Brian MacLellan’s last conversation with Brooks Laich was Saturday, when MacLellan told the Capitals’ longest-tenured player that he had been placed on waivers. Nothing ultimately came of that move, but Laich seemed to understand the significance, that teams don’t waive the players they’re not willing to lose.
“He expressed that he really wanted to be a part of it and win a Stanley Cup here,” MacLellan said Monday.
MacLellan’s expression was pained as he recounted that last conversation. The two just exchanged phone messages Sunday night, when the Capitals traded Laich, defenseman Connor Carrick and a 2016 second-round selection to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for Daniel Winnik and a 2016 fifth-round pick.