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After a hectic three-week offseason, the Capitals continued to make headlines on Monday morning by promoting Chris Patrick from associate general manager to general manager. This change in hockey operations personnel coincided with Brian MacLellan’s promotion from GM to president of hockey operations.

Patrick is now the seventh general manager in the history of the Washington Capitals franchise. He holds the distinction of being the first general manager to have been drafted by the team. In the 1994 NHL Entry Draft, Patrick was chosen by the Capitals in the eighth round as the 197th overall pick.

Patrick, the son of Caps’ chairman and minority owner Dick Patrick, expresses that the recent development is primarily a validation of our efforts over the past decade or so. He believes that Ted Leonsis, the majority owner, trusting us to take on a leadership role within the organization reflects highly on the competent team we have assembled in hockey operations. This was my initial response to the news.

Since 1982, when my dad got involved, I have only been associated with this team. It’s unimaginable for me to support or cheer for any other team. Initially, I believed that if such a situation ever occurred, it would likely be with a team outside of Washington. I had to come to terms with the idea that if it did happen, I would no longer be a fan of the Capitals. However, being given this opportunity here is undoubtedly a dream come true for me.

MacLellan’s tenure as the Washington GM has surpassed those of his six predecessors, as he remains in the organization even after stepping down from the GM role. This comes as no surprise, considering his impressive track record. Over the past 10 years, he has led the team to nine playoff appearances and secured their sole Stanley Cup victory. In fact, MacLellan’s performance as a GM ranks third in NHL history among those who have managed 500 or more games.

Over the course of 10 seasons, MacLellan led the Capitals to an impressive record of 449 wins, 244 losses, and 88 overtime losses, resulting in a stellar points percentage of .631. This places him third in the rankings, only behind Montreal’s Sam Pollock (.685 from 1964-78) and Boston’s Don Sweeney (.665 from 2015-present). Throughout this decade, the Capitals achieved significant milestones, including their first Stanley Cup victory in 2018, two Presidents’ Trophies, and an outstanding five consecutive Metropolitan Division titles from 2015-16 to 2019-20, setting a franchise record.

MacLellan is continuing the trend of Washington general managers serving for a decade or more. His predecessor McPhee held the position for 17 years, taking over from David Poile in 1997. Poile, who will be honored in the Hockey Hall of Fame this autumn, served as Washington’s GM for 15 years, from 1982 to 1997.

During the past three weeks, MacLellan and his hockey operations team, including Chris Patrick, have made significant changes to the team’s roster from the 2023-24 season. They have orchestrated several trades and signed free agents, successfully introducing seven new players to the organization. In the process, only three players from last year’s squad have departed.

MacLellan, who will turn 66 in October, has had a remarkably successful tenure in his role. After considering his options, he chose to hand over the reins to Patrick, who has dedicated more time to learning the game than any of the previous three general managers. At 48 years old, Chris Patrick has spent the last 16 seasons, a significant portion of his life, climbing the ranks within the organization. As a result, he has earned the esteemed position as the franchise’s seventh general manager.

Patrick started traveling more with the team last season, suggesting that MacLellan might be considering promoting him from associate GM to GM. In the past, it was common for one individual to handle both the head coach and GM roles in the NHL. However, the responsibilities have grown significantly over time, making it rare for anyone to handle both positions, except in temporary or urgent circumstances.

In the current era, the majority of NHL teams employ multiple assistant GMs, and a growing number of teams are adopting the same approach as Washington by separating the GM role from the head of hockey operations. This change was implemented on Monday, ending MacLellan’s dual responsibilities.

Leonsis acknowledges that Mac has received recognition for his accomplishments in hockey operations and assumes full responsibility for them. As the businesses have expanded and their requirements have become more complex, the need for a capable general manager has become evident. Chris was the clear choice for this role, as being a GM demands greater challenges and consumes more time. In today’s NHL, particularly in a major market, it is essential to have both a president and a GM, with Dick Patrick serving as chairman as well.

“We can confidently say that we are in extremely capable hands. Over the past 25 years under my ownership, we have consistently been guided by skilled individuals. Therefore, I believe that the current changes taking place within the organization are just a part of its natural progression. The unwavering continuity has played a crucial role in our achievements, and it is evident.”

Chris Patrick, who has ties to all three of his predecessors in the GM’s position, contributes to the continuity. Poile selected Patrick in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft, McPhee brought him on board in 2008, and MacLellan has collaborated closely with him for the past decade.

