Sammi’s Daily: Capitals Offseason Rumblings, NHL Awards, Stanley Cup Notes

The Washington Capitals got off to quite a busy start to the week, re-signing a couple of names on Monday before being linked to two teams in offseason rumblings and then seeing Alex Ovechkin, John Carlson and Martin Fehervary receive praise and consideration for NHL Awards on Tuesday.

With Nicklas Backstrom out long-term with his return to play unknown, the Capitals need a top-6 center. There have been a few names thrown around as the team looks for a solution. Meanwhile, Washington also has to address its pending free agents, find a No. 1 goalie and get a suitable understudy for Tom Wilson.

Beyond D.C., the Stanley Cup Finals roll on as the Colorado Avalanche and Tampa Bay Lightning face off in Game 4 at 8 p.m. ET.

Here are all the latest news and notes from the District and across the NHL:

Capitals Links

• With Backstrom undergoing potentially career-ending surgery, the Capitals are now reportedly linked to J.T. Miller and Nazem Kadri as the team looks for a top-6 center this summer. (WHN)
• Speaking of top-6 pivots, could Evgeni Malkin be a potential solution to Washington’s problems if Pittsburgh lets him walk? (WHN)
• Also, Alex Ovechkin, John Carlson and Martin Fehervary all earned consideration for NHL Awards on Tuesday. (WHN)
• Here’s a look back at Justin Schultz’s 2021-22 campaign and how the pending UFA stacked up. (Japers’ Rink)

NHL Links

• There’s a new coach in Sunrise, and it’s not Barry Trotz. The Florida Panthers are naming Paul Maurice as their new head coach, moving on from interim bench boss Andrew Brunette. (FHN)
• It looks like former Capitals goalie and perhaps the biggest New York Islanders trade chip, Semyon Varlamov, is staying put. (NYHN)
• Perhaps one of the most interesting parts of the Stanley Cup Final: the goaltending on both sides of the matchup. (AP)
• Imagine a world where the Pittsburgh Penguins draft Tom Wilson… look back at the Penguins drafts over the years and what mistakes Washington’s biggest rival have made. (PHN)

Sammi’s Top Shelf Takes

• On this day in 2012, the Capitals selected Tom Wilson 16th overall in the NHL Draft. His growth over time has been impressive, and he has become more disciplined and is becoming a strong all-around player and contributor. This season marked a career year for him, and when he comes back from his ACL injury, he will likely continue to flourish.
• Miller would be an interesting option for Washington. Picked up 99 points this past season and has great speed, vision and hands. He can also work on the power play and has a cap hit of $5.25 million next season. For the right price, he could be a good asset on the top-6.
• Cale Makar is my player to watch for Wednesday’s Game 4. Coming off his first Norris win just shortly after drawing into the NHL out of college, he has started to pick up the production in this final and be an X-Factor. Still, it’s not all about point production, and Makar brings a lot more to the table.
• I also wouldn’t mind seeing Kadri in Washington. He is a smart player with speed and offensive ability, and he has proven that he can contribute and put up quality numbers. Plus, he brings that grit the team will be missing without No. 43 in the mix.