Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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)

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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 ..."

Capitals, Nats Are Named in Drug Bust

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May 28

Washington Post

"A massive drug bust in a small town in central Florida entangled the Washington Nationals and Capitals late Tuesday when a man found with $200,000 worth of steroids and other drugs in his home named those teams, and no others, when police inquired whether any professional athletes were among his clients. But the sheriff handling the case in Polk County said detectives had no evidence other than the claims of the man, Richard Thomas, 35, who bragged while in detention that he had sold performance-enhancing drugs to players in a variety of pro sports without providing names, numbers of clients, time frames or validating documentation. "I sent a supervisor in with a detective, and [Thomas] ..."

Fedorov could stay with Caps

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May 27

Washington Examiner

"Free-agent center Sergei Fedorov still is willing to negotiate a new contract with the Capitals, according to his agent, Pat Brisson, and has not yet signed a contract with a team in Russia. A report in the Russian newspaper Sports-Express said Monday that the 39-year-old is poised to sign a two-year, $7.6 million deal with Russian club Mettalurg Magnitogorsk. Fedorov indeed will hold talks with teams in the Kontinental Hockey League on a trip home to Russia later this week. Brisson has yet to speak directly with Caps general manager George McPhee. But while no specific meeting has been set for talks, Fedorov also remains interested in staying with Washington. Fedorov was acquired at the ..."

The Kontinental divide

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May 27

Washington Times

"The Washington Capitals are facing a new threat in the battle to re-sign several of their key players - an upstart Russian league hungry for NHL talent. According to reports, Viktor Kozlov - one of the team's four unrestricted free agents - has signed with a team in the Kontinental Hockey League, which recently completed its first year of operation. Meanwhile, two others reportedly have been in talks with KHL franchises. In the past two days, French-language sports network RDS has reported Kozlov's deal with Ufa as well as a two-year, $7.6 million offer to Sergei Fedorov from Magnitogorsk. Washington general manager George McPhee said Tuesday afternoon he had no confirmation of Kozlov ..."

Fedorov's Future in D.C. Still Unclear

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May 27

Washington Post

"Sergei Fedorov's future with the Washington Capitals remained as unclear as ever yesterday, hours after a published report in Russia said the veteran was close to signing a contract in the Kontinental Hockey League. Fedorov's agent, Pat Brisson, said he has had preliminary discussions with the Capitals about a contract extension, but also acknowledged that it's possible his 39-year-old client will sign with another NHL team or leave the league altogether. Fedorov becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1. On Monday night, Sport-Express of Moscow reported that Fedorov had agreed to sign with the KHL's Metallurg Magnitogorsk. The deal, according to the report, is for $3.8 million per ..."

Report: Fedorov to sign with Metallurg of the KHL

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May 26

Yahoo! Sports

"According to Russian newspaper Sport Express, Washington Capitals forward Sergei Fedorov(notes) will sign with Metallurg Magnitogorsk of the Kontinental Hockey League this week, ending his 18-year career in the National Hockey League. A year after Jaromir Jagr(notes) left for greener pastures, it looks as if the NHL will lose another aging future Hall of Famer and legendary import to the KHL. The Capitals soon might have two open spots at forward as his teammate, Viktor Kozlov(notes) could be joining Fedorov as was reported recently. The Sport Express report states that a two-year deal worth $3.8 million per season is waiting to be signed by the 39-year old Fedorov, who would be joining ..."

Fedorov aims to be back next year

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May 16

Washington Times

"He turns 40 in December, but Sergei Fedorov wants to return for a 19th NHL season - preferably with the Washington Capitals. Fedorov becomes an unrestricted free agent in July and may have to take a pay cut from the $4 million he made this season, but he isn't thinking about retirement. "I cannot imagine myself retired; I don't know why," he said Friday. "I still have some legs left, I still enjoy the game and certainly enjoy this group of young, talented players." An ankle injury limited Fedorov to 52 regular-season games this year, but he appeared in all 14 playoff games, posting eight points and averaging 16:39 of ice time. "A hundred percent for sure, we need a guy like Feds," Alex ..."

