Washington Capitals Trade Rumors

Nicklas Backstrom: 'I don't know when I will be able to play again'
February 9
Washington Post
 
"Nicklas Backstrom hasn't skated for more than five minutes over the past 34 days, and based on his recent comments to Swedish news outlet Gefle Dagblad, there continues to be no indication as to when the Capitals center may be able to return to the lineup. Backstrom suffered a concussion on Jan. 3 when he was elbowed in the head by then-Calgary forward Rene Bourque and has not played since, missing 15 games and counting. The 24-year-old's comments to Gefle Dagblad, which was translated by our friends over at Japers' Rink, do not offer much reason for optimism as the Capitals continue to wait for his recovery. "I don't know when I will be able to play again," Backstrom said, "but I hope I"
Quick healer: Laich likely to play tonight for Caps
February 7
CSN Washington
 
"The good-natured ribbing of Brooks Laich began the moment he stepped on the ice shortly before Tuesday's 10 a.m. practice at Kettler Capitals Iceplex. "He bleeds red!" shouted one teammate. "Game day!" chimed another. "Tweet that!" yelled a third. Less than 48 hours after leaving the Verizon Center on crutches and strapped in a left knee brace after taking a big hit from Bruins defenseman Dennis Seidenberg, Laich was on the ice Tuesday looking ready, willing and able to play in tonight's crucial Southeast Division showdown with the Florida Panthers."
Capitals place Joel Rechlicz on waivers
February 4
Washington Post
 
"Washington placed Joel Rechlicz on waivers, with the intention of reassigning him to the AHL's Hershey Bears. That's what will happen unless another NHL team claims the tough forward by Saturday at noon. Rechlicz's Bears equipment bag was packed and in front of his stall in the dressing room at KCI. He requires waivers to be assigned to Hershey because this is his fourth season after signing an entry-level deal with the Islanders in 2008. That Rechlilcz signed an NHL contract on Jan. 30, also means he must pass through waivers before he can be loaned to the AHL."
Mike Green's recovery is 'on the right path'
February 3
Washington Post
 
"It's been a long, injury-filled season for Mike Green, but 16 days after he underwent sports hernia surgery, the defenseman appears to be on track with his latest recovery. Green skated for the third straight day on Thursday, which was also the first time he worked out in full pads and gear. While it's still in the early stages of his recovery, that the defenseman was able to get on the ice two weeks after going under the knife is most assuredly a positive sign."
Capitals preparing for possible Ovechkin suspension
January 23
Washington Post
 
"Capitals practice is underway at KCI this morning and it appears as though the team is preparing a contingency plan in case Alex Ovechkin is suspended for his leaping hit against Pittsburgh's Zbynek Michalek. There are four players wearing red jerseys, which signifies the top line, Ovechkin, Marcus Johansson, Mathieu Perreault and Alexander Semin. One would assume if Ovechkin is suspended, the other three will suit up as a unit against the Bruins; if he isn't, they will adjust accordingly."
Backstrom back before All-Star break?
January 18
CSN Washington
 
"George McPhee said center Nicklas Backstrom (concussion symptoms) is progressing "really well" and he is not ruling out the possibility of the 24-year-old center's returning to the Capitals lineup before the Jan. 29 All-Star Game. Backstrom has not played since taking an elbow to the chin on Jan. 3 and has not skated in 11 days. "He feels good," McPhee said. "I'm happy to report he's progressing."
Backstrom back before All-Star break?
January 17
CSN Washington
 
"George McPhee said center Nicklas Backstrom (concussion symptoms) is progressing "really well" and he is not ruling out the possibility of the 24-year-old center's returning to the Capitals lineup before the Jan. 29 All-Star Game. Backstrom has not played since taking an elbow to the chin on Jan. 3 and has not skated in 11 days. "He feels good," McPhee said. "I'm happy to report he's progressing."
Capitals defenseman Mike Green out until at least late February
January 17
Washington Post
 
