Washington Capitals Trade Rumors

Capitals acquire Corvo
Comment
March 3
TSN.ca
 
"The Carolina Hurricanes have traded defenceman Joe Corvo to the Washington Capitals in exchange for Brian Pothier and Oskar Osala. Corvo returned to the ice in late January after missing two months recovering from a horrible skate cut to his calf. In 33 games played this season, Corvo has four goals and eight assists with a minus -8 rating. The 32-year old native of Oak Park, IL, put up quality offensive numbers from the blue line last season with 14 goals and 24 assists. Drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in the 4th round (83rd overall) in 1997, Corvo signed with the Ottawa Senators as an unrestricted free agent in July 2006, where he reached the Stanley Cup Finals. He, along with Patrick ..."
Jackets Trade Jurcina
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March 3
Columbus Dispatch
 
"The Blue Jackets have traded defenseman Milan Jurcina back to the Washington Capitals. The Jackets received a sixth round pick in return for the Slovak defenseman. Jurcina, an unrestricted free agent, was traded from Washington along with Chris Clark for Jason Chimera on Dec. 28"
Capital gain, Walker shipped to Washington for 7th rounder
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March 3
Washington Examiner
 
"The Caps have made their first NHL trade deadline move by trading for Carolina Hurricanes forward Scott Walker. The price for general manager George McPhee was simply a 7th-round draft pick. Walker is 5-foot-10, 196-pounds and 36 years old. He had a lively playoff run with Carolina last spring, decking former teammate Aaron Ward — then a defenseman with the Boston Bruins — with a controversial sucker punch. But Walker also scored the series-winning goal in overtime of Game 7 to lift the Hurricanes to the Eastern Conference finals. No hard feelings with Ward, who returned to Carolina in the offseason."
Washington Capitals eyeing Oilers' Staios
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March 3
Edmonton Journal
 
"The Stanley Cup-contending Washington Capitals may be looking at Steve Staios. The Edmonton Oilers' warhorse defenceman impressed Caps coach Bruce Boudreau during Washington's victory over the Oilers just before Christmas, when Staios blocked a number of shots and was mixing it up with Alex Ovechkin. The Caps struck out on Islanders defenceman Andy Sutton Tuesday. With Sutton off the table, several sources say Staios might now be in play. But sources say the Caps are still a little edgy about the two concussions Staios has had this season. He was rocked by Dallas winger James Neal in October, missed several weeks, and was hurt again in a collision with San Jose's Patrick Marleau in ..."
Semin might be sidelined
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January 16
Washington Post
 
"Coach Bruce Boudreau said he plans to tap Jose Theodore to start tonight against the Maple Leafs as a reward for the veteran's impressive performance in relief of Michal Neuvirth on Wednesday night. The rest of the Caps' lineup, though, is unclear because of Alexander Semin's undisclosed injury. If the winger is indeed sidelined, that will force Coach Bruce Boudreau to scramble his lines. The 'D' pairings, however, will be the same as they were in the second and third period of Wednesday's come-from-behind win in Sunrise, Fla. Boudreau broke up the Mike Green-Shaone Morrisonn tandem in that game after the first period, which saw the Caps' top pair struggle for the second straight night and ..."
Erskine not practicing, questionable for Tuesday
Comment
January 11
Washington Post
 
"Defenseman John Erskine is not on the ice with his teammates at Ice Sports Forum this morning, which could mean the Caps' toughest defenseman is out for tomorrow's game against the Lightning. Erskine suffered an undisclosed injury Saturday in Atlanta and missed almost all of the third period."
Boudreau: Varlamov could begin skating this weekend
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January 9
Washington Post
 
"This morning's practice was optional, and many of the team's stars such as Nicklas Backstrom, Alexander Semin and Alex Ovechkin did not participate. Coach Bruce Boudreau also did not skate, so today's update will be a little shorter than usual: *The Caps left immediately afterward for a three-game Southeast Division swing that will make stops in Atlanta, Tampa and Florida. The Caps are (mostly) healthy, are playing well and depart with a 14-point lead. If they manage to sweep the three games, they really can demoralize the teams chasing them. So this is a pretty big trip -- and they're approaching it as such. "Every chance you get, you want to put room between yourself and the next team, ..."
Brian Pothier is expected to play for the Capitals after missing 11 games
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January 7
Washington Post
 
