Sammi’s Daily Mix: Capitals On The Clock, NHL Trade Frenzy Continues

It’s Day 2 of the 2021 NHL Draft, and the Washington Capitals will make their first selection at No. 55. Meanwhile, there’s still plenty of trade action taking place across the NHL, with several blockbusters and cap-clearing moves being made.

Without further ado, let’s check out the latest headlines and happenings in D.C. and around the league:

Capitals Links

• Although Washington doesn’t pick until near the end of the second round, there’s still plenty of top prospects to choose from. Chris Cerullo checks out some of the best names available for the Capitals to consider. (Russian Machine Never Breaks)
• Speaking of the draft, there’s a lot of positive memories there for Washington. Becca H. takes a look back at some of the best draft picks in Capitals franchise history. (Japers’ Rink)
• Amid the draft, trade speculation continues to brew, especially out of Vancouver. Here’s more on how the Canucks could be shopping Braden Holtby, who has been linked to Washington as a potential destination. (Washington Hockey Now)

NHL Links

• Owen Power, taken at No. 1 by the Buffalo Sabres, made history as the first NCAA player in 21 years to go first overall in the NHL Draft. Kevin McGran shares what Power had to say about joining the Sabres and helping the team in their rebuild. (Toronto Star)
• Vancouver was one of the busier teams on Friday and completed quite the deal that sent former Capitals forward Jay Beagle and more to the Arizona Coyotes for captain Oliver Ekman-Larsson. James O’Brien breaks down the deal for both sides. (Pro Hockey Talk)
• The Montreal Canadiens made a rather shocking selection at No. 31, drafting Logan Mailloux, who asked teams not to draft him following his actions in Sweden, where he was fined for taking a nonconsensual photo of a consensual sex act and sending it to his teammates via Snapchat. Greg Wyshynski gives more insight on the situation and the Habs statement in response to their decision. (ESPN)

Sammi’s Top Shelf Takes

• There’s a lot of good WHL products (Capitals have had great draft history with this league) and centers available going forward. One name I like: center Riley Kidney; he’s from the QMJHL and is ranked No. 49, but if he drops to No. 55, he could be a major asset for Washington. He plays a fast game and is a tremendous playmaker with a knack for the net and great vision and hockey IQ on the fly.
• If we do see a trade today around the draft, I would expect it to be one that clears cap space. I’m not entirely sure who would be the one to go, but there’ve been plenty of surprises. (see yesterday as an example). So, we’ll see what the Capitals do. Also, happy 30th birthday to Trevor van Riemsdyk.
• Stick taps to the reporters who are asking the tough questions about why the Canadiens elected to draft Mailloux. They’re tough, but need to be answered. Meanwhile, the prospect himself spoke about the selection, apologizing publicly to the victim and sharing that he believes Montreal can help him as he continues to grow (per Wyshynski).

Logan Mailloux expresses his regret for what he did to the victim and publicly apologizes to her, vowing the sincerity of his words.

"I promise I won't let anybody down and I want to use my personal story to be a part of the solution moving forward."

— Arpon Basu (@ArponBasu) July 24, 2021