"The Washington Capitals grew accustomed to playing without defenseman Mike Green early in the 2011-12 season, but on Monday they learned that they will be without the two-time Norris Trophy finalist until at least late February. The team announced that Green will undergo abdominal surgery and is expected to miss four to six weeks, with the later timeframe projecting to around the NHL's trade deadline on Feb. 27."
Mike Green set to return to Capitals' lineup against Flames
January 3
Washington Post
 
"After missing 23 consecutive games with a strained right groin muscle, Mike Green is expected to make his return to the Capitals' lineup Tuesday night as they host the Calgary Flames. Green has missed 29 of Washington's 37 games this season with injury, first a twisted right ankle and then the groin strain. "Finally," Green said after the morning skate. "It's been frustrating sitting out and obviously a couple months ago coming back and then the first game back, back on the press box. I'm just happy to be back, focused. Preparing to do the right things tonight and that's all that's on my mind right now.""
Capitals' Roman Hamrlik: 'Every day I feel a little bit better'
December 7
Washington Post
 
"Roman Hamrlik appeared to participate fully in practice today and said he's inching toward a return to the lineup. The defenseman has missed the past three games with what the team has described as a lower-body injury. "Every day I feel a little bit better," the 37-year-old said. "Just trying to push it every day a little bit more and go from there. It's nothing serious. I'm getting close and see how I feel tomorrow.""
Ovechkin, Backstrom and Semin reunited on Capitals' top line in practice
December 7
Washington Post
 
"In an apparent effort to jumpstart Alex Ovechkin and Alexander Semin, Coach Dale Hunter reunited the struggling wingers on a line with center Nicklas Backstrom. Hunter, however, would not say whether they'll play together when the Capitals face Ottawa at Scotiabank Place on Wednesday. Ovechkin has one goal in his past 12 games and eight total, putting him on pace for a career-low 25. Semin, who missed the past two games with a minor shoulder injury, has five goals in 23 games. Backstrom, meantime, has been the Capitals' best forward this season with nine goals and 18 assists, which is tied for sixth most in the NHL."
Caps' Matt Hendricks listed as day to day with undisclosed injury
December 7
Washington Post
 
"Capitals fourth-line winger Matt Hendricks did not practice today in South Florida. He is listed as day to day with an undisclosed injury, according to a team spokesman, and was spotted limping out of the Capitals dressing room. Hendricks played a season-low 4:22 in Monday's 5-4 loss to Florida and did not take a shift in the third period."
Alexander Semin, Roman Hamrlik likely game-time decisions vs. Panthers
December 5
Washington Post
 
"Alexander Semin (shoulder) and Roman Hamrlik (lower-body injury) were on the ice this morning at BankAtlantic Center ahead of tonight's game against the Southeast Division leading Panthers. Semin missed Saturday's game; he did not appear to be taking shots and did not take line rushes. Hamrlik appeared to be moving fine and joined his fellow blue-liners in rushes. The defenseman missed the past two games."
Capitals recall defenseman Dmitry Orlov from Hershey
November 21
Washington Post
 
"The Capitals recalled defenseman Dmitry Orlov from the AHL's Hershey Bears this morning, perhaps in search of a spark on the blue line after last night's 7-1 thrashing in Toronto. The 20-year-old Russian prospect impressed the Capitals in rookie camp and got to stay on longer for training camp so coaches could get a better look at him. He's recorded nine points (four goals, five assists) in 15 games with Hershey and is tied for the team lead among defensemen in points."
Mike Green participates fully in Wednesday's practice
November 10
Washington Post
 
"One surprise perhaps of the Capitals' day of battle drills and bag skates was that Mike Green, who has missed the past six games with an injured right ankle, participated fully in the entire hour and a half practice. He obviously didn't play a role in Washington's substandard effort against the Stars Tuesday night, but the defenseman wanted to be included in all the drills Coach Bruce Boudreau said. "It's a real positive," Boudreau said of Green taking part. "He did the battle drills, we tried to keep him out of it initially and he said no, he wanted to do it. Went right in and did it and said he is feeling stronger and stronger so that's a real positive sign.""
Knuble blasts Capitals as 'losers' and 'clowns'
November 9
Washington Times
 