"Offensive-minded defenseman Brian Pothier is expected to return to the Washington Capitals' lineup Thursday against the Ottawa Senators after missing 11 games with a cracked rib. And it's not a moment too soon for Coach Bruce Boudreau, who recently lamented his team's dearth of scoring from defensemen not named Mike Green. Despite missing more than a month, Pothier ranks second among Capitals defensemen in goals (three) and fourth in points (eight). While those numbers may not seem impressive, all but one of the points were amassed from Nov. 6 to Nov. 23, giving Boudreau and Pothier hope that the 32-year-old, a pending unrestricted free agent, is primed for a strong second half. "Something ..."
Capitals hope to play in 2011 Winter Classic, and the NHL might be on their side
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January 1
Washington Post
 
"Washington Capitals Coach Bruce Boudreau admits that he'll be more than a little bit jealous when he tunes into the Winter Classic on Friday. Watching the Boston Bruins and Philadelphia Flyers face off at Fenway Park in the NHL's annual outdoor showcase will take him back to his youth, growing up playing hockey on outdoor rinks in suburban Toronto. It will also remind him of how tantalizingly close his team came to playing in Boston. The Alex Ovechkin-led Capitals were a finalist for this year's game, but concerns from NBC about Washington's television ratings and countless other scheduling complications derailed those plans. Boudreau and the Capitals might not have to wait much longer, ..."
New look for Leafs blue line?
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December 12
Toronto Sun
 
"The Maple Leafs could have a different look on the blue line tonight. Could sophomore Luke Schenn, who has played in every game this season, be the odd man out? It could happen. Both Jeff Finger, who has been a healthy scratch the past three games, and Garnet Exelby, who also has been in out of the lineup, told Sun Media they will be in uniform against the Washington Capitals at the Air Canada Centre. Schenn said he had not heard that he would not play. When asked if there would be a change in the defence corps, Leafs coach Ron Wilson would only say "Possibly." Finger has not played since he was minus-3 against the Boston Bruins last Saturday. In all, Finger has been scratched 16 times ..."
Wilson mulls response to Capital attack
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December 12
Toronto Star
 
"There's a potential – once again – that Leafs defenceman Luke Schenn will be a healthy scratch for a game. Schenn, who was suspect on two goals in Thursday's loss in Boston, may be scratched from the lineup tonight when the Leafs meet the Capitals at the Air Canada Centre. That prospect – a seat in the press box as a healthy scratch – has been hinted at on two other occasions this season for Schenn. But the Leafs and coach Ron Wilson have refrained, largely because Schenn has been given slack as a second-year player to make mistakes without a daily fear of losing his spot on the blueline."
Knuble could be back
Comment
December 11
Washington Post
 (scroll down)
"The Capitals are hopeful that veteran winger Mike Knuble (five goals, 10 assists) will rejoin the lineup after missing 12 games following surgery on his left pinkie. Knuble's return would come at a perfect time for Washington, as he specializes in generating traffic in front of the net -- something the team struggled with Wednesday against Buffalo netminder Ryan Miller. If Knuble plays, it would mark the first time since Nov. 1 that the Capitals have had all of their top six forwards in the lineup at the same time, a fact that makes the team's NHL-leading 108 goals even more impressive. Also expected to return for the Capitals are new father Matt Bradley and rookie Mathieu Perreault, a ..."
Will Team Canada choose to go Green
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December 10
Washington Times
 
"Mike Green lay prone on the ice for a couple of tense moments Monday night after taking a shoulder to the cheek from Tampa Bay's David Hale. The Washington Capitals standout wobbled a bit on his way to the bench, but hockey's most dynamic offensive defenseman still managed to prove he has fortitude to go with his majestic skills. Not only did he not miss a shift, Green weaved his way around two foes with the puck on his stick and drew a tripping penalty for his efforts. "Mike's tough. Unless he's legitimately hurt, he wants to play 30 minutes a night," coach Bruce Boudreau said. "Sometimes we have to corral him to curtail his ice time." Added center Brooks Laich: "He plays a lot of ..."
Ovechkin day-to-day with sore knee
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December 1
NHL.com
 
