Sammi’s Daily Mix: Ryan Reaves Comments On Tom Wilson, Reviewing The Metro

The Washington Capitals are officially one month away from the preseason, which kicks off against the Boston Bruins on Sept. 26. As we get closer to the season opener, there’s more tension brewing between the Capitals and Rangers as Ryan Reaves shared his take on the Tom Wilson situation.

Meanwhile, summer hockey action continues. Da Beauty League ended Wednesday, but the final Olympic qualification begins on Thursday.

Here’s all the latest news and notes from across the league.

Capitals Links

• As Washington braces for a sure-to-be volatile season opener against New York, newest Rangers forward Ryan Reaves added a bit of tension to the mix by saying how he’d handle the Tom Wilson incident: “We’re fighting three times or I’m jumping you.” Ian Oland has more on Reaves’ remarks. (Russian Machine Never Breaks)
• Speaking of Wilson, how will he stack up next season? J.J. Regan and Andrew Gillis take a look. (NBC Sports Washington)
• Also, here’s how No. 43 could be playing a significantly different — and perhaps bigger — role for the Capitals in 2021-22. (Washington Hockey Now)

NHL Links

• Washington and Pittsburgh will be looking to maintain their place atop the Metro, but what other teams could present heavy competition? Adam Gretz breaks down the division following a busy offseason. (Pro Hockey Talk)
• Tuukka Rask said that he wants to remain with the Bruins and that he would likely come “cheap.” Jimmy Murphy ponders what a new deal could look like for the Finnish netminder. (Boston Hockey Now)
• The final Olympic Qualification tournament is set to kick off on Thursday. From Anze Kopitar (Slovenia) to Oliver Bjorkstrand, Steven Ellis discusses all of the NHLers participating. (Sports Illustrated)

Sammi’s Top Shelf Takes

• Vladislav Tretiak confirmed to Sports-Express that Evgeny Kuznetsov will not be able to play for the Russian Olympic Committee in the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. The IIHF banned Kuznetsov from international competition for four years back in 2019 after he tested positive for cocaine.
• Da Beauty League action wrapped up last night, with Jimmy John’s defeating Walser 10-9. Former Capitals Travis Boyd (JJ) and Nate Schmidt (Walser) each picked up four points, with Boyd dishing four helpers and Schmidt adding a goal and three assists.
• Happy birthday to Patty Silber, my mom, my inspiration and my best friend. I love you!