BETHESDA, M.D. — Even with the Washington Capitals' season officially over, I can't stay away from the rink.
Less than 24 hours after the last media availability, I'm right back at it, only this time, I'm in my own gear. With more free time on my hands, I decided to double down on playing, still captaining my lower division team, the Ghost Pirates, but getting some experience playing higher-level hockey, too, with the HK-Mids.
It got me thinking: I should write this all down. So today, I'm debuting my offseason notebook, a weekly column where I detail some thoughts I have on the Capitals nad also share the latest in my own hockey journey.
Crash The Net, my column featuring my on-ice escapades mixed in with advice from the pros will also be back this summer.
That said, let's get into it.
Capitals Thoughts
- Yesterday I wrote a column on Mitch Marner and how the Capitals may want to look into acquiring his services with the Maple Leafs open to change. It's really not the craziest prospect in the world, especially with D.C. expected to have some cap flexibility to work with. Then, I realized something:
- Washington doesn't have a point-per-game player on the roster. The closest to that is Dylan Strome, who led the team with 67 points in 82 games and got even better after setting a career-high last season.
- Giving Strome another high-scoring winger would go a long way, especially with Alex Ovechkin entering the twilight of his career.
Related: Should Capitals Consider Looking Into Marner? Maple Leafs Say 'Everything Is On The Table' & Could Shake Up Their Core
- General manager Brian MacLellan also noted in his breakdown day presser that Washington cannot continue to rely on Ovechkin alone to bring the goals. He still managed to get to 31 this season, even after a disastrous start to the year, but at 39 years old, MacLellan said it best: "it's probably not fair" to put the weight of the offense on Ovechkin's shoulders, especially with Wayne Gretzky's record also adding pressure.
- Free agency will also have some notable options. One scorer that's on the market: Sam Reinhart. Again, a player due a big raise, but if there's cap flexibility to work with, he could also be a good solution.
- The Capitals' summer also depends a lot on T.J. Oshie. If he chooses to step away due to chronic back issues, he will likely go on the long-term injured reserve, as has been the case with Nicklas Backstrom. He has one year left on his deal at $5.75 million, so that could free up some room to work with.'
Related: Charlie Lindgren On Wild Year With Capitals, Future In D.C. & Drive To Achieve More: 'I'm Not A Guy That Gets Complacent'
Sammi's Hockey Journal
- On the ice, I'm a utility player and captain. I'll do just about anything and play any role, but my main job is to kill plays and get to the dirty areas. Maybe chirp a little bit. It's not a beautiful job, but it's one that I do well.
- It's also physical, which for me, who stands at 5-foot-4, is a challenge but a welcome one. I've fought once — and lost — and also consider myself a bit of an enforcer. Really is a fun role. But as a captain, I've also learned when to pick your battles. No one wants to be in the box.
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- Playing the game also reminds you just how much goes into it. The talent, the skill, the ability, the vision you need to have to get on the ice is so complex. It just adds more appreciation to this sport, which continues to remain a huge passion of mine.
- It's been a solid start to the season personally: in three D3 games, I have two goals and an assist. Also sporting a thigh contusion from a blocked shot in overtime.
- I'll be posting some hockey video blogs this summer, too, so stay tuned.
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