"Mike Knuble chewed his gum and mulled over the question for a good five seconds. There was no rapid-fire answer to explain the frustration the Capitals felt after a 5-2 loss to the Dallas Stars on Tuesday night, especially after a team-wide commitment to defense over the past 11 months. The veteran leader who wears an "A" on his chest had a lot to say about that lack of defensive urgency that seems to be pervading the Caps right now. "It's like embarrassing when you're on the ice and guys are beating you," Knuble said. "The other night, get beat one on four, just playing like a bunch of losers. You're going to lose if you play like that — you're going to lose every night in the league. Let"
Capitals send D.J. King to AHL's Hershey Bears
November 7
Washington Post
 
"The Capitals have assigned enforcer D.J. King, who has been a healthy scratch in all but one game, to the AHL's Hershey Bears. The move was made in an effort to get King more playing time, according to a team spokesman. King asked Washington to put him on waivers last week in hopes that he would receive more playing time on another NHL club, but all 29 other teams passed."
Mike Green suffers apparent setback Wednesday
November 3
Washington Post
 
"Mike Green suffered an apparent setback in his recovery from a twisted right ankle Wednesday when he was unable to skate for more than 10 minutes. Coach Bruce Boudreau said he was doubtful the defenseman would be able to play Friday in Carolina, given that he has yet to practice with the full group. "If I feel good I'll play," Green said. "It's day to day. I wake up each day, it feels a little bit better, tomorrow could be a lot better than today."
Bruce Boudreau benches Alex Ovechkin in final minute of regulation
November 2
Washington Post
 
"With 62 seconds remaining in regulation in a one-goal game it's rather unusual for the Washington Capitals to try to force overtime without Alex Ovechkin on the ice. Tuesday night en route to a 5-4 overtime win against the Anaheim Ducks, though, that's precisely what happened. When play resumed after the puck went into the benches, Coach Bruce Boudreau sent out defenseman John Carlson and Dennis Wideman along with forwards Jason Chimera, Brooks Laich, Joel Ward and Nicklas Backstrom, who eventually scored the tying goal. It was a reflection on who was playing well in the game, Boudreau said afterward. Boudreau was asked specifically why he didn't use Ovechkin, the coach didn't pull any"
Washington Capitals' Mike Knuble seeing time on fourth line
November 1
Washington Post
 
"Although Coach Bruce Boudreau would not commit to a lineup for Tuesday's game against Anaheim, it appears possible that Mike Knuble will find himself on the fourth line. That's where the 39-year-old veteran found himself late in Saturday's 7-4 loss in Vancouver, and that's where he was again Monday for practice. Knuble was a stalwart on the first line a season ago but has been moved around quite a bit in the opening month this season."
Mike Green expected to miss Tuesday's game
November 1
Washington Post
 
"Mike Green missed his seventh straight day of on-ice activity Tuesday since twisting his ankle against Detroit, and barring a "miracle" the star defenseman won't be in the lineup against the Ducks, either. If Green does not suit up, he'll miss his third straight contest. The Caps are 0-2-0 without their ice time leader and the power play is 1 for 8 without its quarterback. "He's improving," Coach Bruce Boudreau said. "He's just not going on the ice yet. Suffice it to say he probably won't be playing tomorrow unless we have a miracle.""
Caps' Green has twisted ankle, expects to play vs. Oilers
October 25
Washington Times
 
"The absence of Mike Green as the Capitals returned to the ice following an off day was curious at best. He took a puck to the chin Saturday night, and with his concussion history, it seemed too much to be a coincidence. But then coach Bruce Boudreau confirmed Green's off-day wasn't related to the puck he took to the face. "He's OK. He had a couple bumps and bruises from the last game," Boudreau said. "We just decided with a couple days of practice still available to us, there's no sense rushing him.""
Tomas Vokoun off to his best start since 2005-06 season
October 24
Washington Post
 
