Sammi’s Daily Mix: Eller Meets Nadal, MacKinnon Has Odd… Leadership Style

We’re in the home stretch of the workweek, and the NHL free agency action has quieted down a bit. Still, arbitration cases are being settled, players are enjoying the offseason and Nathan MacKinnon is taking over the headlines.

My drink of choice for this morning is Barq’s root beer, so crack open a bottle and let’s go over the latest headlines.

Capitals Links

• Washington still has time to explore free agency and look for bargains. J.J. Regan explores potential options heading into the regular season. (NBC Sports Washington)
• Team Sweden will hold an Olympic preparatory meeting next week, and Nicklas Backstrom, Carl Hagelin and Andre Burakovsky will be in attendance. Jon Sorenson has more. (NoVa Caps)

NHL Links

• Former Avalanche defenseman Nikita Zadarov had some interesting things to say about Nathan MacKinnon and his leadership style. Scott MacDonald breaks down Zadarov’s comments, including more on MacKinnon’s rules when it comes to player diet, taking passes at practice and more. (Colorado Hockey Now)
• Pierre-Luc Dubois switched from No. 13 to No. 80 to pay tribute to the late Matiss Kivlenieks, his former teammate who died saving others in a tragic fireworks accident. Sean Leahy shares the full story. (Pro Hockey Talk)

Sammi’s Top Shelf Takes

• A Tiger and a King of Clay met on a tennis court in D.C. Lars Eller took the time to catch up with Rafael Nadal at the Citi Open, sharing a jersey and photo with the tennis pro while also taking in some tennis during the offseason.

Rafa ready to Rock the Red!#ALLCAPS x @RafaelNadal pic.twitter.com/qYLBjpKiCz

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) August 5, 2021

• Da Beauty League hockey is fun to watch. Nic Dowd put on a show with Jimmy John’s on Wednesday and has seven points in just two games, and Nick Jensen is also showing off the silky mitts. Meanwhile, Shane Gersich, who re-signed with the Capitals earlier this offseason, continues to be among the league’s scoring leaders this offseason. Oh, and speaking of Hershey – stick taps to Scott Allen, who’s replacing Spencer Carbery as the Bears new bench boss.

Nic Dowd carrying over his strong season to Da Beauty League.

He set a new career-high in goals with the Caps last season and showed strong chemistry on the fourth line. pic.twitter.com/erErAJcuoC

— Sammi Silber (@sammisilber) August 5, 2021