"Alex Ovechkin expressed how thankful and lucky he is that his right knee isn't as seriously injured as it appeared when he lay prone on the ice in Carolina Monday night after colliding with Hurricanes defenseman Tim Gleason. "It's not a bad injury," Ovechkin told reporters at the practice facility Tuesday. "I thought it was going to be worse but thank God I can walk and I can skate. Of course it's a little bit sore, but it's not that serious." Ovechkin, who is being listed as day to day with a sore knee, was writhing in pain after the knee-on-knee collision 12 minutes into the game. After spending several minutes on the ice, he was helped off and into the dressing room. He couldn't put any ..."
Ovechkin injures knee in win over Hurricanes
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December 1
Washington Times
 
"Nicklas Backstrom and Jose Theodore had their most productive games in a long time, but this victory was marred by another ejection and another injury for Alex Ovechkin. Backstrom had two goals and assisted on a third, and Theodore had 38 saves as the Washington Capitals defeated the lowly Carolina Hurricanes 3-2 on Monday night at RBC Center. It was Washington's third straight victory, and the Caps kept pace with the Pittsburgh Penguins for the top spot in the Eastern Conference. "We found another way to win today, and we're happy about it," Backstrom said. "I think maybe when the best player goes out, it is a challenge for other guys." Ovechkin was ejected for the second time in three ..."
Ovechkin injured in Caps' win
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December 1
Washington Post
 
"For the second time in three games, Alex Ovechkin was ejected after being assessed a major penalty and a game misconduct. But this time the threat of receiving a suspension from NHL was secondary to the injury the Washington Capitals' star suffered when he hit a Carolina player in open ice, knee-on-knee, in the first period Monday night at RBC Center. With Ovechkin banished to the dressing room for most of the night, Nicklas Backstrom scored two goals and José Theodore made 38 saves to lift the Capitals to a 3-2 victory over the NHL-worst Carolina Hurricanes. The victory, Washington's third straight, helped the Capitals keep pace with Pittsburgh and remain tied with the Penguins atop ..."
Injuries mount as Caps lose to Montreal, 3-2
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November 21
Washington Examiner
 
"Washington actually came through that rough stretch in good shape by the New Year. But they wouldn't want to go through it again. Now, after six weeks of relatively good health - star left wing Alex Ovechkin did miss six games with an upper-body strain - injuries are again an issue. This time defenseman Tom Poti left in the second period of a 3-2 loss to the Montreal Canadiens on Friday night at Verizon Center. He is listed as day-to-day with an upper-body injury, departing early in the second period and joining a growing list of walking wounded that includes eight opening-night starters. "This is only significant if we make a big deal out of it," said Caps coach Bruce Boudreau. "Granted, ..."
Status of Capitals' Theodore remains unclear
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November 20
Washington Times
 
"Jose Theodore practiced with the Washington Capitals for the second straight day Thursday, but when he will return to game action remains to be determined. Theodore left the team after Monday's practice in Newark, N.J., and did not dress for Tuesday's game against the New York Rangers because of a personal matter in Arlington. General manager George McPhee said Wednesday that Theodore might miss this weekend's games, but no further timeline was revealed a day later. "Something personal happened that I had to attend to in D.C., so I came back here," Theodore said. "From there, I am just trying to get the focus back and working hard." Theodore's infant son died this summer from complications ..."
Ovechkin returns, Bradley shines
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November 18
Washington Post
 
"For one night, at least, Matt Bradley stole the spotlight from Alex Ovechkin. Bradley got into a momentum-turning fight midway through the first period, then scored the go-ahead goal with 4 minutes 51 seconds remaining to lift the Washington Capitals to a 4-2 victory over the New York Rangers. Ovechkin also tallied on Tuesday in his anticipated return from a six-game absence with an injury, but it was Bradley's clutch, Ovechkin-like goal that everyone was toasting in the visitors' dressing room at Madison Square Garden afterward. "Bradley was our MVP of the night," said defenseman Brian Pothier, whose empty-net goal with 17 seconds left clinched the win. "His fight changed the momentum of ..."
Ovechkin set to return to action
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November 17
Washington Times
 
"On Tuesday night, the Washington Capitals will play on national television and in "The World's Most Famous Arena." The Capitals' meeting with the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden has one more thing going for it: the return from injury of the two-time defending league MVP. Alex Ovechkin practiced Monday with the Caps at the smaller rink inside the New Jersey Devils' Prudential Center, and barring a setback he will be on the ice against the Rangers. "As of today, he is [playing]," coach Bruce Boudreau said of his franchise player. "I think he's fine, but I haven't gotten the 100 percent word. But he practiced today, and there is a good probability that will happen." Ovechkin was ..."
Ovechkin expected to play Tuesday
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November 17
Washington Post
 
