Capitals embrace ‘challenge’ of trying to get younger while still comp…

Caps embrace ‘challenge’ of trying to get younger while competing originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington

ARLINGTON, Va. — Brian MacLellan understands the task laid out in front of him doesn’t have a set blueprint.

The Capitals, with a core built around several players well into their 30s, want to return to the playoffs in 2022-23 and surround Alex Ovechkin with enough talent for him to continue his pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goals record. They also want to get younger, a pursuit that typically requires taking a step back in the winning department to accomplish.

Washington’s general manager wants no part of sacrificing wins. After missing the playoffs for the first time in nine years, the Capitals have every intention of jumping back into the fray next season. They also recognize the reality of their situation: Their roster has gotten old, at least by hockey standards. The Capitals entered the season with the second-most senior roster in the NHL behind only the Pittsburgh Penguins, who also missed the playoffs to snap a 16-year streak.

“Trying to stay competitive while getting younger is going to be challenging, yes, but that’s the stage we’re at,” MacLellan said in his end-of-season press conference Saturday. “That’s the decision we’ve made here. We want to finish out a couple careers of important players in our organization and we want to stay competitive, but we also want to get younger. So, it’s a challenge to be in position to have all three of those things but we’re going to try.”

MacLellan has already started the process of bringing in younger players. He signed Dylan Strome to a prove-it deal last offseason and the 26-year-old center turned the opportunity into a career year, earning a five-year extension. Trade deadline acquisition Rasmus Sandin, 23, provided an immediate scoring boost from the blue line; he’s under contract for one more season before facing restricted free agency. MacLellan also expressed…