Bears Welcome Hartford Wolf Pack in 2015-16 Home Opener

After 3 road games in the first two weekends and another one tonight, the Bears FINALLY open the home slate against the team that ended their season back in May, the Hartford Wolf Pack. 

Opening night throwback jerseys.
 Image courtesy of
Kyle Maceand Chocolate Hockey.

In that series the dynamic Chris Bourque served as catalyst for the Wolf Pack.

In 2015-16 he hopes to serve as the catalyst for the Hershey Bears offense!  

It will be good to have Chris back in Chocolate and White this season, but he isn't the only new addition.  

Some other new faces you might not be familiar with...

• Zach Sill
• Carter Camper
• Riley Barber
• Sean Collins
• Paul Carey
• Madison Bowey
• Ryan Stanton
• Aaron Ness
• Dan Ellis

Each of those players comes to the Bears after having played elsewhere in 2014-15.  

Plus some others that you might have heard of or seen for a few games last year...

• Jacub Vrana
• Travis Boyd
• Caleb Herbert
• Christian Djoos
• Justin Peters

Each of those spent at least a portion of the 2014-15 season (mostly late in the season) in Hershey.  But none were used often or played a major role.

That's 15 new players on a 23 man roster.  Quite a bit of turnover.  

Gone are the likes of Casey Wellman, Tyler Kennedy, Chris Conner, Kris Newbury, Jim O'Brien, Stanislav Galiev, Steve Oleksy, Nate Schmidt, Jon Landry, Cameron Schilling, Philip Grubauer, Pheonix Coley, and Dane Byers.

Man, that's a lot of good players.  Quite honestly...I don't know if the replacements are nearly as good.  But we will soon find out.

Ultimately, I have 3 rather large concerns as we enter the 2015-16 season.  

Size and Physicality

I think most of us expected Dane to be back as the captain of our Bears.  Maybe something happens and he comes back midseason, but he surely isn't here now.  And that hurts.  

One of the reason the Bears struggled so much in the postseason last year was a lack of physicality.  I for one believe that a healthy Dane would have made a huge difference in the postseason.  

So without Dane, who is going to pick up the slack in the physical play?

One look at the roster and you would be hard pressed to find someone capable based on their size.  Liam O'Brien seems like the heir, but he wasn't real good at doing it last spring.  

Other than him there is exactly ONE forward that is at least 200 lbs, Zach Sill.  He weighs in at 202.

The problem is made worse when you realize the Bears field a much smaller than average lineup.  Only 6 of the 13 forwards stands even 6'0" tall.  4 of the 13 are 5/9" or smaller!!

We have seen Hershey Miniatures before (Aucoin, Perreault, Bouchard, Bourque, among others), but they were generally accompanied by larger players around them.

That isn't the case in 2015-16.  

Sure, there is some size (SOME) on the blueline.  But those guys won't be able to help in the corners when the Bears are trying to dig out loose pucks.  Nor will it help when you are looking to screen the goalie on shots from the point.

Guys like Nathan Walker, Garrett Mitchell, and even Bourque do know how to throw their weight around a bit, but it isn't exactly going to strike fear into an opponent the way a Dane Byers or Steve Pinnizzotto hit ever did.  

Depth

Problem number 2 is a rarer in one Hershey.

Typically when the Bears break camp and start the season there are about 25-27 guys left on the roster as things shake out in the first couple of weeks.

2015-16 didn't see that happen.  

When they announced their opening night rosters there were 23 players on it.  

In theory, that is fine.  You have your best lineup and you go with it.  

But I also think it raises questions about the level of the guys that weren't kept and were sent to South Carolina.  I am sure they are all skilled and will be adequate for a fill-in game or two.

However, if a key Bear suffers an injury (which one likely will) then Hershey might be in big trouble.

Experience and Familiarity

Last season was a struggle at the beginning.  Guys were new to the system and new to the team and it took a couple of months to really gel.  

Expect the same thing this year.  As mentioned above, there are 15 new(er) skaters to the team and the system.

And for the first time in a while there are a number of rookies!  

That's exciting as rookie's generally bring more speed and skill then some of the veteran players in the league.

