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Sammi’s Daily Mix: Capitals Shine In Da Beauty League, Tarasenko Update

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Capitals Nick Jensen and Shane Gersich shined in their Da Beauty League season openers.

We’re almost at Friday, and it’s been a roller coaster of a week so far. Not only are the usual Seattle Kraken rumblings and trade talks taking place, but we finally get a taste of NHL action and a look at a few Washington Capitals with the start of Da Beauty League.

Meanwhile, there’s another interesting update on Vladimir Tarasenko‘s situation in St. Louis, and big news also came out of Montreal in regards to Shea Weber‘s future with the Canadiens.

So without further ado, let’s drop the puck on the latest headlines.

Capitals Links

  • Ryan Suter could be a potential target for the Capitals this offseason, per several reports. J.J. Regan outlines a couple of scenarios where Washington could end up signing the 36-year-old blueliner. (NBC Sports Washington)
  • Former Washington forward and Detroit Red Wings legend Sergei Federov is now the head coach of CSKA Moscow. Ian Oland has more on his new role. (Russian Machine Never Breaks)
  • Beck Malenstyn was a dark horse for a roster spot prior to a torn Achilles that held him out for the entirety of 2020-21, and as he returns to 100 percent, he could make noise heading into this season. Here’s what to expect from the physical Washington prospect in 2021-22. (Washington Hockey Now)

NHL Links

  • As the Tarasenko talks continue to brew, the Russian sniper has reportedly given the Blues a list of teams he’d waive his NTC for — and the Capitals are one of them. Jeremy Rutherford shares the latest on Tarasenko’s situation. (The Athletic)
  • Per TVA Sports’ Renaud Lavoie and other sources, the Habs plan to expose Shea Weber to the Kraken, as he’s expected to miss significant time due to continued injury troubles. Greg Wyshynski provides more on Weber’s situation that could impact his NHL future. (ESPN)
  • The Bruins crossed a key item off their to-do list Wednesday, re-signing defenseman Brandon Carlo. Jimmy Murphy breaks down the deal and what it means for Boston’s blue line. (Boston Hockey Now)

Sammi’s Top Shelf Takes

  • Da Beauty League is officially underway, and the Capitals are making their presence known. Nick Jensen shined the brightest with a goal and three assists for Nor-Son in their 12-8 win over Tradition. Shane Gersich also made the scoresheet and dished two helpers for Jimmy John’s in their 9-6 loss to Bic. Jensen’s been able to add a lot of scoring to his game this past year, and it’s good to see him continuing to move the puck, join the rush and light the lamp.
  • I can’t help but wonder what the Capitals plan to do if they do in fact plan on acquiring Tarasenko. I explored this a bit the other day, but believe that they’d have to get rid of one of their RWs, but also, this could be the right opportunity to move Kuznetsov if Washington truly wants to part ways with the center. Tarasenko’s shoulder injury is a concern, though, and Washington may also need another piece in that return if they’re planning on just moving Kuznetsov since that’ll leave a major hole at center. Sure, they can make do down the middle with the pieces they have, but it’s something to think about with Connor McMichael still developing.
  • There was reportedly a lot of fallout that came from Minnesota general manager Bill Guerin‘s buyouts of Zach Parise and Ryan Suter. According to The Athletic’s Michael Russo, Suter missed the first call from Guerin and was speaking with and offering support to Parise after the forward broke the news. Guerin then called again to break the news to Suter, and the defenseman was blindsided and so upset that he hung up on the Wild GM. A vital reminder here: hockey players are human. Reactions like this are realistic, especially when it’s a life-altering hat comes out of left field such as this one.