"At times during the second period Saturday night, all that stood between the Capitals and a much closer game with the Detroit Red Wings seemed to be the presence of 35-year-old Tomas Vokoun. The veteran netminder, whose play appears to improve with each outing, stopped 15 of 16 shots in the middle stanza against the Red Wings en route to Washington's 7-1 drubbing. Vokoun made 32 saves in the victory but it was during the second period, when the Red Wings ramped up pressure on four power plays in the span of less than six minutes — a stretch that included a pair of 5-on-3 opportunities — that the Czech native put on arguably his best performance of the year."
Boudreau: Alex Ovechkin takes practice off because of 'some bumps and bruises'
October 20
Washington Post
 
"Alex Ovechkin was the only player from Washington's lineup Tuesday night that didn't take part in a brief 30-minute practice Wednesday at KCI. Coach Bruce Boudreau said it was because the star left wing was told to take the day off. "He's got some bumps and bruises right now," Boudreau said. "It was more of a maintenance day with two more games this week. Just told him to take it off and get some stretching done.""
Tomas Vokoun to start for Capitals against Penguins
October 13
Washington Post
 
"Coach Bruce Boudreau confirmed that Tomas Vokoun will start for the Capitals on Thursday night in Pittsburgh. It's not a surprising decision because Michal Neuvirth did not make the trip with Washington to Pennsylvania. Despite the 23-year-old's absence on this trip, Boudreau maintained that Neuvirth is day-to-day and his condition — an undisclosed lower-body injury — has not worsened. "No he's not worse," Boudreau said. "Our take is if he's not ready to back up in case he's needed, there's no sense. We'll see [Friday] and hopefully he'll be on the ice with us [Friday].""
Michal Neuvirth 'day-to-day,' could still play against Pittsburgh
October 13
Washington Post
 
"Capitals goalie Michal Neuvirth is day-to-day with a lower-body injury that kept him from practicing Wednesday, according to Coach Bruce Boudreau. But there is still a chance that the 23-year-old Czech will play in Pittsburgh Thursday. "Right now, he's got a lower-body injury that's day-to-day," Boudreau said. "He might be there tomorrow, we'll see. Right now we're just taking it cautiously." If Neuvirth takes the skate in Pittsburgh, Boudreau said there's a "good chance" he'll face the Penguins."
Capitals want players to benefit from ice time in Hershey
October 5
Washington Post
 
"Defenseman John Erskine is still a few weeks away from being cleared for contact, but Coach Bruce Boudreau said the Capitals are prepared to start the season with the six healthy defensemen they do have in the lineup. Whether considering a blue-chip prospect like Dmitry Orlov, who was assigned to the Bears today, or more seasoned AHLers like Sean Collins or Patrick McNeill, Boudreau said the Capitals want players to get the ice time that wouldn't be available if they were the extra blueliner in Washington. "Right now we have six and they're healthy," Boudreau said. "If they're not going to play because these six are going to play, we'd rather have them playing in Hershey than sitting and"
Capitals cut Orlov, Eakin and Sjogren
October 5
Washington Post
 
"Washington made three more cuts Tuesday. Defenseman Dmitry Orlov along with forwards Cody Eakin and Mattias Sjogren were assigned to Hershey and will report to the Bears tomorrow. There are now 23 players remaining in Capitals' training camp, the limit for the NHL's active roster. The deadline to set rosters for opening night is 3 p.m. on Wednesday."
Could Chimera, Laich and Ward be the Capitals' third line?
October 2
Washington Post
 
"Coach Bruce Boudreau tossed another line combination into the mix Saturday, putting Brooks Laich at center between Jason Chimera and Joel Ward in what could possibly be a solid option for a third line. Both Boudreau and Laich downplayed the significance of the move, but that said the benefits and potential upside of that particular unit are readily apparent. "When you tweak it and look at it you think, 'They'd be a pretty good line that might be able to score some goals' and at the same time they can all skate," Boudreau said. "They're big, they're strong. They should be able to check other team's top lines. They're responsible.""
Jason Chimera: Contract extension with Capitals was 'no-brainer'
September 30
Washington Post
 