And it's also terrifying as most of these kids have never played in a league this skilled before, so no one knows how they will acclimate themselves.

Ultimately, I would rather have loads of rookies than veterans, but it will likely make for a slow start with frustrating losses early.  

Hopefully that all turns around like it did last year and this team can dominate once Christmas rolls around.

Goaltending

Alright, so this is a 4th concern, but it needs mentioned especially considering the inauspicious start to the season by the Bears 2 veteran netminders.

Last season it was Gruby and Copley in net.  

Everyone was well aware that Gruby would likely be headed to Washington full time this year and that did end up happening.  

But we also all assumed Copley would make a fine #1 in Hershey.  I know I was excited as I thought he was better than Gruby for much of last year.

And then the Caps traded him.  Don't get me wrong...I LOVED the deal for the Caps.  LOVED IT.  But it hurt the Bears.

Within days the Bears/Caps had signed Dan Ellis to bridge the organization between Gruby and prospect Vitek Vanecek.  

Having two goalies in Hershey, Ellis and Peters, with NHL pedigree's is fantastic.  But at the same time, both are old (younger than me, but still...old for hockey players) and at some point the body breaks down and reflexes slow.

Hopefully that isn't the case as I know the organization doesn't want to rush Vanecek, who is playing in South Carolina this year, but after the start to the season I am at least slightly concerned.  It's only 3 games, with little chance to build a rythym, but still...something to monitor.

Regardless of any of these concerns I am HYPED for the home slate to get started.  

• Can't wait to see the new scoreboard in action.
• Looking forward to welcoming Bourque back to Hershey.
• Excited to see the young talent in Hershey.

But mostly, just excited to get back to my seat at the GC for some LIVE HOCKEY!!

LET'S GO BEARS!!!!

Roster Taking Shape

Free agency began earlier in July and while the Washington Capitals have done nothing except wave goodbye to past players and sign a restricted free agent, the Bears have made some additions.

New Bears include goalie David Leggio, defensemen Tyson Strachan and David Kolomatis, and forwards Derek Whitmore and Matt Watkins.

You can see the current roster on the 2013-14 Potential Roster page.

Those signings leave the Bears with 3 goalies under contract and another Sergey Kostenko is expected to be signed in the coming weeks.  

David Leggio was one of the best goalies in the AHL last season so his teaming up with Grubauer gives the Bears coaching staff significant confidence in their starting tandem.  Nothing against Dany Sabourin, but his play last year wasn't as strong as he had been in previous years which put a lot of stress on Grubauer late in the season.

On defense there are currently 13 players that could, conceivably, play for the Bears this upcoming season.  Kundratek would have to clear waivers to come though so he may be as good as gone from the Bears plans.  Oleksy finished the season in Washington and Orlov spent plenty of time there the season before.  

The Caps have 6 defensemen under contract right now not including Orlov or Oleksy.  Barring an additional signing I fully expect one or both of them to stick to start the season.  My guess is one stays and the other comes to Hershey as a first call up.  Oates likes to run pairings of lefties/righties so that will surely play a role.  

Forward is where the entire organization is still lacking a little bit.  The Caps have 12 forwards under contract...including youngster Tom Wilson.  If you count Marcus Johanssen, which you should, they have 13.  They may start the season with that many or they may choose to add another for 14.

Hershey has, by my numbers, 12 forwards under contract.  On the roster page I show 13 only because Deschamps is a restricted free agent who WAS tendered a contract so he will almost definitely be back.  I fully expect the Bears to add a few more forwards at some point this summer.  

Just one more note...there are 4 veterans on the Hershey roster right now.  5 can dress in any given game (6 if one is under 320 games played).  That means you will likely see another veteran signed before the season starts.  The last 2 years the Bears entered the season with 6 and had to sit someone each game.  It didn't work in either situation so hopefully they don't try it again.

It's a good roster.  The goalies are as good a pairing as will find in the AHL.  The defense is talented, deep and bigger than last year with the addition of Kolomatis and Strachan.  Wey and Cajkovsky are also big guys, but they are younger.  

