon Sorensen
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