Capitals change front office and promote Chris Patrick to GM

The Washington Capitals have made a big change in their front office. Washington has promoted Chris Patrick to senior vice president and general manager, according to a team press release.

“We are very pleased to announce Chris’ promotion to General Manager,” said Ted Leonsis, Chairman and CEO of Monumental Sports & Entertainment, who announced the move. “Chris is a dedicated and hard-working executive who is well prepared for this next step in his career. His vision, extensive experience, hockey sense and player evaluation make him the perfect leader to lead our team forward. We are confident he will succeed in this new role.”

Patrick will report to President of Hockey Operations Brian MacLellan, who is responsible for all aspects of hockey operations.

“With Dick Patrick as Chairman, Brian as President and Chris as General Manager, we believe we have a dynamic leadership team that will continue to move our hockey operations forward,” said Leonsis. “Over the past decade, Brian has done an outstanding job leading our hockey operations, helping to bring the Stanley Cup to Washington and maintaining our team’s consistent competitiveness. Brian’s leadership, experience and vision for our hockey team, combined with Chris’ impressive track record and successful tenure as an executive, talent evaluator and steward of our minor league partnerships, positions our hockey team for a successful future.”

Chris Patrick is the seventh general manager in franchise history. Last year was his 16th season with Washington and his first as associate general manager. Patrick started with the Capitals in a player development and scout role. Since then, he has worked his way up through the ranks of pro scout, director of player personnel, assistant general manager and associate general manager.

Now he is sitting on the big armchair.

Capitals trade for Jakob Chychrun and sign Mayy Roy to strengthen their blue line.

The Capitals have been pretty active so far in the 2024 NHL offseason. Washington just made a few moves that should increase their talent along the blue line.

First, the Capitals traded Jakob Chychrun from the Senators. Washington sent Nick Jensen and a 2026 third-round pick to Ottawa in exchange for Chychrun.

Chychrun was selected in the first round by the then-Arizona Coyotes. He had 14 goals, 27 assists, 154 blocks and 72 hits for the Senators last season. Chychrun is in the final year of his contract with a salary cap hit of $4.6 million. He is only 26 years old, so being in a contract year should be a big motivation for Chychrun. If he puts together an impressive 2024 season, he could be in line for another big NHL contract.

The Caps also agreed to a six-year deal with Matt Roy with an average annual value of $5.75 million. Roy signs a huge contract and will immediately improve the Capitals’ defensive game.

Roy is able to hold his own in shorthanded situations, an incredibly valuable skill for any defenseman. Last season, he recorded 197 blocks, which was seventh most in the NHL.

We can’t wait to see the Capitals play physical hockey when the NHL returns in October.