Forward is looking solid to me.  I am a big Latta believer and think Wellman is a premier forward.  If Stoa can find his past scoring touch and Galiev is given a role he can thrive in (think top 2 lines) then this team could be an offensive force to be reckoned with.  Add in the toughness of Rechlicz and Byers and you have a team not many are going to want to play.

It's shaping up to be an exciting season in Hershey, but we all know that teams don't win on paper.  Can't wait until the season starts!!

New Coach...Roster Update

UPDATED:  Thanks to information from my readers and Facebook followers I have updated some of the information pertaining to the roster below.  Additions in italics, removals crossed out.  Thanks for the help!

Things have been relatively uneventful over the past couple of months since the Bears were eliminated from the playoffs.  There has been some news...player signings, players leaving, coach leaving...but nothing really big.

Well, yesterday the Bears named the 24th coach in franchise history.  He is...Mike Haviland.  He has won Kelly Cups in the ECHL, was named AHL coach of the year with Norfolk in 2007, and was an assistant coach in Chicago when the 'Hawks won their Stanley Cup in 2010.

He actually interviewed last season for the Caps vacancy, but was ultimately passed over.  This past season he was an associate coach for Norfolk.

Tim Leone has some other information on him here, here, here, and here.

I am excited about it.  I felt like a change was necessary to get some forward momentum in Hershey and hopefully this will bring that.

Personally, I am also excited about the roster that is taking shape.  There is still lots of work to do come free agency, but the core that is in place looks pretty good to me:

Goalies:
Philipp Grubauer
Brandon Anderson

Defense:
Chey Genoway
Nate Schmidt
Cameron Schilling
Steve Oleksy
Brett Flemming
Dmitry Orlov
Julian Brouillette
Patrick Wey
Patrick Wellar

Forwards:
Stanislav Galiev
Michael Latta
TJ Syner
Jeff Taffe
Ryan Stoa
Garrett Mitchell
Casey Wellman


I may be missing some names there but I am pretty certain that all of the above names are under contract for 2013-14.  Obviously some of those guys (especially a defenseman or two) could end up in Washington, but all saw time in Hershey this past season and are at least possibilities in Hershey again next season.  Patrick Wey is a solid NHL prospect who just finished up his senior year in college and should (SHOULD) get a chance in Hershey next season.

Let me also mention that Danick Paquette, Peter LeBlanc, Mattias Sjogren, Nicolas Deschamps, and Tomas Kundratek are all restricted free agents.  Lots of legal jargon as to what that means but basically the Caps will keep the majority of them.  The only one of the bunch that I don't see returning is probably Sjogren.  And with a new coach in Hershey I could see him back too.

I really liked the roster that Doug Yingst and the Caps compiled in Hershey by the end of the year...I feel like, with a new coach and a fresh perspective, the roster above and the restricted free agents below should be an impressive group for the season.

Next Sunday is the NHL draft.  The Caps need to move some pieces in order to sign players like Karl Alzner and Marcus Johannson to contracts for the upcoming season (not to mention a 2nd line center like Mike Ribeiro).  Will that result in more talent in Hershey?  Who knows.  But it is worth watching.

Another name to keep in mind is Caleb Herbert.  He is old enough to play in the AHL and seems to have some good skill to him, but still has college eligibility left so he may elect to stay in school.

Lots of news coming up in the next few weeks.  I will do my best to keep you updated here on the blog.  In the meantime, like the page on Facebook as that gets updated multiple times a week.

News around Hershey

So a guy goes on vacation for a week and a few things of note take place.  Obviously a good deal has happened this offseason so far and I haven't exactly been updating with any type of frequency.  Let's take a second and look at some of the stories I haven't mentioned to date.

Cody Eakin traded

The Capitals traded the young center and a 2nd round pick to the Dallas Stars for Mike Ribeiro.  Eakin was likely destined for the Bears roster for at least part of the upcoming season so this can be considered to have a direct impact on the Bears 2012-13 roster. 

For the Caps I love this trade.  They have been missing a true 2nd line center since Sergei Federov left and Ribeiro should fill that role admirably. 

