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Sammi’s Daily: More Capitals Changes, Where Ovechkin Stands, Kadri Watch

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Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin

With the 2022-23 campaign just months away, the Washington Capitals are ready to make the most of several changes — and still had some leftover business to take care of on Monday as they filled their vacant assistant spot.

Meanwhile, free agency is still continuing to provide surprises and fun headlines.

Here are the latest news and notes from D.C. and across the NHL:

Capitals Links

  • Washington has a new assistant coach, with Hershey Bears bench boss Scott Allen taking over for Scott Arniel — and he has a pretty good track record with the penalty kill. (WHN)
  • Speaking of changes, the Capitals officially said goodbye to longtime defenseman Michal Kempny, who signed with the Seattle Kraken on Monday. (WHN)
  • Alex Ovechkin was trending on Twitter over the weekend, as the Washington captain’s questionable ranking on a top-100 NHL players list sparked a major debate. (WHN)
  • Vincent Iorio is a man on a mission to make the pro jump for the Capitals in 2022-23 — and he had a lot to say about it, too. (WHN)

NHL Links

  • After the Vancouver Canucks‘ Johnny Canuck Reverse Retros were reportedly leaked, the New York Islanders new Reverse Retro jersey has also reportedly been revealed and features one of the best — or worst, depending on where you stand — logos. (NYIHN)
  • On another note, the Florida Panthers are hoping a core shakeup, and the addition of Matthew Tkachuk, make a major difference. (FHN)
  • In off-ice and feel-good news, Montreal Canadiens alternate captain Paul Byron helped in saving the life of an airplane pilot who crashed in Lac des Sables and called good samaritan Serge Labelle the real hero. (MHN)
  • Jordin Tootoo has denied any involvement in the sexual assault allegations surrounding Canada’s 2003 World Junior team. (TSN)

Sammi’s Top Shelf Takes

  • Nazem Kadri watch is still on, as he remains without a new club nearly two weeks into free agency. The Islanders are among the teams that have been reportedly linked to the Stanley Cup champion. He has also made it clear he wants to sign with a contender.
  • Allen will do a great job up with Washington after a strong showing in his first year as coach in Hershey. He has been outstanding in leading several penalty kills and even had the Arizona Coyotes leading the league during his time in the Desert.
  • Kempny still has a lot left in him. I think a change of scenery will benefit him as he continues his comeback from three major left leg injuries. Plus, he will reunite with several former Capitals teammates. Andre Burakovsky, Justin Schultz and Dennis Cholowski are all in Seattle.
  • Speaking of the Kraken, Daniel Sprong remains a free agent. The 25-year-old has a wicked shot and also has a lot of upside left. Will he find a home this season? Or will he sign overseas?