3 quotes and insights from Chris Patrick’s press conference

The Washington Capitals held court before local media to introduce their seventh general manager in franchise history. He takes over from Brian MacLellan, who was general manager for the past 10 seasons and led the Caps to their first Stanley Cup victory and multiple Presidents’ Trophies in 2018. MacLellan stays as he has remained in the front office since last year as President of Hockey Operations.

As the Capitals celebrate their 50th anniversary season, Patrick is 48 and played local hockey in the Capital Beltway Hockey League and the AAA Little Caps. He was even drafted by the Caps in 1994. He moved into the front office in 2008-09, working in a half-dozen roles including pro scout, director of player personnel and assistant general manager. He was promoted to associate general manager in August of last year.

The team spoke with local reporters in District E next to Capital One Arena. The following quotes from the press conference come from Sammi Silber of The Hockey News:

“He has expanded his skills. I have been instrumental in watching him grow and develop.”

– Brian MacLellanO

Obviously, this means the Caps are a family business and this is just another family affair as they look to rebuild the roster for Alex Ovechkin’s final year. During the press conference, everyone seemed to be in good spirits and up to the daunting task of competing in a crowded Metropolitan Division.

“We really have a tradition of excellence and we intend to continue that. Sports teams and NHL teams are becoming more and more complex to manage … (GMBM) leads and has the final say on all hockey operations, and then we have Chris who handles all of the duties in the company and can be the general manager and negotiate with all of the other general managers. I feel like the team is in good hands.”

– Ted Leonsis

To learn the business, you have to know every single aspect of it. It couldn’t have been said better. And the man of the hour was still smiling for the cameras when he was asked the tough questions.

“When I first got back into the game, I never had that as my end goal. I just wanted to be part of a team… I’m definitely at a point where I feel 100 percent ready to jump in and take charge.”

– Chris Patrick

It will be a collaborative effort at all levels of the organization. The younger Patrick is a graduate of Princeton University, and his success with the Bears in back-to-back Calder Cups is living proof for the organization.