ARLINGTON, V.A. — The Washington Capitals are in a must-win situation going into their final three games of the season as they look to sneak into the playoffs in any way possible.
All the while, questions remain surrounding their past, present and future, and we opened up the Capitals Mailbag to answer some of those.
Is this likely Oshie's last year playing to save his long-term health? - @cpsfn93
A lot remains to be seen about T.J. Oshie's future. I feel that he's in a similar spot to Nicklas Backstrom, where his chronic back issues are just making it more and more difficult to play the game at the highest level, and in Oshie's case, it holds him out for games at a time.
He underwent a double ablation at the end of last season, and he's shown just how important he is to the group. I think this summer will be one of reflection for him as he ponders whether to undergo another procedure, stop altogether or continue fighting through it. After all, he's a fighter, he never gives up on a play and he loves the game.
As for the Capitals, I think they do what they did with Backstrom and see how things go in training camp and to start the year before discussing next steps. Unless, of course, Oshie decides that he's had enough.
Which former Capital do you miss the most? @capsreplays
Jose Theodore. He was my favorite Capital growing up and actually inspired me to get into hockey in the first place.
If we're talking about a skater, Matt Niskanen. I loved everything he brought to the blue line and the leadership he had. Fun Niskanen fact: he was going to be a P.E. teacher if the NHL didn't work out.
Which young player on the Caps could you see making the biggest jump next season? @Ben_C210
I think this season has seen several young Capitals make big steps: Connor McMichael is almost at 20 goals (he just needs to find some more consistency), Hendrix Lapierre has all but officially graduated to the NHL and Aliaksei Protas and Beck Malenstyn are taking on important roles, while Ivan Miroshnichenko has also shown flashes of greatness — though recently, he's hit a bit of a wall.
When it comes to who'll make the biggest jump, though, I'd keep an eye on Vincent Iorio. He had what he told me was a "coming to God" moment earlier in the season where he busted out of some early struggles to rediscover his game, and with the Capitals needing to bolster its defensive depth, I could see the 6-foot-4 Iorio coming in to make a big impact full-time next year.
Related: Lapierre & Iorio Are As Close As Brothers. Now At The Highest Level With The Capitals, They Continue To Lean On Each Other
Will all of the young players be back next year or do you think GMBM will trade all or a few away to retool, or will he let the young guys grow into the game? - @TaylorStoneking
There's a lot that MacLellan needs to consider over the summer, including bolstering the offense and perhaps strengthening the blue line. MacLellan wants to get younger; as he mentioned before, the goal is to trade for the next Rasmus Sandin-type player or find the next Dylan Strome.
Of course, there are names out there, and free agency doesn't always provide options. You never want to trade away promising young players, but if there's a top center or defenseman that checks all the boxes, and they cost a prospect or rising NHLer, you have to consider it.
How does the saying go? Every gift comes with a price.
Do you see Ryan Leonard signing with the Capitals after the Frozen Four? - @Robostop10, @ShilohxxJulia
Ryan Leonard has had a remarkable start to his NCAA career, and the future truly does rest in his hands. General manager Brian MacLellan said that the Capitals will accommodate his wishes and discuss after he finishes his season what he wants to do next.
I imagine if Boston College does win it all on Saturday, it will make a potential pro jump easier, especially if his teammates choose to do the same. I could see him also choosing to stay if they don't win so that he gets another chance at an NCAA title.
Ultimately, though, I don't think we see him sign in Washington unless this team qualifies for the playoffs. But also don't rule out an ATO with the Hershey Bears as they look to defend the Calder Cup title.
What's the near future look like for Ivan Miroshnichenko? - @JeanT57506
I think there's a lot to be excited about with Ivan Miroshnichenko. He basically got thrown into the fire amid injuries and trade-offs, as he was tasked with joining the top-6 on a team fighting for its life until the very last buzzer.
That said, there are still ways for him to go, and I think he will truly benefit from returning to the Hershey Bears for the Calder Cup run, playing more meaningful hockey and then earning his spot out of camp. I do think that a roster spot is his to lose going into next season.
Do you think the Capitals finally address the RHD issue and draft a d-man in the first round? @go_goob
The Capitals do need to figure some things out on the blue line, but they do have a lot of promising defensemen already in the system, including the aforementioned Iorio and the likes of Chase Priskie.
Assistant general manager Ross Mahoney and the organization have emphasized the goal is to take the best player available rather than simply going by position, so I don't think that changes.
I do think the team looks to improve some defense this summer, though, as it's been a glaring issue that even top goaltending from Charlie Lindgren can't fix.
Related: Cristall & Priskie Hold Jewish Faith Close As They Pursue NHL Dreams With Capitals
What is the Capitals' long-term plan at goalie? @OlanOlinskiee12
Speaking of Lindgren, he's given Washington quite a bit to think about. The 30-year-old completely stole the starting role from Darcy Kuemper, who said that he still has confidence but has to be feeling the effects of losing the No. 1 role that he signed on for in the first place.
All the while in Hershey, Clay Stevenson has taken the Bears by storm, working wonders with Hunter Shepard in net. I do think Stevenson, who is just 25 and has a .925 save percentage and seven shutouts through 34 games with the Bears is the team's next goalie of the future.
I think that both Lindgren and Kuemper are back next season, and for D.C., I think the hope is that Kuemper can rediscover his touch. Lindgren, meanwhile, will continue to try and prove he's a top goaltender and either play himself into an extension or get a big deal elsewhere — he's an unrestricted free agent next July.
How Safe Is Brian MacLellan's Job? - @SunDogBC
There's no sense that GMBM is on the hot seat. Washington wasn't expected to make the playoffs this season, and his group has managed to stay in the fight while buying into head coach Spencer Carbery's high-energy systems.
MacLellan has made the appropriate moves that the team needed to make (resolving the Evgeny Kuznetsov saga, etc.), so I imagine he's back. However, there's a lot that needs addressing over the summer, so he'll be tasked with quite a bit.
What is the Caps' current evaluation of Riley Sutter? What about Cam Allen? - @LarrySmithTW723
Washington likes what it sees from Sutter. He was among the players that could have made his NHL debut this season, but he reminds me a lot of Beck Malenstyn. A future utility player, reliable forward and penalty killer who can make the most of his minutes. There's work for him to do, but the organization does like him and offered him a lot of praise going into this year, too. And with Nic Dowd's future unknown, he could very well try and win a spot in camp next year.
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As for Cam Allen, he just signed an ATO to join the Bears as a black ace, and he had a strong showing with the OHL's Guelph Storm after returning from surgery. I do think he's getting back to that level that made him a potential top pick before his injury, and now, it's just a matter of applying it at the highest level. Him heading to Hershey, though, is a good sign, and the organization was happy that he fell so low in the draft to take him in the first place.
How long is Rasmus Sandin out for? - @ovibacky
Sandin is likely to miss the rest of the regular season, head coach Spencer Carbery said on Friday.
Which Capitals have had good seasons and who needs improvement? @MrEd315
As mentioned, several young guns, including Lapierre, Malenstyn and McMichael, have stepped up and impressed this season, but Washington also has to be happy with how Alex Ovechkin has bounced back. Dylan Strome continues to be a steal, too, as does Lindgren.
As for who needs to improve, there needs to be some more help and consistency on the blue line. Kuemper also desperately needs to show that he can bounce back.
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