The Washington Capitals missed the playoffs last season, but their general manager is getting a promotion.
Brian MacLellan received a new title — president of hockey operations — as part of a series of moves to the team’s front office, the Capitals announced Monday. Along with MacLellan, the team said former president Dick Patrick moved into the role of “chairman of the Capitals” and named his son, Chris Patrick, as assistant general manager.
Though the Capitals underachieved this past year, MacLellan still has a strong track record of leading the franchise and those accomplishments likely played a role in Washington’s decision to give him a new contract. MacLellan, who is entering his 23rd season with the club and his 10th as general manager, was the architect of the Capitals’ 2018 Stanley Cup-winning team. The Capitals also have the third-most wins in the NHL during MacLellan’s tenure as the team’s lead decision-maker. MacLellan was reportedly set to enter the final year of his contract, so the executive’s new deal provides stability ahead of the coming year. Terms of MacLellan’s contract were not provided.
After a disappointing campaign for Washington, MacLellan is tasked with finding ways to have the Capitals contend in star Alex Ovechkin’s final years. The Russian’s contract doesn’t expire until 2026, and Ovechkin has expressed a desire for the Capitals to remain competitive while he chases Wayne Gretzky’s all-time scoring record. The Capitals have not advanced past the first round of the playoffs since winning the Stanley Cup.
“Our goal is to remain competitive,” MacLellan said earlier this month. “I think it’s a tricky balance, but we’ll see if we can pull it off. I think it’s important for Ovi, for all our veteran guys that we remain competitive, give them a chance to compete. And it’s important for our organization to add young players, to develop young players. So far, I think we’ve done a pretty decent job at it, and we’ll see what it’s like going forward.”
This offseason, the Capitals hired Spencer Carbery to be their next head coach in the wake of Peter Laviolette agreeing to part ways with the franchise. Carberry, 41, is a first-time head coach at the NHL level, but he has been a well-regarded assistant and has led the Capitals’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Hershey Bears.
Elsewhere, the Capitals moved Dick Patrick into a new role as part of a transition to the 76-year-old’s eventual retirement. Dick Patrick, a minority owner in the franchise, has been with the Capitals since 1982. He was previously the Capitals’ president and vice chairman.
Chris Patrick, meanwhile, has been with the Capitals for the last 16 years. The 47-year-old previously oversaw the Capitals’ scouting staff and worked closely with the Bears. Patrick’s promotion comes months after the Hershey Bears won the Calder Cup — the AHL’s version of the Stanley Cup.
Training camp begins Sept. 20. Beyond Carbery’s hiring, the Capitals have had a mostly quiet offseason. Earlier this month, the team extended winger Tom Wilson by giving him a seven-year, 45.5 million contract. MacLellan has said the Capitals would also like to upgrade their top six forwards, but have been unable to find a suitable trade.
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