Sammi’s Daily: Capitals 2022-23 News, NHL Rumors, Draft Chatter

The Washington Capitals officially have some dates and news set in stone fo rate 2022-23 campaign, as they now have their preseason schedule and Emily Engel-Natzke joining the staff as the first full-time woman coach in NHL history.

Meanwhile, the NHL Draft is up-and-coming, and there’s some chatter that the top-10 may end up looking a bit different than it is now, especially when it comes to that first-overall section. Free agency is also around the corner and the trade market is still heating up.

So let’s get into the latest news and notes from D.C. and across the NHL:

Capitals Links

• The Capitals preseason schedule is out, with the Detroit Red Wings and Columbus Blue Jackets being the main opponents on Washington’s six-game slate. (WHN)
• Isaac Howard could be a top name on the Capitals’ radar come draft time. (WHN)
• “We got the best person”: Peter Laviolette is excited for Engel-Natzke to join the staff, and she also made history and is ready to keep making strides for women in hockey with Washington. (WHN)
• And more Capitals draft buzz. (Japers’ Rink)

NHL Links

• For the Pittsburgh Penguins, time should be up on the Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang front. (PHN)
• The Montreal Canadiens, meanwhile, are waiting to see if the New Jersey Devils will want to flip the No. 1 and No. 2 picks to ensure they get Juraf Slafkovsky. Will he get taken over Shane Wright? (MHN)
• In parade news, Colorado Avalanche blueliner Bowen Byram was almost kicked out of his own parade because police thought he was a fan. Hey, happens to the best of us… right? (WHN)
• The San Jose Sharks cleaned house this morning, firing Bob Boughner and the coaching staff in a tough move. (SJHN)

Sammi’s Top Shelf Takes

• Capitals assistant coach Scott Arniel was reportedly in the mix for the Winnipeg Jets head coaching job. Rick Bowness has gotten the job, per Darren Dreger. Meanwhile, one player I want to see as an NHL assistant one day: Brooks Orpik.
• I’m getting Patrick/Nico Hischier flashbacks ahead of his draft, and I’m thinking that in the future, Slafkovsky is going to be the better selection. Gut feeling and I could be completely wrong, but still something to think about.
• Nick Paul is very deserving of a long-term deal, and I think he’ll turn into one of the Tampa Bay Lightning’s top contributors as he embarks on a seven-year extension with the club.
• Nazem Kadri, meanwhile, told a Toronto radio station that the Avalanche owners want him to stick around. I still think he may hit free agency, and if so, Washington has to consider making a strong push.