"Jason Chimera grew up in Edmonton, watching Oilers teams that stayed together and were a consistent presence in the Stanley Cup playoffs. The veteran winger believes he has found a similar situation in Washington, so when the team approached him about a contract extension Chimera didn't think twice. "It's nice. Anytime you've got a place where you win hockey games – I'm not a dummy knowing how good this team is, and you want to be here a long time," Chimera said. "For me it was a no-brainer. It was nice that they showed some confidence in me to come to me and ask me if I wanted something.""
John Erskine a 'couple weeks' away from being cleared for contact
September 30
Washington Post
 
"John Erskine wasn't wearing a bright orange no-contact jersey in Thursday's practice at KCI, but unfortunately for the rugged defenseman, he hasn't been cleared for contact just yet. Erskine, who underwent shoulder surgery in May, took part in what was a special teams oriented practice, working with the penalty killers, but he wasn't in situations that put strain on his surgically repaired shoulder. "It's something I've got to deal with and hopefully I'll be clear in a couple weeks," Erskine said. "When that time comes I'll probably see the doctor and he'll either [tell] me the I'm good to go or that I need to rest it some more.""
Capitals trim training camp roster by three
September 30
Washington Post
 
"The Capitals have trimmed their training camp roster once again, this time assigning three players to the American Hockey League. Forward Chris Bourque and defensemen Sean Collins and Patrick McNeill have all been assigned to the Hershey Bears, pending waivers clearance."
Dmitry Orlov's status remains unclear as Capitals' regular season approaches
September 30
Washington Post
 
"Coach Bruce Boudreau quickly tempered any assumptions Thursday that Dmitry Orlov's continued stay in Washington signaled anything in regard to his chances of starting the year with the Capitals. All it meant, Boudreau said, was that Orlov will play in at least one of the remaining two preseason games. That doesn't change the fact that the 20-year-old blueliner remains with the Capitals and is continuing to turn heads, though. Orlov has appeared in three preseason games and appears to grow in confidence with each outing. Against Nashville on Wednesday, he played 16 minutes 7 seconds, finishing with a plus-1 rating and was a bright spot in an overall poor exhibition outing by Washington."
Capitals to recall Braden Holtby
September 29
Washington Post
 
"Coach Bruce Boudreau said after the Capitals' 4-1 preseason loss to the Nashville Predators that Michal Neuvirth's injury is nothing to worry about. "He's fine. He's just got, again, a tightness thing and we're not going to take any chances with him," Boudreau said. "He was scheduled to play Friday, we'll probably rest him and play him Sunday. That's why we're bringing Braden up." Update: Washington has confirmed that Braden Holtby will practice with the team on Thursday. He is being recalled because Michal Neuvirth is "nursing a minor injury and for precautionary reasons will be given a day off", according to a team spokesman."
Capitals look for a contender to stand out in competition for final roster spot
September 27
Washington Post
 
"Coach Bruce Boudreau entered training camp watching and waiting for one of several hopefuls to assert himself in the race for the lone spot up for grabs on the Washington Capitals' roster. Through the first 11 days of the preseason, he's still waiting for a front-runner to emerge. Monday night at Verizon Center, three of the four contenders for that position were in the lineup and played a key role in a 3-1 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets, who dressed little of their NHL roster. Playing on a line together, Cody Eakin, Mathieu Perreault and Chris Bourque recorded a goal, a goal and an assist and three assists, respectively, helping the Capitals capture their first victory of the"
Boudreau looking to get Capitals' NHL roster squared away
September 23
Washington Post
 
"Coach Bruce Boudreau has said that he doesn't necessarily expect the Capitals' NHL veterans to be in full regular-season mode during the preseason, but that he does want the roster assembled as quickly as possible so that new players can be integrated into the lineup and new systems can be absorbed. With Hershey's camp set to open this weekend, more cuts are on the way to continue whittling the roster down, and Boudreau will soon have the squad he will direct for the rest of the year. So with five days of training camp and two preseason games already gone, what kind of progress does Boudreau want to see over the course of the preseason?"
Capitals make first round of cuts at training camp
September 20
Washington Post
 