"The NHL's most electrifying player is set to make his anticipated return in a most fitting place: under Broadway's bright lights. Alex Ovechkin wore his familiar red jersey during practice Monday morning, the surest sign yet that the two-time MVP, who is tied for the league lead in goals with 14, is ready to return to the Washington Capitals' lineup after being sidelined for six games. "As of today he is," Boudreau said when asked if Ovechkin would play Tuesday at Madison Square Garden against the New York Rangers. "I think he's fine. "He practiced today [so] there's a good probability of it happening." Ovechkin was similarly noncommittal when asked about his playing status, saying: "I ..."
Ovi eyeing return?
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November 16
Washington Examiner
 
"The Caps remained in the New York City metro area this weekend after Saturday's 5-2 loss to the Devils in Newark. They take on the Rangers at Madison Square Garden tomorrow night and held practice this morning across the river at Prudential Center. The big news? Forward Alex Ovechkin was wearing his red - i.e. contact - practice jersey. So is he playing for the first time since Nov. 1? "We'll see tomorrow," Ovechkin told reporters in New Jersey on Monday. "I feel good, excited. Again, we'll see tomorrow how I'm going to feel." Ovechkin was on the top line with center Nicklas Backstrom and right wing Chris Clark - who replaced the injured Mike Knuble, out three-to-four weeks with a broken ..."
First-line winger is expected to miss three to four weeks
Comment
November 15
Washington Post
 
"The Washington Capitals knew they were going to need scoring from everywhere in order to withstand a week or two without Alex Ovechkin, and on Friday night they got more of it. Defensemen Mike Green and Brian Pothier scored the first two goals, and goaltender Semyon Varlamov bounced back from a bad goal to lift the Capitals to a 3-1 victory over the Minnesota Wild at Verizon Center. The win was the Capitals' fourth in a row and gave them a two-point lead in the Eastern Conference over the New Jersey Devils, their opponent Saturday. But the win came with a high cost: First-line right wing Mike Knuble broke a finger and will require surgery. The injury appeared to be to his left hand. A ..."
Capitals top Wild but lose Knuble
Comment
November 14
Washington Post
 
"The Washington Capitals knew they were going to need scoring from everywhere in order to withstand a week or two without Alex Ovechkin, and on Friday night they got more of it. Defensemen Mike Green and Brian Pothier scored the first two goals, and goaltender Semyon Varlamov bounced back from a bad goal to lift the Capitals to a 3-1 victory over the Minnesota Wild at Verizon Center. The win was the Capitals' fourth in a row and gave them a two-point lead in the Eastern Conference over the New Jersey Devils, their opponent Saturday. But the win came with a high cost: First-line right wing Mike Knuble broke a finger and will require surgery. The injury appeared to be to his left hand. A team ..."
Forward Nylander clears waivers
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November 10
Washington Examiner
 
"Capitals forward Michael Nylander cleared NHL waivers on Monday, moving one step closer to leaving the team for good. Nylander still must approve any move -- either a loan to a team in Europe, a trade to another NHL team or an assignment to AHL Hershey. But if he agrees, then he no longer would count against Washington's salary cap, which stands at $56.7 million for NHL teams this season. Nylander, 37, has not played a game for the Caps since last year's playoffs, yet his cap hit of $4.875 million is third highest on the team. "Some decisions have been made," said Caps general manager George McPhee. "There are just some things that are going on. I'd rather see what develops with that and ..."
Ovechkin could return to Caps by weekend
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November 10
Washington Times
 
"Alex Ovechkin's timetable to return to the lineup for the Washington Capitals remains unclear, but all signs at practice Monday point to sooner rather than later. Ovechkin was on the ice in a noncontact jersey with his teammates near the end of their practice at Kettler Capitals Iceplex, and then he came back out for a short solo session with strength and conditioning coach Mark Nemish. "I wish it was going to be tomorrow, but I need to make sure I'm good and my body feels good," Ovechkin said. "I don't know - probably a week. We'll see." Added general manager George McPhee: "He's doing well, and as we said, it will be week-to-week. We weren't sure if he could play last weekend, and we'll ..."
Center Nylander is placed on waivers
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November 9
Washington Post
 