Capitals players to watch

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May 15

Washington Examiner

"Three young defenseman will be RFAs this summer. All should receive qualifying offers from Caps. Otherwise, Shaone Morrisonn, Jeff Schultz and Milan Jurcina are free agents. If given qualifying offers, the players can accept it, negotiate a better deal, sign an offer sheet with another team - which Caps could match - or choose arbitration. Likely, all three will be back for camp. Whether they make the team is the real question. Forwards Eric Fehr and Boyd Gordon are in the same boat. Chris Bourque The final cut at training camp last October went to AHL Hershey and had an excellent year (21 goals, 52 assists). Is the 5-foot-8 Bourque ready to break through and win a roster spot next ..."

Ovechkin's Extra Rest Expected to End Today

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May 1

Washington Post

"Washington Capitals star left wing Alex Ovechkin missed yesterday's practice, the team's first since clinching a trip to the Eastern Conference semifinals on Tuesday night. Coach Bruce Boudreau and Ovechkin both said he was simply taking a second straight day off skating to rest and recover from a physical first-round series against the New York Rangers. But the fact that Ovechkin was the only player not on the ice for a strategy-intensive session led to speculation that the reigning MVP could be nursing an injury. "He'll be practicing tomorrow, okay?" Boudreau said. "Sometimes his body gets beat up because he plays so much. He just plays a lot. So he needs a little bit more rest than ..."

Bruins to host Winter Classic

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April 10

Boston Globe

"The Bruins, lobbying for months to bring the NHL's Winter Classic to Boston, have been given the go-ahead by commissioner Gary Bettman's office to host the game Jan. 1, 2010, despite mild, perfunctory protestations from Causeway Street that plans for the popular New Year's Day game have yet to be finalized. Pending a last-second hiccup, the game will be staged at the near century-old Fenway Park, with its iconic Green Monster serving as the backdrop to the boards, Plexiglas, and 85- by 200-foot sheet of ice. The league gave the Bruins the official go-ahead Wednesday night. According to a source familiar with negotiations involving the NHL, players, and the Bruins, Boston likely will host ..."

Ovechkin Set to Return Against Penguins, Crosby

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March 8

Washington Post

"Alex Ovechkin and Tom Poti returned to the ice yesterday and completed a strenuous practice with no setbacks. But only Ovechkin could say with certainty that he'll be in the lineup today when the Washington Capitals look for the franchise's first sweep of the Pittsburgh Penguins. While the status of Poti remains unclear, this much is not up for debate: The Capitals are in desperate need of a victory after three consecutive losses by a combined score of 13-5, all at home to opponents beneath them in the standings. Like Florida, Carolina and Toronto, the surging Penguins also possess fewer points than Washington. Motivation, though, doesn't figure to be a problem against Pittsburgh, a team ..."

Clubs wary of making bad deals

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March 4

Montreal Gazette

"There were a record-tying 25 deals involving 45 players at the NHL trading deadline last March, but don't be surprised if things are much quieter today. There are players available and teams willing to deal, but the salary cap, the economy and the tight playoff race in the Western Conference will all serve as a deterrent. One indication of a sluggish market was the number of players who have turned up on waivers during the past few days. Miroslav Satan, Brendan Morrison, Éric Perrin, Jonathan Sim and Gary Roberts might have had value, however minimal, in the past. This week, they represent salaries to be dumped. There are soon-to-be unrestricted free agents on the market. Florida is in a ..."

Caps Not Expecting Big Moves

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March 4

Washington Post

"With Alex Ovechkin entering his prime and a club that has the NHL's fifth-best record, the temptation to trade the future for a run at the Stanley Cup this season is great. But Washington Capitals General Manager George McPhee said yesterday that he intends to resist the temptation as today's 3 p.m. trade deadline approaches. "We've taken a long-term approach, and we've got a good club as a result," he said. "We can continue to be a good club if we're smart about things. We have some terrific young players that took some years to accumulate and we're not interested in giving them away." The Capitals have an 11-point lead in the Southeast Division and are battling the surging New Jersey ..."

Deadline sellers unlikely to see big returns

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March 4

Toronto Star

"More and more, today's trade deadline appears to be a prelude to that which lies ahead. To a significant degree, much of what we'll see today – or don't see today – is the direct result of 30 clubs trying to forecast the future in terms of where the industry is heading and, in particular, where the salary cap may be headed. In fact, there were moves yesterday that were indicators of what teams are thinking. Nicklas Backstrom signed a new contract to be the starting goaltender with the Minnesota Wild, and the salary was significant, an average of $6 million per season."