"The Capitals made their first round of cuts today, releasing five players from training camp. Defenseman Samuel Carrier and winger Mitch Elliot were returned to their junior teams, while forwards Reid Edmondson and Thomas Frazee and defenseman Nick Tabisz were cut as well."
Ted Leonsis: Chemistry is Capitals' 'big unknown'
September 15
Washington Post
 
"In his latest radio interview this week, Ted Leonsis joined ESPN 980's Sports Reporters to talk about both the Wizards and Capitals. Asked about the Wizards' rebuilding process and the strategy of how and when to pursue free agents, Leonsis related to the changes the Capitals made this offseason, bringing in five new players. With the Capitals' main training camp set to start on Saturday, Leonsis stressed that what remains to be seen is whether all the changes – widely considered positive on paper – translate to the ice and dressing room. "What I've never liked doing is the making news in the offseason and thinking that you've improved," Leonsis said. "I'm with the Caps right now, we were"
Capitals' rookie centers vie for roster spot
September 13
Washington Times
 
"George McPhee's offseason additions to the Washington Capitals have been hailed by many around the league and just about everybody within the organization. It's tough to discount - at least on paper - that bringing in players such as Troy Brouwer and Joel Ward add something substantial. But those moves - especially up front - have made it hard on a few young players who would love to make the leap to the NHL in a few weeks. With roster spots hard to come by, this week's rookie camp and main training camp (which starts Saturday) is Chapter 2 of what could come down to a battle between centers Cody Eakin and Mattias Sjogren. "Cody's a little quicker, but Matty's stronger, got a little more"
Capitals veterans will undergo timed skating test when training camp opens
September 13
Washington Post
 
"This summer, numerous Capitals upped their offseason training and spoke about their dedication to arriving at camp in top condition. When players arrive Saturday at Kettler Capitals Iceplex, they'll each be put to the test in the form of timed skating drills with plenty of repeated hard stops. "Everybody knows, they've been on high alert with what we're going to do and when we're going to do it and what the test is," strength and conditioning coach Mark Nemish said, adding that players found out in July about the conditioning benchmark they are expected to complete. "For the four years that we've been doing the off-ice and the summer training, my book reflects the type of protocols that"
Ovechkin adds 'wow factor' to first day of rookie camp
September 12
Washington Post
 
"After going a few days without skating during his trip to New York for an NHL media tour, Alex Ovechkin asked Coach Bruce Boudreau if he could join the rookies' on-ice session on Sunday morning. The two-time Hart Trophy winner waited his turn in drills, followed every instruction as if he were a rookie himself but that didn't keep some of the current prospects from watching Ovechkin. "If I'm one of the young guys and I'm seeing Alex Ovechkin and I haven't skated with him — you see a man that's like that on the ice and it's a pretty big wow factor," said Boudreau, who told Ovechkin not to stay out on the ice for the entire first rookie practice. "I don't know what it's like today, but when"
Capitals' Dennis Wideman back to 100%
September 10
Washington Post
 
"Dennis Wideman hadn't been able to skate all out at Kettler Capitals Iceplex since late March, but on Friday morning, as the Capitals defenseman participated in an informal workout, it appeared as though he had never been sidelined at the end of last season. After completing the casual on-ice session, bag skate and off-ice workout with his teammates, Wideman said he has fully recovered from the leg hematoma that he suffered late last March and is ready to play. "I'm 100 percent as far as skating and everything goes. I'm 100 percent," Wideman said. "There's still a little bit to catch up on, in just getting the response that you'd like to see out of your leg but I'm pretty close. I'm able"
Russian plane crash hits Capitals close to home
September 8
Washington Times
 
