Sammi’s Daily: Capitals Signings, Trade, Free Agency Talk, NHL Awards Watch

Monday felt like the start of a work week, especially for the Washington Capitals. The team addressed two outstanding restricted free agents and still has quite a few names to look at before free agency on July 13.

All the while, the Stanley Cup Final is becoming more and more intense, as the Tampa Bay Lightning have shown that they’re not going anywhere without a fight after a strong Game 3.

With no game scheduled for Tuesday, the remainder of the 2022 NHL Awards will be revealed. Kenan Thompson will host the show at Armature Works in Tampa. You can tune in at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN or Sportsnet.

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

Capitals Links

• The Capitals re-signed right wing Brett Leason to a two-year, one-way deal, rewarding the center for an impressive season and strong transition to the NHL. (WHN)
• Beck Malenstyn is also back on a two-year extension, as Washington will start him on a two-way deal before it becomes a one-way deal in Year 2, showcasing his potential to make the jump sooner rather than later. (WHN)
• Here are all of the remaining Capitals free agents and what else the team needs to address. (WHN)
• Here’s a look at defenseman Benton Maass’ season and what else the Washington prospect has brought to the table. (NoVa Caps)

NHL Links

• The Colorado Avalanche saw the tables turn in Game 3, but there’s no need for panic as hopes for a sweep in the Stanley Cup Final were spoiled. (CHN)
• Defenseman Jeff Petry could be one of the big names on the move this offseason, as trade talk has picked up again for the Montreal Canadiens blueliner. (MHN)
• Top KHL free agent winger Andrei Kuzmenko is off the market, as he chose to sign with the Vancouver Canucks. (VHN)
• Here are some of the top offseason trade candidates to watch. (Pro Hockey Talk)

Sammi’s Top Shelf Takes

• Leason and Malenstyn’s extensions are great signs for the Capitals’ future. Malenstyn is one name that has stood out to me over time. Great physical winger who brings a lot of hard-hitting ability and versatility. I can see him filling in on the fourth line quite nicely and bringing a lot to the table that Carl Hagelin has in the ways of penalty killing and strong defensive play.
• Looking at free agency, one has to wonder: would Washington even consider bringing in Evgeni Malkin if he hit the market? The team is looking to get younger, but the Russian connection there and his history could make him a candidate to fill in on the top-6 for Backstrom. Though, there are many concerns.
• Well, I was wrong about the Bolts. They came back with a vengeance at Amalie Arena, even chasing Darcy Kuemper from the net. But hey, again, that’s the beauty of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Plus, one game doesn’t change much.
• I’d love to see Barry Trotz behind the bench for the Florida Panthers. Plus, if Mitch Korn comes with him, he’d work great with a young Spencer Knight.