"Michael Nylander was placed on waivers Saturday by the Washington Capitals, a move that could expedite a resolution to an awkward situation that has hung over the team since training camp. If Nylander is claimed, the team that picks him up will assume the remainder of his $5.5 million salary (and pay the Capitals a waiver fee of just more than $3,000). If Nylander is not claimed, he will remain on Washington's roster, but the path will be cleared for the Capitals to loan the 37-year-old center to a team outside of the NHL. Nylander has a "no-move clause" in his contract and must approve any transaction. He has been on the trading block since early last season and has not suited up for the ..."
Capitals win, lose Green and Schultz
Comment
November 7
Washington Post
 
"Just when it seemed Washington's injury woes couldn't get any worse, they did. With the team already missing two-time MVP Alex Ovechkin, defensemen Mike Green and Jeff Schultz both went down with injuries Friday night at BankAtlantic Center, where the short-handed Capitals gutted out a 4-1 victory over the Florida Panthers. Brendan Morrison scored twice, Tyler Sloan and Brian Pothier each tallied once and goaltender José Theodore was occasionally spectacular in making 28 saves to snap Washington's three-game losing streak. But the Capitals' collective health was their biggest concern as the players and coaches headed back home for Saturday night's rematch against Florida at Verizon Center. ..."
Ovechkin is not ready to return
Comment
November 6
Washington Post
 
"Alex Ovechkin was one of the first Washington Capitals on the ice for practice at BankAtlantic Center and was wearing his full complement of equipment and carrying his stick. It took only a few minutes for the two-time MVP to realize that he's not quite ready to return to the lineup. After tapping a teammate's pass into an empty net, Ovechkin, who was practicing for the first time since suffering a strain near his left shoulder Sunday, jokingly began to celebrate. But he couldn't raise his arms much above his chest, and moments later, he put his stick on the bench. Ovechkin later conceded that he doesn't expect to play in this weekend's back-to-back games against the Florida Panthers, but ..."
Russian league team pushing to sign Forsberg
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November 4
Denver Post
 
"The Russian team Ak Bars Kazan in recent days has made a significant push to sign former Avalanche star Peter Forsberg, attempting to steal him away from a potential NHL comeback. According to various news reports in Sweden and Slovakia, Ak Bars Kazan, a team from the country of Tatarstan, offered a large contract to Forsberg to play in the Russian Kontinental Hockey League. Forsberg also is being pursued by several NHL teams. Yahoo Sports reports the Philadelphia Flyers are the leading candidate to lure the former all-star back to NHL. The Washington Capitals, Montreal Cananiens and the Avalanche also have shown interest, according to Yahoo."
Ovechkin is listed as week to week
Comment
November 3
Washington Post
 
"One day after suffering an upper-body injury, Washington Capitals winger Alex Ovechkin had his status downgraded to week to week after he was treated by the team's medical staff and underwent an MRI exam. "Ovechkin suffered an upper-body strain in Sunday evening's game against the Columbus Blue Jackets and his status is week-to-week," the team announced in a news release late Monday afternoon. Ovechkin, the league leader in goals and points with 14 and 23, respectively, is not expected to play Wednesday in New Jersey. The 24-year-old all-star is, however, going to travel with the Capitals on their upcoming trip while he receives medical treatment. The team has not yet ruled him out of ..."
Caps' Laing has swine flu
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October 29
Washington Post
 
"Washington Capitals left wing Quintin Laing has received a diagnosis of H1N1 virus, commonly known as swine flu, a team official confirmed Wednesday. Laing, who was sent home upon arriving at the team's Arlington practice facility Tuesday morning and missed his first game of the season that night, is taking anti-virus drug Tamiflu and resting, a team spokesman said. He is being kept isolated from his wife and two infant sons and won't return to the team until he is symptom-free in an effort to prevent the spread of the flu, which has become a concern nationally for sports leagues in both the amateur and professional ranks. Laing is believed to be the fourth NHL player with the virus. ..."
Semin could be out vs. Thrashers
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October 22
Washington Post
 
"Semin could be out vs. Thrashers I'm going to be tied up with some reporting and writing this afternoon, but I wanted to share a few updates on the injured/ill Caps: *Coach Bruce Boudreau said the team will likely have to call up two forwards for tomorrow's game in Atlanta because Alexander Semin is "touch and go" with an illness and Boyd Gordon is still battling a sore back. Both players, though, are going on the road trip."
Theodore Deals With Back Spasms
Comment
October 17
Washington Post
 
