It's still early in the off-season, but on paper, these five NHL teams are among the most improved so far, says Adam Proteau. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA3MTAyODIxMzA3MjYyOTU2/usatsi_17667498_168400847_lowres.jpg] The Washington Capitals changed their GM on Monday as their previous GM focuses more on his larger role. Chris Patrick is the new GM of the Capitals after 16 seasons with the club and last season as associate GM. He will still report to Brian MacLellan, who spent last season as GM and president of hockey operations and will remain in the latter position. "We are thrilled to announce Chris' promotion to general manager," Capitals owner Ted Leonsis said in a news release. "Chris is a dedicated and hard-working executive who is fully prepared for this next step in his career. His vision, extensive experience, hockey acumen, and player evaluation make him the perfect leader to drive our team forward. We are confident that he will thrive in this new role." Patrick first joined the team in 2008-09 in a player development and scoring role, but the 48-year-old has also been a pro scout, director of player personnel and assistant GM before last season. Much of Patrick's role as associate GM involved overseeing the analytics department, player negotiations, player personnel, hockey operations staff and more. Patrick has also worked closely with the AHL's Hershey Bears, which have won the Calder Cup championship in each of the last two seasons. As MacLellan stays as hockey ops president, he enters his 24th season with the Capitals. He spent the last 10 seasons as the team's GM, amassing a 449-244-88 record. He also led the Capitals to the playoffs in nine of those seasons, with the 2018 post-season finishing with a Stanley Cup championship. In total, he has a 44-48-1 playoff record. For more reaction to the news, visit The Hockey News' Washington Capitals site [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/washington-capitals/news/washington-capitals-front-office-restructure-chris-patrick-general-manger]. Get the latest news and trending stories right to your inbox by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here [https://info.thehockeynews.com/mail/microsites/951/1/gTeQVf?_gl=1*ustlbj*_ga*NjkyMzUxMy4xNjYzNjIwMzQ3*_ga_PK63FB1PME*MTcxMzUwOTExNi40NDguMS4xNzEzNTA5MjA5LjU5LjAuMA..].
