Belanger Treatment; Unfair

Eric Belanger is heading to Phoenix.  The former Caps center had a verbal agreement with the team which was apparently contingent on McPhee trading a player (speculation was Fleischman).  This deal stinks on many levels and is something that George McPhee should be embarrassed about.  Not only was Belanger a great veteran presence but he was also a dominant face-off man and penalty killer.  He put his "face" on the line for the team last year in the playoffs, (literally).  He had already enrolled his kids in school in the area, signed a lease on a home and was ready to begin a full season with the Caps.  McPhee couldn't get a trade done and thus the "verbal agreement" has been scrapped.  Shame on McPhee.  How about getting the trade done before you sign Belanger?  You had an entire summer to get something done and now all you accomplished was putting a bad taste of the organization in the mouth a great person, player and family.  

Hopefully these things don't happen often.  What's the answer now, George?  Still no physical D or 2nd line center.  Don't even try to say John Erskine.  I like John but he's no top 2-4 shut down D man.  Furthermore, are we to think that Marcus Johannson is the answer at center for Semin?  Too many questions still as camp is just around the corner.

Mitchell To The Kings

UFA defenseman Willie Mitchell has signed a 2-year deal with the Los Angeles Kings.  The deal is reportedly for 3.5 million per year.  That seems like an awful big paycheck for a player who has been injured so much.  Mitchell has also been concussed a few times (See Pothier).  If the rumors were true about Washington being a serious bidder, I can't fault McPhee for walking away from that kind of a contract.  It will be interesting to see how many games Willie plays this year!

Attention may now focus on Bieksa, Jackman or Brewer.  Where will Flash spend 2010-11?  Will George hold off until later in the year when the salaries won't cost as much towards the cap?  There are still alot of questions and still time!

Mitchell Still Not %100

According to Willie Mitchell's agent, (former Cap) Mike Liut, the defenseman is still not in top shape. Apparently he is symptom free from his concussion(s).  That is a good sign.  How durable will he be remains the question.  If the rumor regarding Flash is accurate, why was Mitchell in town?  I don't see McPhee signing a UFA defenseman AND trading for another defenseman?  I have to believe a center would be in play for Flash?  Maybe packaging other players for a run at Savard isn't such a bad idea.  If Boudreau can send out his first two lines of Ovechkin, Backstrom, Knuble followed by Semin, Savard, Laich!  I like that line-up.  Again, I'm playing fantasy hockey at this point not knowing the reality of the future deals on the horizon.  It does make sense though; physical D-man and second line center!

Time will still tell!!

Crazy Thought or Crazy Like a Fox?

Here is a move that may make sense?  The Caps have signed Eric Belanger to center the third line.  The trade they are waiting to make is for current Boston Bruin centerman Marc Savard.  They are not making it official until the league finishes reviewing Savard's contract.  Since the Kovalchuk contract was denied, the league is looking at all deals that seem to circumvent the salary cap.  The Bruins are stacked with centerman and could use a Tomas Flieschman on the wing.  I'm sure the Caps would have to make another move or two to wiggle some more cap space but maybe not.  They are currently $4 million under the cap.  Trading Flash would free up another $2 million giving the team $6 million to work in Savard and a d-man whether it is Mitchell or Bieksa.

This is all just theory but it could work and what a line-up we could throw on the ice!!  Come on George make it work.

Mitchell Pays a Visit

UFA defenseman Willie Mitchell was in town to meet with the Caps and provide an on ice work-out.  He has been bothered by his third concussion from last season.  Currently Washington is looking for a physical d-man to provide some grit.  I'm not sure Mitchell is the answer due to his concussion history.  I'm sure the Caps had Greg Smith give him a look over as well, but I also think this is a risk.  Unless an incentive laden contract is offered I would be worried about a fourth concussion in the near future.

The team has still not confirmed or denied the story of Belanger being signed.  This scenario will play out over the next week or two and I'm sure the team will do what they need to do to improve.

What the Belanger?

There has been speculation that the team has come to terms with UFA center Eric Belanger.  The signing is not being confirmed by the team however due to even more rumblings of an imminent trade in the works?  Speculation is Tomas Fleischman is in play for  physical d-man.  Of course this is all rumor for the time being so the waiting game continues.  Is Belanger the answer for the second line or is he slotted for the third line?  Many questions still need to be answered, time will tell as usual!

Hard Knocks Coming to Caps Game

I thought it would be interesting to see a 'Hard Knocks' series featuring the Washington Capitals.  HBO's acclaimed series that features an NFL team during training camp and gives fans an inside look at how coaches, GM's and owners decide on there team. The show also highlights certain "plus" players and the fact that they may be making the cut.  It is a great way for fans to learn more about the workings of a pro sports franchise and also allows those same fans to gain access to behind the scenes "situations".

I sent an email to Ted Leonsis about my "great idea"!  As usual Ted was ahead of me!  It seems that HBO will be doing something regarding the Caps for the "Winter Classic" game in Pittsburgh!  I think it is great for the sport and for fans!  Can't wait to see the piece.

Let's go CAPS!