Sammi’s Daily: Capitals Expectations, Ovechkin Talks Backstrom, Trade Talk

As the Washington Capitals head into the 2022-23 campaign, they will see Dylan Strome step up as Nicklas Backstrom faces a lengthy recovery and long road back to the NHL following hip resurfacing surgery.

Washington elected to not go for big stars or blockbuster signings in the offseason, instead opting to strengthen their netminding and several other areas with other top names. Strome is among those, and faces a challenge to boot.

In other NHL news, trade talks continue as free agency comes down to the wire. Nazem Kadri is still obviously a work in progress, but there are also other names like P.K. Subban and Phil Kessel still waiting on a deal.

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

Washington Capitals Links

• Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin spoke on Backstrom’s injury and what he means to the Capitals and also said the NHL will “lose a lot” if he doesn’t return. (WHN)
• Speaking of Ovechkin, here’s what he and Dmitry Orlov had to say about Ilya Samsonov leaving. (WHN)
• What will Washington see from Strome in 2022-23?

NHL Links

• The New York Islanders are still working to make space for Kadri and are reportedly shopping Anthony Beauvillier. (NYIHN)
• Could former Capitals netminder Semyon Varlamov be headed to the Vegas Golden Knights?
• When it comes to the 2017, the Pittsburgh Penguins may officially have had the worst class in that draft — here’s why.

Sammi’s Top Shelf Takes

• The World Juniors quarterfinals kick off on Wednesday, and Washington still has two prospects competing in Haakon Hanelt and Oskar Magnusson. Each has a game-winning goal with Germany and Sweden respectively and are showing they could be major steals. Hanelt was a fifth-rounder, and Magnusson a seventh.
• With a new head coach and several big additions, including Sam Anas, the Hershey Bears could be one of the best AHL teams heading into this season and a top Calder Cup contender.