Sammi’s Daily: Capitals Lineup, Russian Players Update, Latest On Kadri

The Washington Capitals are just weeks away from the start of training camp and the preseason, and with that comes questions regarding the opening night lineup.

Washington has several new additions and vacancies to fill, but who will end up fitting where?

Meanwhile, Russian players are starting to make their return to North America after busy offseasons, and other NHLers are still going through the ebbs and flows of free agency, including big stars.

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

Washington Capitals Links

• Dmitry Orlov discussed his offseason training and said he is confident he will return from Russia for the start of the season without complications. (WHN)
• Alex Ovechkin got some fun feedback on his other talents beyond goal-scoring, including figure skating, karaoke and more. (WHN)
• Where will Marcus Johansson draw in next season, and what could the forward lines look like? (WHN)

NHL Links

• It seems like a matter of time before Nazem Kadri signs with the New York Islanders, which could create some interesting lineup scenarios with other players possibly headed out to make space for the star. (NYIHN)
• The rival Pittsburgh Penguins are way over the salary cap; how will they get under before the season starts? (PHN)
• Kirill Kaprizov is officially back in Minnesota as the Wild breathe a sigh of relief. (Star Tribune)

Sammi’s Top Shelf Takes

• Arbitration hearings are starting to take place across the NHL. For those wondering: deals cannot be negotiated after an arbitration hearing. Once arbitration begins, both the club and the player must wait for the third-party arbitrator’s decision. That decision is sent via email within 48 hours of the closing arguments. That decision is final.
• RIP to Vin Scully, the greatest play-by-play announcer in MLB history. He set the precedent for several in the PxP business and is a true Hall of Famer and legend. Scully was 94.
• Oskar Magnusson will lace ’em up for Sweden again in the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championships. He and Haakon Hanelt are the only Capitals prospects competing in the World Juniors, which start in August.