Upon completing his studies at Princeton in 1998, Patrick pursued an MBA at the Darden School of Business, University of Virginia, which he obtained in 2006. Subsequently, he ventured into the financial industry, following a trajectory akin to MacLellan’s own career path. In 2008, when Patrick expressed his interest in exploring job opportunities within the hockey realm, McPhee firmly asserted that if Chris was to embark on a hockey career, it had to be with the Capitals.

A few years ago, Dick Patrick recounted a conversation where he informed George about Chris’s intentions of discussing hockey opportunities and seeking advice during Thanksgiving. In response, George confidently asserted that if Chris were to pursue a career in hockey, he would do so under their organization. At that point, Dick Patrick decided to stay out of the matter.

They reached an agreement, although I believe it wasn’t as financially rewarding as his previous career in hockey, which doesn’t offer many high-paying opportunities. However, when I inquired about his job satisfaction, he expressed his love for it. He genuinely enjoys scouting players and being involved in the sport. The hockey community consists of wonderful individuals, making it even more enjoyable to work alongside people you admire.

Patrick began his journey in the scouting realm, working part-time. In 2010, he was granted the esteemed role of a professional scout. However, when MacLellan assumed the position of GM in 2014, Patrick’s responsibilities were heightened as he was promoted to the esteemed position of director of player personnel. This new role involved overseeing the team’s interaction with their AHL Hershey affiliate and managing the pro scouting staff for the Washington team.

After two years, the Bears made it to the Calder Cup final but were defeated by Cleveland. Another two years passed, and Dick and Chris Patrick joined the Patrick family as the sixth and seventh individuals to have their names permanently engraved on the Stanley Cup.

Patrick was promoted to assistant general manager in 2021. As part of his new role, he recruited two highly acclaimed AHL coaches, Spencer Carbery and Todd Nelson. Carbery, who will be starting his second season as the Capitals’ bench boss this autumn, has previously been awarded AHL Coach of the Year.

Patrick was promoted to the position of associate GM one year ago. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing pro scouting, analytics, and player contract negotiations. It was evident that he was progressing towards becoming a GM. Furthermore, the team’s consecutive victories in the Calder Cup, marking the second time in less than two decades, led to his promotion this summer.

In the hierarchical structure, Chris Patrick will be accountable to MacLellan, who in turn answers to Dick Patrick, the esteemed chairman and minority owner of the team. Dick Patrick became a part of the Capitals in the summer of 1982, assuming the role of team president. One of his initial responsibilities was the recruitment of Poile in August of the same year.

Dick Patrick brought McPhee on board approximately 15 years ago and recruited MacLellan 10 years ago during May. Recently, MacLellan appointed Chris Patrick as his successor on Monday.

Leonsis states, “Chris possesses the ideal age and has successfully accomplished every role within the company. When it comes to growth and progress, this is exactly what we consider. He has undoubtedly earned his position and everything he has been involved in has thrived.”

Hershey is a significant contributor to our achievements. During the 2004-05 lockout, we had three main goals: prioritizing young players in team building, revamping our training facility in Ballston, and completely reconstructing our AHL franchise.

Simultaneously, we accomplished all three tasks. Our relocation from Portland to Hershey has undoubtedly contributed greatly to our organization’s success. Hershey, being an esteemed franchise in professional sports, sought to form an association with us, and Chris has effectively managed that aspect of our operations. Personally, I have been fortunate to acquire numerous Hershey rings, with another one soon to be added, bringing the total to five within a span of nearly two decades.

Yes, you’re right. Additionally, the seasons of 2006-07 and 2015-16 also concluded with defeats in the Calder Cup final series.

Leonsis acknowledges, “We possess a perfect blend of expertise, youthful energy, and enthusiasm. Spencer stands as the League’s youngest coach, while Chris is likely one of the youngest general managers. This approach is essential for envisioning our future. However, it’s important to note that Chris isn’t a newcomer; he has been an integral part of our team for 16 years.”

He has been a crucial contributor to numerous organizational achievements throughout his tenure, many of which have been mentioned earlier. One notable accomplishment not mentioned is the Capitals’ proficiency in identifying and acquiring players from other teams through trades or free agency. As a significant member of the pro scouting department, Patrick played a direct role in this aspect of the organization.

After arriving in D.C., a significant number of players were captivated by the area, the culture, the workplace, and the thriving hockey environment built by MacLellan and his team over the past ten years. As a result, they made the decision to extend their contracts and continue their stay. This impressive list of players includes T.J. Oshie, Brett Connolly, Lars Eller, Michael Kempny, Devante Smith-Pelley, Nic Dowd, Carl Hagelin, Nick Jensen, Brenden Dillon, Conor Sheary, Trevor van Riemsdyk, Matt Irwin, Nicolas Aubé-Kubel, Sonny Milano, Dylan Strome, and Rasmus Sandin.