"The Washington Capitals received encouraging news Friday regarding the health of José Theodore, who received a diagnosis of mild back spasms after leaving Thursday's game before the start of the second period. What remains unclear, though, is how much time the goaltender will miss. Theodore said he experienced stiffness in his lower back during warmups before the Capitals' 4-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks. What began as discomfort, however, gave way to a "sharp, sharp pain" that forced him to the locker room. "It's a little stiff and I don't have much flexibility in the lower back area," said Theodore, who is treating the spasms with anti-inflammatory medication and massage therapy. ..."
Ex-Caps star Kolzig puts career on ice
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September 24
Washington Times
 
"Late in his tenure with the Washington Capitals, Olie Kolzig said Ron Hextall was one of the goaltenders he looked up to in his youth. This didn't come as much of a surprise considering how closely Kolzig's career and fiery demeanor resembled Hextall's. But after 14 full NHL seasons, the goalie, who was beloved in this city for both his play and work in the community during more than a decade with the franchise, officially retired Wednesday. "The thing I will always remember about Olie was his intensity and fire," former Caps general manager David Poile said. "I think he could have played forward with his competitiveness and desire. I almost wish goalies got into more fights because I ..."
Bourque tries to grab spot on Caps after great year in Hershey
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September 15
Washington Examiner
 
"Capitals forward Chris Bourque entered training camp knowing there was at least one spot available on the opening night roster. A blood clot that will keep forward Tomas Fleischmann out until at least the middle of October has opened up another -- for now. That's not the way Bourque wants to make it. But life on the NHL roster bubble means taking advantage of any opportunity. The 23-year-old is already entering his fifth full pro season. He was one of the last cuts from training camp last season and put together a terrific year in the minor leagues at AHL Hershey -- 21 goals, 52 assists and 73 points. Now, Bourque is ready for more. "Sometimes that's what it takes to open a spot up for ..."
One Forward's Out, One's Not
Comment
September 14
Washington Post
 
"The opening day of training camp at Kettler Capitals Iceplex was dominated by story lines involving two veteran forwards: the temporary loss of Tomas Fleischmann and the awkward return of Michael Nylander. Fleischmann could miss all of camp and the first few weeks of the season, the team announced Sunday, because of a blood clot in his leg, a condition that was discovered after he returned to his native Czech Republic this summer. Fleischmann, who scored 19 goals last season as the Capitals' second-line left wing, is able to skate lightly on his own and work out. But he is not expected to participate in full-contact drills until early October at the earliest, according to Coach Bruce ..."
Nylander Reports; His Stay Is Uncertain
Comment
September 13
Washington Post
 
"Michael Nylander considers himself a husband and father first, and a professional hockey player second. So when the 36-year-old center arrived from Sweden without his family, speculation about his tenuous relationship with the Washington Capitals grew considerably. Nylander reported to Kettler Capitals Iceplex on time Saturday and took a physical exam, but it's unclear if he'll be among the 68 players on the ice when training camp begins Sunday. Nylander is negotiating with a number of teams in Europe, team officials said, and if a deal is reached, he might not play another game for the Capitals, despite having two years remaining on his contract. "He's here in great shape. There is some ..."
Nothing guaranteed for Caps' Varlamov
Comment
September 9
Washington Times
 
"The participants in this week's rookie camp for the Washington Capitals are using an auxiliary dressing room at Kettler Capitals Iceplex, and it is hard to walk in there and not feel that Semyon Varlamov is out of place. Yes, he is only 21 years old and still a rookie by NHL standards, but he also is the only guy in the room who has 13 NHL postseason war stories to tell. "You can get into games, but when you are in playoff games with a team, you just become more part of the team," Caps captain Chris Clark said. "When you get into that level - and he played so well - he definitely feels like one of us." For about three weeks in April, there was no bigger surprise in the 2009 Stanley Cup ..."
Caps Add Knuble To Skilled Top Line
Comment
July 2
Washington Post
 
"The Washington Capitals acquired precisely the type of player they've lacked in recent seasons, signing rugged veteran Mike Knuble to a two-year contract in the opening hours of free agency yesterday. Knuble, who spent the past four seasons playing for the rival Philadelphia Flyers, is a 6-foot-3, 230-pound winger who muscles his way to the net, sets up there, then uses his deft touch to slip rebounds past the goaltender. He has scored at least 21 goals in each of his past six NHL seasons, including reaching the 30-goal plateau twice, and is also considered a locker room leader. "We just felt we needed someone else, a player on [the top] line in particular with [Alex] Ovechkin and ..."
Mike Knuble a Washington Capital
Comment
July 1
Washington Examiner
 
