Wednesday night, the Capitals lost popular defenseman Nate Schmidt in the expansion draft to the Vegas Golden Knights. It was a Schmidtuation change none of us were prepared for.
The 25-year-old Minnesotan has made two public comments since leaving the only organization he’s ever known. And in both messages, Schmidt was enthusiastic, positive, and grateful. Who would have guessed?
The Human Emoji first thanked the Capitals organization in a short short message on Twitter after the NHL Awards concluded.
Thank you to the @Capitals, my teammates, and to everyone that has given me an incredible amount of support. I really appreciate it!
— Nate Schmidt (@nateschmidt29) June 22, 2017
Schmidt wrote an even longer message on his Instagram account Thursday afternoon.
“Thank you @capitals,” Schmidt wrote. “You gave me my start, and I will always love playing in DC! You all have been so incredibly supportive of me and making it feel like a second home. Also, a Big thanks to my teammates. They are what make coming to the rink a joy for me everyday! Great group of fellas and I Love you guys, thanks for everything.
“I’m excited to be part of the @vegasgoldenknights! New beginnings for the both of us, should be fun!”
Schmidt received tributes from all over the internet, including former brobeans Tom Wilson and Michael Latta.
#greighty8
Put 100 on red for me @nateschmidt29 Have fun buddy #natedoesvegas
— Michael Latta (@Latta17) June 22, 2017
Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin re-posted the team’s thank you on Instagram as well.
Thanks for everything, @nateschmidt29. Best of luck! pic.twitter.com/CoIm0h6SiD
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) June 22, 2017
Meanwhile, talented Caps fan Adam Berner made a tribute video for Schmidt to say goodbye.
Goodbyes are always tough, but the amount of passion and love Schmidt has received after only four seasons in Washington is truly a beautiful thing.
We hope your time in Vegas is Golden, Nate.
The post Nate Schmidt comments on being selected in expansion draft, Caps teammates say goodbye appeared first on Russian Machine Never Breaks.