Weekend Wrap: Ovechkin’s Return, Kuemper’s New Gear, Capitals Updates

It’s Sunday, meaning that the Washington Capitals are another week closer to returning for the 2022-23 campaign. Of course, several of them are already taking the ice at MedStar Capitals Iceplex, and Alex Ovechkin maybe with that group as soon as Thursday.

The Great 8 is set to return from Russia this week. He spent the entire summer overseas, participating in charity events, training and, of course, spending time with his family.

Meanwhile, across the league, other teams are putting the finishing touches on their offseason and face big roster decisions as different divisions get even more competitive going into the new campaign.

Here is everything to know from this past weekend and the latest news and notes from D.C. and across the NHL:

Washington Capitals Links

• We answered who’s on the hot seat, Evgeny Kuznetsov and Dylan Strome’s expectations and more burning questions in our latest WHN Mailbag. (WHN)
• Ovechkin will fly back from Russia on Sept. 7, his agent said while discussing the latest on the 36-year-old phenom. (WHN)
• Inside Darcy Kuemper‘s fresh paint job and new mask as he begins the next journey of his career in the District. (WHN)
• Washington prospect Haakon Hanelt will reportedly miss the start of the QMJHL season in order to try and make his mark at Capitals training camp following an impressive offseason. (WHN)

NHL Links

• Is Nick Suzuki set to become the next captain of the Canadiens? Here’s what the 23-year-old had to say about possibly wearing the “C” for Montreal and the pressure he faces heading into next season. Montreal Canadiens (MHN)
• Updates on Evan Rodrigues, Zach Aston-Reese and other UFAs that are still left on the market with weeks to go until the preseason. Pittsburgh Penguins (PHN)
• The Sharks are rebranding and will have a whole new look in 2023-24, per our colleague Sheng Peng. San Jose Sharks (SJHN)
• Nils Lundkvist has requested a trade from the New York Rangers. (Forever Blueshirts)

Sammi’s Top Shelf Takes

• The NHLPA Rookie Showcase is set to get underway on Tuesday at MedStar Capitals Iceplex. Juraj Slafkovsky, Shane Wright, Hendrix Lapierre and more will be in attendance (as will I).
• Speaking of Lapierre, I like how he’s remaining heavily involved and making a good impression. The odds are in his favor to make quite the impact at the NHL level, and I expect him to be up with the big club sooner rather than later. Though making the roster this year will pose quite the challenge with limited vacancies. Oh, and don’t sleep on his good friend and fellow prospect Vincent Iorio, either, going into training camp. (WHN)
• Kuemper’s new mask is great. DaveArt also designs Charlie Lindgren’s mask, so I’m excited to see how that one looks as well.
• My thoughts are with the victims of the stabbing attacks across the province of Saskatchewan.