Besides the optimistic Capitals fans who had hoped and wanted Hunter to return for another year, most in the know were almost certain he would not return. After all, his contract with the Capitals was only for one year from the time he was tabbed to replace Bruce Boudreau in the middle of the season. For Hunter, he could always go back to the London Knights (and will, since he is part owner of the team along with brother Mark, who himself coached the Knights when Dale took the Capitals job), where he had coached prior to rescuing the Capitals to a playoff run this year. What is his legacy as coach of the Capitals? Rubbing players such as Mike Knuble the wrong way, but more important than that, getting the likes of Alexander Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, and Alexander Semin to commit to playing some defense. While the goaltending situation is not entirely solved, at the very least, Braden Holtby is the front runner as the starting goaltender next season if they don't bring Tomas Vokoun back.
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