Sammi’s Daily Mix: Capitals Rumblings, Wild Start To Offseason

It’s only the middle of the week, but the NHL offseason is already off to a… Wild start (see what I did there?). Minnesota shocked everyone when it bought out the final years of Zach Parise and Ryan Suter‘s contracts. All the while, the Vladimir Tarasenko sweepstakes continue, the Washington Capitals are also coming up in several conversations and the Seattle Kraken are preparing to draft your favorite players.

Needless to say, we’re officially in the throes of the “busy” offseason we’ve been waiting for. So let’s get caught up on everything going on.

Capitals Links

• Per reports, Washington may be interested in Tarasenko, but what does that mean for the current roster? We dive deeper into the implications of a potential deal for the Russian sniper. (Washington Hockey Now)
• Given the circumstances, it’s possible Washington could lose a left-handed blueliner in the expansion draft. Andrew Gillis explains how that could potentially be a positive for the Capitals. (NBC Sports Washington)
• Speaking of LHD, stick taps to Colorado Hockey Now’s Adrian Dater, as sources tell him and WHN that Washington may consider Suter following his buyout if he’s still available on July 28. Here’s more on how he could benefit the Capitals blue line (Washington Hockey Now)
• Ilya Samsonov, meanwhile, is a restricted free agent and requires a contract extension. Michael Marzzacco details what his next deal may look like. (Stars & Sticks)

NHL Links

• The NHL is looking to return to normal next season in regards to schedule and format. James O’Brien gives more background on the league’s plans for 2021-22. (Pro Hockey Talk)
• Chicago may not stop shaking up their roster after the Duncan Keith deal and per reports, the Hawks could be entering “win now” mode and eyeing Vegas Golden Knights netminder Marc-Andre Fleury. Dan Kingerski takes a closer look. (Vegas Hockey Now)
• Could Gabriel Landeskog be headed to the open market? Dater ponders the captain’s future with the Avs. (Colorado Hockey Now)
• Stick taps to the Florida Panthers, who are hosting clinics for the blind and visually impaired. (Panthers)

Sammi’s Top Shelf Takes

• Former Washington forward Sergei Federov is the new head coach for the KHL’s CSKA Moscow. He was previously in the front office working on the team’s supervisory board. It’s a great move for CSKA, as they get a known winner and former player who is extremely familiar with the team and can help lead the team to new heights.
• Bruins defenseman Kevan Miller announced his retirement after seven NHL seasons. The 33-year-old has struggled with injuries over time and said on Instagram that his health and family were the “priority” moving forward. He was set to become a UFA but leaves behind a strong career with a +79 rating, 71 points, 281 PIM and two Stanley Cup Final appearances with Boston. Good luck in retirement, Millsy.
• Buffalo winger Jeff Skinner waived his no-movement clause to give the Sabres flexibility in the expansion draft, per The Athletic’s John Vogl. A change of scenery would be deeply beneficial for him. He still has a lot left to give, and moving on from a fourth-line role or sitting in the press box can help him rebound. We saw Taylor Hall break out after leaving upstate NY, and the same could happen for the 29-year-old.
• I personally don’t think a Suter deal would be the worst thing for the Capitals. Washington would get a strong puck-moving defenseman and another leader on board. He’s finished in the top-20 for Norris voting in 11 of the last 12 seasons and plays well in both ends.