Overview
- Washington announced Wednesday that Patrick Wellar has been elevated to assistant coach, formalizing his role on the NHL bench.
- Wellar initially joined the staff on September 27 in an interim capacity to handle defense responsibilities while Mitch Love was on leave.
- On October 26 the NHL suspended Love for the remainder of the season over allegations of domestic abuse, and the Capitals later relieved him of his duties.
- Wellar will work with the Capitals' defensemen and helps keep a four-person bench intact.
- Brent Thompson was named to assume Wellar's responsibilities with AHL Hershey after recent stints leading Bridgeport and assisting in Anaheim.