"36-year old Mike Knuble, who played right wing for the Philadelphia Flyers, is heading to the Washington Capitals. Knuble is a solid veteran who will help the Caps with his strong presence in front of the net. For the Flyers, Knuble was an asset on power plays and could be used in the same capacity by the Washington Capitals. Knuble is expected to make $2.8 million a season in a 2-year deal."
Backstrom, Semin on docket
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July 1
Washington Times
 
"While the Washington Capitals may do some bargain shopping once free agent season begins Wednesday, the long-term health of the franchise is more dependent on the contract situations of Nicklas Backstrom and Alexander Semin. Because of a lack of salary cap room, general manager George McPhee doesn't expect to be involved in the bidding for the high-priced talent set to hit the open market. The cap is set at $56.8 million for next season, but the Caps can go up to 10 percent past the ceiling during the offseason. "We'll be prudent tomorrow and see if there is anything that makes sense for our club, and if there is we'll be involved and try to sign somebody," McPhee said. "If it doesn't ..."
Fedorov Deal Is Done (Updated)
Comment
June 26
Washington Post
 
"I was just putting the finishing touches on my story for tomorrow's paper when I got a phone call from a team official, who informed me that the Caps were just told that the Sergei-Fedorov-to-Russia deal is only "90-percent done." Not sure what exactly that means for Fedorov or the Caps. But things are certainly getting interesting on the eve of the NHL entry draft. Update: A team spokesman just confirmed, after receiving a text message from Fedorov, that the veteran center is indeed going to Russia -- it's a done deal."
Brashear Expects to Hit Open Market
Comment
June 26
Washington Post
 
"Pending unrestricted free agent Donald Brashear told The Post's Mike Wise moments ago that he has not been offered a contract extension by the Capitals and expects to hit the open market next week. "I'm just waiting for free agency to see what kind of offers I get from other teams," the 37-year-old enforcer said. "If I don't hear from the Caps [after free agency begins], then I'll come back to them and see if they still want me." Brashear does not currently have an agent and represented himself in previous contract negotiations with the Caps. Each of his one-year extensions with the Capitals (in 2007 and '08) were signed during the season. He earned $1.2 million last season, up from $1.1 ..."
Fedorov Is Coy on Future
Comment
June 19
Washington Post
 
"With free agency set to begin in two weeks, Sergei Fedorov's future with the Washington Capitals remains unsettled. Fedorov, who was in Las Vegas to present the Hart Trophy at the NHL Awards Show, reiterated his desire to return for another season in Washington but acknowledged that he doesn't know where he will end up. The 39-year-old center declined to go into details about his negotiations with the Capitals, but did say that his recent trip to Russia was not made with the intention of trying to secure a deal with a team in the Kontinental Hockey League as previously believed. "I went on vacation," Fedorov said. Fedorov also would neither confirm nor deny that he has a deal on the table ..."
NHL Begins Looking Into Steroid Claim
Comment
June 1
Washington Post
 
"The NHL has interviewed Washington Capitals front-office employees as well as members of the team's medical and training staffs in recent days as it investigates allegations made by a Florida man arrested last week on steroid charges. "We're following very closely the developments in Florida as the case progresses," NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said yesterday. "We think it's important from the league's perspective to investigate this because any allegations of this type are concerning." The league's investigation is being conducted by its security and legal departments. Interviews with Capitals personnel are ongoing, Daly said, but so far investigators have not been able to establish ..."
Fla. man with steroids claim may face charges
Comment
May 29
Washington Times
 
"A Florida man who claims to have sold steroids to members of the Washington Nationals and Washington Capitals could face federal charges in connection with the seizure of thousands of dollars worth of the illegal drugs, state law enforcement officials said. Detectives from Polk County and agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement are expected to meet Friday with federal attorneys in Florida to discuss the case of Richard "Andy" Thomas, who was arrested Tuesday with his wife, Sandra, and charged locally with 21 counts of possessing and importing steroids. R. Andy Thomas, as he is referred to in court documents, made his first appearance in court Thursday and will remain in jail ..."