"Before stepping onto the ice for an informal preseason workout Wednesday, Alex Ovechkin learned the awful news: A plane carrying Russian team Lokomotiv Yaroslavl of the Kontinental Hockey League crashed, killing at least 43 of the 45 people on board. Word spread to his Washington Capitals teammates, including a couple of others with connections to players who died in the crash. "I am shocked. It's very sad," prospect Stan Galiev said. "I had a couple good friends there from world junior team — I played with them." It was the latest dark day in a tragic summer for a hockey community that mourned the deaths of NHL players Derek Boogaard and Rick Rypien and recently retired player Wade Belak."
Former Capital David Steckel backs up Matt Bradley's comments about Alexander Semin, team's lack of discipline
September 1
Washington Post
 
"Matt Bradley may have surprised some of his old teammates by speaking out earlier this month about the Capitals' lack of discipline, but they don't all disagree with his candid assessment. "It's not like he went out and told lies," former Capitals forward David Steckel told The Post's Tarik El-Bashir and other reporters Wednesday at Kettler Capitals Iceplex. Bradley "didn't really say anything bad about anybody. He just stated what he felt." Bradley, now a member of the Florida Panthers, told Ottawa's TEAM 1200 that ex-teammate Alexander Semin "just doesn't care," and that the Russian sniper didn't show up when Washington needed him in the playoffs. Bradley also spoke at length about the"
Vokoun took less money to play with Capitals because 'I want to enjoy hockey'
August 30
Washington Post
 
"Tomas Vokoun may be earning a significantly smaller paycheck in Washington than he has in recent seasons, but the veteran goaltender made it clear Monday that money isn't his priority these days. "I'm in the stage of my career [where] I don't have to worry about my finances, my livelihood, my family, and I can just go out and enjoy hockey and play with great players," Vokoun told the Miami Herald's George Richards after a workout in Coral Springs. The 35-year-old Czech native signed a one-year deal with the Capitals worth a meager $1.5 million in July, just a season after he earned $6.3 million in Florida. Vokoun, who had widely been considered the top free agent goalie available, later"
NHL policy change on substance abuse?
August 18
Toronto Sun
 
"The recent off-ice deaths of two NHL players could spark a change in how the league conducts its substance abuse and behavioural program. Commenting on the passing of New York Ranger Derek Boogaard and Winnipeg Jet Rick Rypien at the league's research and developmnt camp in Toronto, commissioner Gary Bettman told a wire service that he will soon approach the Players Association to study the current policy. Boogaard passed away in May after a mishap with alcohol and a painkiller drug. Rypien, who reportedly suffered from depression, died Monday and police will only say the circumstances were not suspicious. Both men had been in the program, which has helped many players with varied"
Scott Hannan still unsigned, but will not be with Capitals next season
August 4
Washington Times
 
"On the day an arbiter awarded Norris Trophy finalist Shea Weber $7.5 million, some brief discussion around Washington centered around a defenseman who was making $4.5 million and was not re-signed. Scott Hannan never received an offer from the Capitals before July 1 and remains unsigned. His agent, Don Meehan, told The Washington Times in an email that he's still working to secure an NHL deal for the veteran. As for the posssibility of Hannan playing next season for the Caps, Meehan said flatly, "That won't happen.""
Washington Capitals sign forward Christian Hanson
July 11
Washington Post
 
"The Capitals have signed center Christian Hanson, who should compete for a roster spot with the American Hockey League's Hershey Bears, a team spokesman confirmed."
Capitals defenseman Tyler Sloan bought out because he asked to be traded
July 9
Washington Times
 
"During the NHL's annual buyout period, teams like the New York Rangers and Edmonton Oilers parted ways with veterans with big, long-term contracts. But among Chris Drury, Sheldon Souray and other big names, the Washington Capitals went through the process with 30-year-old defenseman Tyler Sloan on June 30. It was considered by some a curious move given that Sloan will count $233,333 against the cap in each of the next two seasons — instead of nothing if he was in Hershey. Now, we know why. Unhappy with his spot — often spent in the press box — with the Caps, Sloan asked for a trade as far back as the trade deadline, his agent, Jeff Helperl, told The Washington Times on Friday. "He wanted"