GMs go down to the wire

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March 4

Toronto Star

"Coffee brewed, scouting charts laid out, and lists of wants and needs neatly organized, the general managers of the NHL's 30 teams will meet in boardrooms across North America this morning prior to the trade deadline. Around them will be their confidantes, assistants and scouting directors ready to dial phones, buzz the BlackBerrys, text the messages and e the mail. Reputations will be carved, saviours will be anointed, nerves will be frayed, and regrets – there'll be a few. If things begin as normal, the morning will go slowly from a public perspective: Perhaps a few fourth liners, or fifth defender for some low-round picks as selling GMs try to talk up the price to the buyers. Behind ..."

Trade winds are swirling

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March 3

Toronto Star

"An interesting note from the NHL trade deadline front: exactly 25 deals were completed in each of the last three deadline days. That number is expected to be surpassed tomorrow, when this season's deadline arrives. With Leafs GM Brian Burke leading the way, several NHL GMs have been frank about their trade prospects. Several players– Bill Guerin, Derek Morris, Nik Antropov and others – are on the trade block. There are also teams such as Ottawa, in the midst of a disappointing season, which will have to purge certain players in order to help with next season's budget. Here's a look at what's brewing around the NHL leading up to tomorrow's 3 p.m. (EST) deadline:"

Deadline provides good theatre

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March 2

Globe and Mail

columnist Eric Duhatschek

"This is how the sands can shift in the ridiculously close NHL standings, with the trading deadline less than 72 hours away: At the all-star break, during the final week of January, it looked as though the only bona fide seller in the Western Conference would be the 15th-place St. Louis Blues, a team undermined for much of the season by injuries, limited scoring and so-so goaltending. The Blues featured at least one tradable commodity - left winger/centre Keith Tkachuk - who would be of some interest to a contender. Every week, a new version of the Tkachuk to the Boston Bruins rumour made the rounds. In the meantime, the Blues quietly chipped away at the gap between them and eighth place. ..."

Pronger likely on the move...and other trade chatter

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March 2

Ottawa Sun

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"The Blues are going to make a serious pitch for Ducks D Chris Pronger and could be offering up LW David Perron as part of a package in return. The Ducks are almost sure to deal Pronger, who has one year and $6.25 million left on his contract. He probably wouldn't mind returning to St. Louis, where he played for seven seasons. The Bruins have shown mild interest in Pronger as have the Capitals, Leafs and Flyers ... The Kings have been fielding calls for D Sean O'Donnell, but there's a strong belief he'll be re-signed. Los Angeles D Tom Preissing returned from injury yesterday against the Blackhawks and the Kings hope to move him ahead of O'Donnell ... The Sharks, Oilers and Bolts are ..."

D-Day looms

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February 28

Edmonton Journal

"Trade deadline day, in the words of Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke, is a mixed bag -- "an awful day, an exciting day, a day full of magic, also a day full of very poor decision making." While we've basically had a league-wide roster freeze for the last five months because of salary cap issues with teams, the trade deadline is the one day where GMs actually try to appease (a) braying fans, (b) players who are looking for a jolt, and (c) coaches who can't transplant hands on Shean Donovan or get a heart that beats for Tyler Arnason. You always get some strange trade ideas on Internet sites -- like Edmonton Oilers unrestricted free agent Erik Cole and a fourth-round draft to ..."

NHL teams have stars in their eyes

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February 26

Buffalo News

"The NHL trade deadline is next Wednesday, and nobody is quite sure what to expect in the days ahead. Six teams were within nine points of fourth-place Philadelphia in the Eastern Conference heading into Wednesday night. Eight points separated fifth-place Vancouver and 13th-place St. Louis in the West. Buy, sell or flip a coin? So many teams, so many players, so many possibilities. Several superstars are almost certain to change addresses, and several more are capable of pushing teams into contention. Here are a few items worth watching leading into Wednesday while pondering trade rumors du jour. STAR GAZING Jay Bouwmeester, D, Florida. General Manager Jacques Martin didn't rule out trading ..."

Capitals Trade Rumors