BALLSTON, Va. - Washington Capitals General Manager George McPhee addressed the media after practice Thursday at Kettler Capitals Iceplex and touched on a number of issues, including the recent status of forward Mike Knuble.
Knuble, who has been a healthy scratch for three consecutive games, has expressed his frustrations with not playing lately and has been the subject of trade rumors, but McPhee was adamant that Knuble will remain with Washington.
"We haven't had any conversations," McPhee said. "He's a great pro, a great guy. We have no interest in trading him. He hasn't asked for that."
Knuble has only three goals and 11 points this season in what is shaping up to be arguably the worst season of his career. Knuble has made it clear that he is not happy, but McPhee said that he expected that.
"I don't expect him to be happy, but sometimes the best thing you can do for a player is sit him down for a couple games," McPhee said. "It's never easy. Nobody likes rejection."
When asked if Knuble will return to the lineup during the Caps' upcoming four-game road trip, which begins Friday against the Florida Panthers, McPhee said that he expects him to be. Head coach Dale Hunter, however, said that Knuble will be a "game-time decision."