Sammi’s Daily: Capitals Draft Priorities, Can Bolts Go Back-To-Back-To-Back?

As the Tampa Bay Lightning sit on the verge of their third consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearance, the Washington Capitals and rest of the NHL are preparing for what should be an action-packed offseason, all starting with the 2022 NHL Draft from July 7-8.

Washington has a lot to consider as the team gets the 20th overall selection. The Capitals went without a first-rounder last season as a result of the Anthony Mantha trade. After the draft, Washington and the league will turn their attention to NHL Free Agency, which starts on July 13.

As we approach the offseason, here are news and notes to look out for from the District and across the NHL:

Capitals Links:

• Here’s a closer look at Trevor van Riemsdyk, his journey from a No. 7 blueliner to a regular and how he is emerging into one of the X-Factors on the Capitals blue line.
• Speaking of the draft, one prospect that may be on Washington’s radar: Frank Nazar.
• And, when it comes to prospects, who could we see in the NHL next season? The Athletic‘s Tarik El-Bashir shares his take.

NHL Links:

• The Lightning are going into Game 6 against the Rangers knowing it will be their toughest competition yet as they look to make back-to-back-to-back visits to the Cup Final. Here’s what we’ve learned from the club so far.
• And, on the Avalanche side of the final, could Nazem Kadri play?
• Looking at other Metro teams, Stefen Rosner breaks down the remarkable bond between Ross Johnston and Matt Martin on the Islanders.

Sammi’s Top Shelf Takes

• Personal news: I wrote another book. My sixth, in honor of my late grandfather, a poetry book. He was a big W.B. Yeats fan — it was the last book he gave me — so I hope this makes him proud. You can check out To The Sound here, available on Amazon.
• I can see Lucas Johansen and Trevor van Riemsdyk making a solid third pairing next season. I liked Johansen’s play in his debut and he has come a long way since 2016.
• Happy 53rd birthday to former Capitals center Kip Miller. He had 21 goals and 60 points through two seasons in D.C.