Capitals Mailbag: Coaching Search, Backstrom's Future, Kuznetsov & Mantha Trade Talk, Moves Coming?

ARLINGTON, V.A. -- The Washington Capitals have quite the offseason ahead of them, and over the last few days, the team's gotten some work done, including deals signed and interviews in place.

With a busy summer comes a lot of questions, and I took the time to answer them in The Hockey News' latest Capitals mailbag. Except, there's a bit of a new approach.

I answered some of this in writing but also included my first-ever mailbag on camera. I get quite nervous speaking in front of crowds (my teachers in school can attest to the fact that I would legitimately beg not to present), but I've been being asked by quite a few fans, friends, family members and readers to begin providing my hockey coverage via video.

So, I launched Sammi On Hockey. It's a new YouTube channel where I talk Caps, NHL headlines and also share stories about my life on ice as a mediocre player but proud captain.hockey captain in my local HNA league.

Anyhoo, thank you guys for the support and let's get to those burning questions.

Note: Questions have been edited for clarity and length.

Dmitry Orlov made some interesting comments on the Boston Bruins' breakdown day, indicating that the Capitals could be an option for him as he approaches free agency. He said he would talk to his agent and see where things go, but he also didn't sound overly optimistic.

"It's tough -- probably yeah," Orlov said of seeking a potential return to the Capitals. "Gonna talk to my agent. How I see, if they trade me, I don't think it's gonna work out, but we'll see."

Orlov, along with Garnet Hathaway, was dealt to the Bruins for Craig Smith as part of the team's sell-off prior to the 2023 NHL Trade Deadline. He had a strong showing in his Bruins tenure, picking up 17 points in 23 games to close out the regular season.

Right now, I don't see his return being likely. Washington brought in Rasmus Sandin to take over as an up-and-coming top-4 defenseman, and Martin Fehervary also has good chemistry with John Carlson and is waiting on his next deal. Also, GMBM inked Alex Alexeyev and Hardy Häman Aktell to deals to round out the left side. Then, the right side is stacked with Carlson, Nick Jensen and Trevor van Riemsdyk singed and the likes of Vincent Iorio coming up the pipeline.

There's just nowhere for him to exactly fit, and the two parties weren't exactly close on agreeing to anything either before he was traded, leading MacLellan to even say that he got the sense Orlov wanted to explore the market. Plus, the need to get younger and revamp the top-6 somewhat puts that thought of a reunion to rest.

I answered this in our video mailbag, pointing out Jeff Halpern and Spencer Carbery as options, but general manager Brian MacLellan isn't rushing, and as expected, the market continues to provide options.

The New York Rangers parted ways with Gerard Gallant on Saturday, putting another popular, experience candidate on the market. However, my gut tells me that Washington will go with a younger option and assistant. I don't have anything to back this up except my opinion, but GMBM didn't sound like he was really putting an emphasis on experienced bench bosses.

There are quite a few big names hitting the market, and some that I see potentially being a good fit as MacLellan looks to revamp the top-6. Of course, the price ahs to be right, though, and I see a lot of it also depending on if Evgeny Kuznetsov, Anthony Mantha and more end up sticking around.

Vladimir Tarasenko was dealt to the Rangers but is set to become a UFA. The 31-year-old sharpshooter put up 50 points and is a solid right winger who could bring a lot to the table and perhaps even show good chemistry with captain and countrymate Alex Ovechkin.

Timo Meier is also a nice option, but he may re-up with the New Jersey Devils. He hit the 40-goal mark this past season and would be quite expensive, but he is young and would truly add a lot to the D.C. landscape as the team retools on the fly.

Also, something the club could consider is bringing back Connor Brown. The 29-year-old was a solid option and pickup in the offseason, but his first season in a contract year was lost when he tore his ACL just three and a half games into the season. Brown could get another look for the right price, as MacLellan also said he was a versatile piece that could have gelled well with the top-6.

As for centers, J.T. Compher had a 52-point season and could be a good addition to the top-6, especially if Kuznetsov departs and the team is looking for a more experienced option. The 28-year-old also won the Cup in 2022, knows how to win and could bring quite a bit to the table.

Tyler Bertuzzi is another interesting name and one to consider following his trade to the Bruins, as he's also a top-6 contributor. However, it remains to be seen if he'll get an extension.

As I mentioned in the video, there's a lot to consider on the Kuznetsov front. It appears that he and the team are at a crossroads, and it doesn't look like things are headed down a good path.

When it comes to mock trades, I'll give you one: a potential landing spot could be the Winnipeg Jets (note: this is my take, nothing official). The Jets are likely looking to retool and make some changes after a disappointing first-round exit, and an interesting name is Mark Scheifele. There's some inconsistency there as well, but he's capable of putting up 50-plus points and, perhaps, could benefit from a change in culture and scenery. The same goes for Kuznetsov.

As mentioned in the video, the trade value isn't the highest for either right now, but I believe there are moves to be made out there. GMBM will take his time, though, as there's no rush to move on from them immediately with the draft lottery coming up and free agency and the trade market opening up later in the offseason.

Still, anything can happen, and certainly, there's a deal to be made. The price does have to be right, though, as Washington needs at least something valuable back.

After overcoming Hodgkin's Lymphoma and working his way back to full strength, Miroshnichenko received clearance to play this season and made quite the statement as scored his way up to the KHL. He showcased his skill, physicality and goal-scoring ability, and now, he's ready to head to Norht America after choosing to terminate his deal with Avangard and sign his entry-level contract with the Capitals.

So, where will he start?

The likeliest place is Hershey. With AHL ice time and experience, Miroshnichenko can get more comfortable with the pro game in North America before making the full-time jump to the NHL. However, don't rule anything out, as anything can happen at training camp. We saw it with Hendrix Lapierre in 2021, and Aliaksei Protas this past season.

Miroshnichenko is on a mission to prove his worth, and after dropping to 20th in the 2022 NHL Draft, he wants to show that he's the top-10 talent he was scouted as before his cancer diagnosis. Regardless, expect him to be a big piece for Washington as the team retools and works toward the future.

I haven't heard anything on this end, and I imagine he's a name the Rangers want to hold on to as he continues to show promise. Still, he would be a solid option that can bring a lot to the table, though the price has to be right.

Again, I won't rule anything out, but given the team wants to get younger and has Beck Malenstyn -- who can play the role Hathaway did -- and more Hershey players waiting in the wings, I don't believe he will return. However, he was a great locker room presence and a force to be reckoned with that the team certainly missed down the stretch.