Other than coach, Capitals’ key pieces return
EASTERN CONFERENCE
LOS ANGELES — The Stanley Cup’s guardians had no problem with Alexander Ovechkin eating caviar out of the trophy’s bowl. But when it came to doing keg stands — a handstand on the Cup to guzzle beer — the Cup keepers declared the Washington Capitals guilty of unsportsmanlike conduct.
The Capitals’ celebrations were long and hearty, befitting a team that won its first title in its 44-year NHL history, but participants were politely asked to stop doing keg stands for fear of damaging the Cup. One oddity among the usual revelry: Before the festivities were over coach Barry Trotz had resigned because he couldn’t reach agreement with management on a new contract.
While the Capitals cavorted with the Cup, the Toronto Maple Leafs were winning free agency by luring center John Tavares from the New York Islanders with a seven-year, $77-million contract. The Islanders got some consolation prizes of sorts by hiring former New Jersey and Toronto executive Lou Lamoriello to be their general manager and president of hockey operations and hiring Trotz as their coach. Overall, a gain in management and a loss on the ice.
Here are big questions in the Eastern Conference heading into the season:
They’ve kept the band together other than Trotz, fourth-line center Jay Beagle (free agent), and backup goalie Philipp Grubauer (traded). Their transition to new coach Todd Reirden should be easy because he was an assistant and associate coach the last four seasons. As with any team going for back-to-back titles, the keys will be the extent of their hunger and depth of their post-championship hangover. Ovechkin, who became a father for the first time this summer, reportedly arrived in training camp lean and fit, which is bad news for the rest of the East.
No question, Tavares was the prime free agent this summer. No question, Tavares, Mitch Marner (22 goals, 69 points), Auston Matthews (34 goals, 63 points), Nazem Kadri (32 goals, 55 points) and unsigned restricted free agent William Nylander (20 goals, 61 points) form a dynamic group. But the Maple Leafs must improve defensively: Goaltender Frederik Andersen faced a league-high 2,211 shots in 66 games, an average of 33.5 per game. They need a few more pieces before they can contend, but things are trending the right way in the Center of the Hockey Universe.
Steve Yzerman’s decision to step down as general manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning to become a senior adviser was surprising but shouldn’t disrupt their performance thanks to the impressive flow of talent he brought into the organization. Julien BriseBois will take over as GM so Yzerman can spend more time with his family in Detroit, and it’s likely Yzerman eventually will join the Red Wings’ organization. In the meantime, Nikita Kucherov ( first 100- point season), Steven Stamkos (27 goals, 86 points), emerging star Brayden Point ( 32 goals), and Norris Trophy-winning defenseman Victor Hedman will lead a team that topped the NHL last season with 54 wins and 296 goals. Toronto made the biggest move of the offseason by signing John Tavares away from the New York Islanders.
After finishing 31st among 31 teams they have nowhere to go but up. No. 1 overall draft pick Rasmus Dahlin, a Swedish defenseman who’s a superb skater with great vision at both ends of the ice, should help them rise in the standings.
Center Jack Eichel, the No. 2 pick in 2015, has progressed statistically and in fighting the team’s longtime losing culture. Casey Mittelstadt, the No. 2 center, has enormous potential as well. A playoff spot is a reach, but there is reason for optimism for their long- suffering fans.