For the Bears I don't hate this trade.  Yes Eakin was a good young talent and always played hard, but he would have been a top recall option for the Caps this season and likely wouldn't have been much of a factor come playoff time assuming the Caps make the playoffs and bring up some extra bodies.  So yes I think Eakin would have been a member of the Bears for much of the season and would have been a top contributor, but at the same time I think this allows the Bears to go out and sign a free agent that has a better chance to last in the AHL this season.

Rule Changes

The AHL is getting video replay for questionable goals.  This is obviously a good thing for the game as there were some questionable goals scored against (and surely for) the Bears this past season.  In theory, the replay will remove the doubt from some of the goals. 

My only concern is how the equipment works on an arena by arena basis.  Unlike the NHL system this will be done by each team and will be all in house.  Therefore, you could come across a situation where the equipment at one arena is inferior to the equipment at another.  Time will tell, but overall I don't see where this is ever a bad thing. 

One other rule change that you will notice immediately is being done at the request of the NHL.  A variation of a no-touch icing rule will be in effect until November 19, 2012.  Basically if the puck is already across the goal line and the defensive player is the first to reach the faceoff dot, the play is whistled at that point. 

The theory behind the no-touch icing is to eliminate the collisions that take place when players are racing for the puck beyond the goal line.  I don't see how this changes anything.  Within the current rules injuries are probably rare when the defenseman reaches the faceoff dots first anyways as the forward likely isn't coming that hard anymore.  The times when injuries surface are when two guys are still neck and neck at that point, which will not be affected by this rule.

Both rules are for the betterment of the game and I don't think either is, in any situation, bad for the game.  But I also don't think they are earth shattering changes.

Jacob Micflikier to Europe

I honestly believed that the Bears/Caps were going to give Micflikier another contract and the diminutive winger would be back in Hershey for at least another year.   Alas, that isn't going to be the case as he has signed to play in Switzerland for the upcoming year.  Based on the linked article from Tim Leone, it sounds as though he was close to resigning with the organization but is hoping a shift to a different league might give teams a different view of him.

At the age of 28, Micflikier is running out of time to impress NHL staffs and get a legitimate shot in the league.  I am not convinced that going to Switzerland is really the best thing for any player.  The game in Europe is much different than the North American game and you rarely hear of players having success with "re-launching" their careers in Europe.  If they do it is surely when they play in either the KHL or Swedish Elite League.

Chris Bourque played in Switzerland for the 2010-11 season before returning to the AHL last season and having an MVP caliber season.  If Bourque gets an NHL opportunity this upcoming season he will have this past season to thank...not his year in Europe.

The AHL is arguably the second best league in the world.  Maybe the financial parts of his deal were more influential than we realize (I have no idea what the terms are), but if he is truly using this as a launching pad then I question the logic.

But hey, what do I know.  Good luck Jacob!

Mike Carman is signed for 2012-13

Carman was a restricted free agent and the Capitals had tendered him an offer so the chances of him leaving were slim to none already.  But yesterday it was made official as he signed a one year contract with the organization.  Based on numbers from Capgeek.com he will make $65,000 in the AHL this season, a $5,000 a year raise from last year. 

Carman played in 32 games for the Bears in 2011-12 after coming over in a trade from the Colorado/Lake Erie organization.  He scored 7 goals and added 5 assists while bouncing around from the 2nd-4th line.  He is a center in the mold of Andrew Joudrey, a solid defensive player with a limited offensive game.  He is a role player with some upside. 

Glad to see him back for 2012-13.

Capitals Developmental Camp

The Capitals announced that their annual summer development camp will take place from July 9-14 in Washington.  A roster for the camp has not yet been announced, but it is generally recent draft choices as well as rookie free agents.  There are typically signings that result from the camp and possibly even a player that could contribute in Hershey this upcoming year.  Time will tell.  I have yet to go to one of these....someday I will make it down.

Free Agency begins tomorrow, July 1

NHL/AHL free agency period is open for business tomorrow.  With an expiring CBA currently being negotiated you might see a little more cautious activity than usual as teams can't be certain of an exact salary cap number for 2012-13 but plenty of activity will surely take place.

On this site we are mainly concerned with how signings impact the Hershey Bears.  And thanks to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins beat writer Jonathan Bombulie we have a comprehensive list of AHL talent that is available.  On June 24 he posted his top 250 list that identifies, in his opinion, the top 250 AHL caliber players available.  

As of this morning the list is somewhat jumbled as players have been eliminated and/or added due to qualifying offers being made.  He will be updating the list tomorrow and, if I remember, I will update this post to include that link. 

He has Keith Aucoin ranked as the #2 player available.  I am honestly somewhat concerned that Keith hasn't resigned with the organization already.  Hopefully it is just a formality, but something tells me he is curious to hear what teams are offering.  If he manages to get a one way offer from an organization I have to imagine he will take it...I would.  Hopefully he comes back, but if he doesn't I hope he finds permanent success in the NHL.

I am excited to see who the Caps/Bears sign as there are lots of spots open on the Hershey roster and a limited number of prospects available to fill them.  The #1 player on the list is LW Jonathan Audy-Marchessault who played for the Connecticut Whale last season, scoring 24 goals and adding 40 assists in his first pro season.  He is a small forward, only 5'9", which explains why he wasn't drafted by an NHL team.  But as the Norfolk Admirals are well aware (and the Bears for that matter), smaller players can pack an offensive punch at this level.  Might the Bears be in on the Audy-Marchessault sweepstakes....who knows.


That's all for now.  For the next month there should be some regular updates as we discuss players that have signed with the Caps/Bears.  The roster will begin taking shape tomorrow.

More signings and a few links to share

Two posts in one day...in July?  What is going on? 

Well fortunately for Bears fans...a lot.

Let's start with the signings...

Jacob Micflikier, formerly of the Charlotte Checkers, will likely be a Hershey Bear in 2011-12.  He signed a one year, two-way contract with the Capitals today and is likely to end up in Hershey for the upcoming season.

Last year he scored 29 goals and added 32 assists in 78 games for the Checkers.  The season prior he tallied 18 goals and 22 assists in 59 games. 

Excellent pickup by the Caps/Bears.  The lineup in Hershey is starting to look pretty explosive!!

The other signing...Daren Machesney is returning to the organization.  Cheese was signed to a one year AHL deal for 2011-12.  He will likely become the #1 goalie in South Carolina while getting some time in Hershey when callups or injuries occur (which they have at an alarming rate the past couple of seasons). 

Last season Cheese got to see many different places as he played for Springfield and Worcester in the AHL and Victoria, Elmira, and Reading in the ECHL.


Love both the signings.  You need depth at goaltender and adding a veteran guy like Cheese is definitely a good plan.  And getting Micflikier to join the cast that Hershey already has...outstanding. 

It's going to be a good year!!!



Here are a few links for some write-ups on what will likely be some future Bears (probably even this year):

Defenseman Brett Fleming

Forward Garrett Mitchell

Forward Danick Paquette

Lots of roster moves going on

Patrick Wellar...welcome back!

Christian Hanson...welcome!

Julien Brouillette...welcome!

Mathieu Perreault...welcome back (maybe)!

and....

Graham Mink...welcome back!!


See...lots of roster moves happening over the last couple of days.

Let's start with the 2 biggest names on the list...

Graham Mink signed a one year, AHL only deal earlier today that will bring him back to the Chocolate and White for 2011-12.  Last season Minker played for Peoria where he recorded 24 goals and 26 assists in 70 games.  This will be Minker's 3rd go around in a Bears jersey.  And the other two seasons weren't too bad for the Bears...they won the Calder Cup both times!!  (05-06 and 08-09 for those of you who don't remember).

This signing surprises me a great deal due to the already loaded veteran roster Hershey has.  With Mink in the fold there are now 7 veterans on the roster and only 6 can skate per night.  That means, barring injuries or callups, one of Mink, Bourque, Aucoin, Kane, Richmond, and Potulny will be sitting each night.  (Greentree is in the 260-320 game threshold so he will join the other 5 vets each night without problem). 

Maybe the Bears/Caps expect Bourque to make the big club out of camp...I don't know.  Either way it could create some animosity/locker room issues if one of these guys is sitting every night.  Many times this kind of scenario works itself out with injuries and recalls but there is potential for a problem now.

Still love having Minker back though!!!


Next up, Mathieu Pearreault signed a one year, two way contract earlier today as well.  Last season he split his time between Hershey and Washington scoring a combined 18 goals and adding 31 assists in 69 combined games.  That included 11 goals and 24 assists in Hershey in only 34 games. 

While Perry is obviously hoping to make the Capitals out of camp most expectations are that he will come to Hershey for the majority of the season.  But he will definitely be one of the last cut and one of the first call ups IF he ends up in Hershey.  I don't think there are too many people that doubt his ability but his consistency at the NHL level has been lacking in his recent call-ups.  The Caps would love to see him come to camp and show he can be consistent but even then, with all the new talent and organizational depth at center, I think it will be difficult for him to make the big club out of camp.


Patrick Wellar was resigned by the Bears for the upcoming season and is a welcome addition to a lineup that could use a little muscle and intimidation.  He has developed into a very reliable AHL defenseman over the past couple of years. 


Now to the newcomers...

Julien Brouillette (I already hate typing the name) signed a one year, AHL contract for 2011-12 with Hershey.  He comes over from the Lake Erie Monsters, to join his former teammate Matthew Ford, after a successful 2010-11 campaign in which the defenseman recorded 2 goals and 15 assists in 49 games while compiling a +/- rating of +17.  He also played 1 game with Charlotte and 25 in the ECHL where he collected 11 goals and 12 assists.  He brings some offensive upside to the position.  I suspect he will fill a role like Johann Kroll or Dylan Yeo from last season...a split between Hershey and South Carolina depending on injuries and recalls.

Christian Hanson, son of Slap Shot actor Dave Hanson, signed a one year, two way contract with the Capitals/Bears and is expected to compete in Caps camp before finding a role in Hershey for the season.  He spent most of last season in Toronto with the Marlies, recording 13 goals and 21 assists in 58 games.  He also saw 6 games with the Maple Leafs last season.  He is a big kid, standing 6'4" and weighing 228 lbs so hopefully he likes to park himself in front of the net and get the "cheap" goals.


So there you have it...5 roster additions (potentially depending on Perry) with more to surely come.

Welcome Danny Richmond...Former Bears sign elsewhere

First of all, another defenseman was added to the fold.  Danny Richmond has been signed by Washington/Hershey to a one year contract.  Richmond spent last season with the Toronto Marlies where he scored 3 goals and added 20 assists in 68 games.  He also picked up 121 penalty minutes and finished the season a -12.

Richmond is a veteran which gives Hershey 6 veterans.  All 6 can start however as Kyle Greentree falls into the 260-320 games played category while the remaining five (Richmond, Aucoin, Kane, Potulny, Bourque) have all played 320+.


Several 2010-11 Bears have signed deals to play elsewhere this past weekend and here is a brief recap:

Andrew Joudrey signed with Columbus/Springfield.
Andrew Gordon signed with Anaheim/Syracuse. 
Steve Pinizzotto signed with Vancouver/Chicago.

Hopefully all of those guys get a legitimate shot at making the NHL.  Gordon's contract is a 2-year deal with the 2nd year being an NHL one way deal so that is great news for him. 

Alexandre Giroux has also signed with Columbus/Springfield so we could be seeing more of him this upcoming season instead of just the All-Star game. 

More signings...Collins and...Bourque

Yes you read the title right...Chris Bourque has signed a one year deal with the Capitals.  No word on if it is a two way deal or not but I am guessing it is.

Chris spent last season split between the KHL and the Swiss league, scoring 15 goals and 19 assists in 47 games.

The addition of Bourque gives the Bears 5 veteran forwards.  So anyone hoping to see Giroux, Mink or Gordon return to the Bears is probably going to be disappointed.  I won't say it can't happen but it isn't likely now.

In other news...everyone's favorite defenseman is back too.  Sean Collins signed a one year deal with the organization as well.  This time though it is a two way contract and won't cost the Caps too much if they send him down to Hershey.  (The last 2 years were on NHL one way contracts for those that didn't know).