The list is truly remarkable. However, Patrick and the professional scouting team were not just searching for any individuals, they were constantly seeking the right match. This was highlighted by Patrick while discussing his vision for the Capitals in the era following Alex Ovechkin.

Chris Patrick explains that the future direction of the team and the necessary changes will depend on its current state and composition. He and Mac will collaborate to devise a plan for the team’s growth and strategy. Personally, Chris believes that there are numerous instances of teams successfully adapting or rebuilding while in action.

The circumstances are slightly unique, but when we examine the previous two expansion teams, they were initially expected to select players who typically fill third-line roles or serve as number five defensemen. However, they managed to assemble strong teams despite these limitations. It is important to recognize that there are talented players available, and it requires astuteness to identify the right individuals who align with your team’s style, structure, and desired gameplay.

We experienced success with the tear down/rebuild model once, but many other teams have tried it without achieving the same results. It’s easy to get caught in a continuous cycle of not having the right staff and having to start over again. If you choose to pursue this approach, you must be fully aware of the challenges involved, as it is no longer a secret in the League. When we implemented it, it wasn’t a common practice, but now multiple teams have attempted it, with varying degrees of success.

When I observe other teams in the League that haven’t achieved the same level of success, yet remained competitive during recent playoffs, it instills hope in me that we can uphold a winning culture and environment here without undergoing an extensive and arduous rebuilding process. However, it remains to be seen where we stand as a team as that ultimately determines our future path.

After their victory in the Stanley Cup six years ago, the Caps have made steady progress in rebuilding their once depleted farm system. They have successfully promoted several players, including Martin Fehervary, Alex Alexeyev, and Connor McMichael, who were drafted and developed within the organization. Additionally, there are other promising players who are close to securing permanent positions in the District.

Over the past three weeks, the Caps have successfully added youth and speed to their roster through a series of trades and signings with free agents. This trend will persist as Patrick and MacLellan, who have been working together for the past ten years, continue to collaborate. Additionally, following Patrick’s promotion, two other experienced individuals in the hockey operations department will assume his previous duties. Former Caps center and seasoned pro scout Brian Sutherby will now oversee the pro scouting department, while Jason Fitzsimmons will become the link between Washington and Hershey for the team.

A decade ago, the Caps experienced the advantages of promoting a new general manager from within. This was a significant shift as all previous GMs had been recruited from external sources. And now, they are choosing to follow that same path once more. Patrick is well-prepared to start immediately, thanks to his extensive experience working alongside a team he has been a part of for years.

Patrick acknowledges that while his familiarity is undoubtedly beneficial for him, it also greatly aids the people within the organization. He emphasizes that since he already has established relationships with them, they feel at ease in his presence, eliminating the need for a period of getting to know each other.

If I were given the chance to join another team, I would have reached out to Mac and requested his permission to interview five or six individuals. If he was kind enough, he might have allowed me to bring one of them along. This would be a significant advantage. We currently have a trustworthy team that I believe is the best in the industry. Having the opportunity to step into such a situation is rare. Typically, in this line of work, you enter situations where things have gone wrong and it takes time to rearrange all the pieces. Being able to walk into a situation like this is certainly a pleasant advantage for me.

In the world of hockey media, the term “chemistry” is frequently employed, often surpassing the usage of other technical hockey jargon. It primarily serves to evaluate the level of comfort or discomfort experienced by players who share the same line or defense pairing.

The Capitals’ robust locker room culture plays a vital role in attracting and keeping talent from external sources. However, this culture and the positive chemistry are also prominently displayed among the Washington hockey operations staff and coaching staff. Individuals genuinely enjoy each other’s company, working together, and collaborating to solve problems and overcome challenges. This camaraderie has directly translated into positive outcomes on the ice.

Patrick considers that to be of utmost importance and plans to cultivate it further in the future.

He explains, “That’s where I believe my ‘outside’ work experience has influenced me. Even during my time in finance, I had the privilege of collaborating with exceptional individuals, and going to work was a joyous experience. It was intellectually stimulating, surrounded by intelligent people who pushed me to excel, yet never resorted to bullying or intimidation. However, they held high expectations for the quality of work produced.”

In this environment, we prioritize respect for everyone we work with. It doesn’t mean we always share the same opinions; in fact, we encourage healthy disagreements. However, what matters is that we maintain mutual respect and understanding. We all recognize that we are part of the same team, striving towards the same goal. This mindset allows us to engage in productive debates and make better decisions as a result. Our success over the years stems from the environment we have cultivated, and it’s why people who join us rarely want to leave.