Connect with us

Washington Capitals

Sammi’s Daily Mix: Capitals’ Cap Situation, NWHL Rebrand, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl Tribute

Published

on

The NWHL rebranded to the PHF.

Labor Day has come and gone, meaning that the Washington Capitals are just a couple of weeks away from training camp, and in turn, the start of the 2021 preseason. Meanwhile, the NWHL is now the PHF after an all-out rebrand.



Here are all the latest headlines to catch up on as we kick off a new week.

Capitals Links

  • Following a relatively quiet offseason that mainly featured key re-signings, Washington finds itself in a cap crunch. J.J. Regan and Andrew Gillis examine how general manager Brian MacLellan will handle the Capitals’ salary cap space. (NBC Sports Washington)
  • Since the franchise’s founding in 1974, Washington has experienced highs and lows in the postseason. Michael Marzzacco ranks the best playoff moments in Capitals history. (Stars & Sticks)
  • Heading into next season, the defense will need to step up, especially with Brenden Dillon and Zdeno Chara gone. Carl Knauf explains why Michal Kempny and Martin Fehervary will be key to filling that void. (The Hockey Writers)

NHL Links

  • The NWHL rebranded completely over Labor Day Weekend and is now the Premier Hockey Federation. Holly Morrison takes a look at the league’s new image and what it all means. (The Ice Garden)
  • After dealing Oliver Ekman-Larsson and looking for a new arena, the Coyotes appear to be in rebuild mode. James O’Brien takes a look at the team’s performance so far. (Pro Hockey Talk)
  • With Jack Eichel apparently out of the picture for now, the New York Rangers could be in on a new top forward: Tomas Hertl (Forever Blueshirts)

Sammi’s Top Shelf Takes

  • Our thoughts, prayers and hearts go out to all who were involved in the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl plane crash that occurred 10 years ago on this day in 2011. We will never forget what happened on that day and the amazing talents that we lost.

  • Also in our thoughts: Jake Thibeault, who plays for Milton Academy. He was seriously injured while playing in a hockey tournament during the holiday weekend that resulted in a spinal cord injury. Supporters have already raised over $230,000 for Thibeault’s recovery, and the GoFundMe can be found here.
  • The PHF rebrand is an amazing move for women’s hockey and shows a major step forward. It shows that the league can recognize athletes based on their talent and that gender isn’t the only defining point. Even Riveters captain Madison Packer said, per the Ice Garden, “I understand and appreciate not having to define ourselves as female athletes anymore. Now we are defining players based on skill and what they bring to the game. This is about recognizing that regardless of gender, athletes are talented.”

Discover more from Washington Hockey Now

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading