Weekend Wrap: Capitals Making Headlines, Kadri To The Islanders?

Over the weekend, the Washington Capitals have been seeing several players make strides in one way or another, both on and off the ice.

Alex Ovechkin continues to score — even in the summer. Meanwhile, T.J. Oshie was honored back home in Warroad, and the Capitals will see one of their prospects take the ice at the World Junior Championships.

League-wide, it looks like Nazem Kadri may have a home, and other big names are starting to come off the market and find a home with free agency winding down.

Here are all the latest news and notes from a big weekend in D.C. and across the NHL:

Washington Capitals Links

• Ovechkin lit the lamp in a charity game for Artemi Panarin’s foundation — and the Breadman had nothing but good things to say about the Great 8. (WHN)
• Ovi also surprised the Dynamo Moscow youth team, making memories for several up-and-coming players from the very club he grew up playing for. (WHN)
• Meanwhile, in North America, Oshie had his high school No. 19 retired in Warroad, and spoke about what his hometown means to him. (WHN)
• No. 77 also had a lot to say about Ovechkin, detailing the Capitals captain’s love for Britney Spears, leadership ability and goal celebrations that go so hard that Oshie thinks he may need medical. (WHN)
• Moving on to prospects, Haakon Hanelt has made Team Germany and will lace ’em up in World Juniors. (WHN)
• In an exclusive 1-on-1, Hanelt also discussed how he wants to build his own legacy and be his own player as he pursues his dream with the Capitals.
• The team also has another dark horse prospect in David Gucciardi, who discussed finally getting a taste of the NHL after being passed over in 2021 and following up with a standout season at Michigan State. (WHN)
• Michal Kempny shared more about his hardships with Washington, the process of leaving the Capitals and how the Seattle Kraken could be his last chance at the NHL. (WHN)

NHL News

• Matthew Tkachuk said in his introductory presser with the Florida Panthers that he’s ready to bring a winning culture to Sunrise — and longtime rival Evander Kane had something to say about that, dissing the newest Cat. (WHN)
• Right now, here’s everything to know about the Nazem Kadri situation, and all signs point to him most likely landing with the New York Islanders. (NYIHN)
• Speaking of free agent centers, Evan Rodrigues is an interesting name still on the market. (PHN)
• What will the Montreal Canadiens do if Carey Price and Jake Allen aren’t ready for the season? Well, they have an answer: Sam Montembeault. (MHN)

Sammi’s Top Shelf Takes

• Dmitry Orlov also told sports.ru in an interview that Ovechkin can really hit the high notes, saying that he should be on “The Voice.” More of that in a later article to come…
• Per Kevin Weekes, the Hershey Bears are closing in on hiring former Capitals blueliner Todd Nelson as their next bench boss to replace Scott Allen, who is coming up to D.C. to take over for Scott Arniel and lead the PK to new heights.
• Daniel Sprong remains on the market, and one has to wonder if the Swiss League is what lies ahead for the 25-year-old. There’s still plenty of upside for him, but things just haven’t panned out long-term for him at the NHL level.
• I just wanted to thank all of our amazing readers and supporters for following along with this site. We’ve been up now for a year and a month, and more to come. Here’s to more quality content.