The problem is that the Caps arent suited to a rebuild and that's likely what they're looking at
They're closer to rebuild that reload, but we do have 2 stud prospects who will be here next year (McMichael and Alexeyev) and Samsonov looked good (though his injury or whatever is weird). I can't bet against Ovechkin and Backstrom at this point and guys like Oshie are still productive. The problem is the D is generally crap but Marty F looked really solid this year and Carlson and Orlov are both solid, though Orlov is probably overpaid now.
Rierden should go simply because he's pretty much a sack of potatoes back there. Frankly though the people who are like TROTZ OUT COACHED HIM are implying there was any grand strategy involved. Rierden hasn't had a clue for like 6-7 months. Pretty easy to beat the Caps when the 2nd and 3rd lines can't generate goals and the defense is a clusterfreak.