And a follow up to yesterday...the Ryan Potulny deal is, according to capgeek.com, a 2 year contract with the 2nd year an NHL one way deal. 

Bears sign 3...Caps making curiuos decisions

The first day of free agency has been active for the Bears and Capitals.  Let's start this off with news out of Hershey...

Ryan Potulny, Matthew Ford, and Paul Baier have all been signed for the 2011-12 season. 

Potulny, former Bear Grant's little brother, played for 4 different teams last season...the Binghamton Senators, Rockford IceHogs, Chicago Blackhawks, and Ottawa Senators.  He lasted the longest with Rockford, scoring 18 goals and 23 assists in 58 games.  He was traded to Ottawa late and proceeded to lead the Binghamton Senators in scoring during their Calder Cup run with 14 goals and 12 assists in 23 games.

Matthew Ford played the last 2 seasons with the Lake Erie Monsters.  Last season he had his best as a pro, scoring 26 goals and 16 assists in 76 games.

Paul Baier is a big defenseman, 6'4" 225lbs, who is surely being brought in for some muscle.  With Patrick Wellar no longer under contract the Bears were likely looking for someone to fill a similar role.  He spent last season with Rochester, scoring 2 goals and adding 8 assists in 62 games.

None of the moves strike me as difference making type moves but who really knows until these guys get out there with the likes of Aucoin and Perreault. 

One thing to mention is that Potulny is a veteran.  That gives Hershey 4 veteran forwards already with more spots left to fill. 

Based on my rosters, which are in no way official, the Bears have a possible 13 forward spots locked up (not including Perry and Bouch).  But that does include Eakin, Beagle, and Gustafsson so there is likely more activity to come from Hershey this season.



Up in Washington they are making moves too.  Including trading Semyon Varlamov to Colorado for 2 draft picks...a first rounder in 2012 and a 2nd rounder in either 2012 or 2013. 

Those picks will help the Bears down the road but the goaltending trade could hurt Hershey's depth for the immediate future.  As of right now Braden Holtby is likely considered the #2 in Washington.

The Caps also signed a few players...more on that later.

And I don't think the Caps are done yet either.  They still have restricted free agents to sign and stuff to work out. 

My thoughts...Alexander Semin (or maybe Mike Green?) is on the trade block and something could go down soon.  Haven't heard anything to make that more than pure speculation but according to CapGeek.com the Caps only have 2 million left under the cap and players left to sign.  Something has to give.

Things are about to pick up

Tomorrow marks the beginning of free agency for the NHL and in turn the AHL.  Which means things are going to start getting interesting. 

This morning an update to the previously posted (and provided here) article identifying all the free agents that played in the AHL last season was made.  Here is the link if you want to read through the 200+ names that are available for teams to sign beginning tomorrow.  Again a thanks to Pens' beat writer Jonathan Bombulie for doing the leg work on this list.

If you view the prospective 2011-12 Bears roster you will see that the Hershey Bears have many holes to fill through free agency.  Currently there are 2 goalies, 6 defensemen, and 11 forwards that could POTENTIALLY be Bears next season.  There are so many variables at play with that number that it isn't even worth discussing.

I expect the Bears to be quite active in free agency this year as they will be looking to replace a substantial portion of their offensive and defensive talent.

As signings and/or trades happen I will post them here.


Caps Offer 5

Just so we are all on the same page...the Washington Capitals made qualifying offers to 5 restricted free agents this past week. Semyon Varlamov (more on him below), Troy Brouwer, and Karl Alzner are obviously not in Hershey's plans.  But Mathieu Perreault and Francois Bouchard very well could be.

Qualifying offers basically mean that the Capitals can match any offer made to these players during free agency.  And if they choose not to match an offer they would receive compensation for losing the players.

Barring a trade I fully expect Bouchard to be back in Hershey this season.  Whether that is good or bad depends on your perspective.  Let's just say I have a wait and see attitude on Bouch.

Perreault is a different case.  Some teams out there might be willing to sign him for a decent salary given his upside and production to date.  I can't see the Caps matching an offer that is too high based on the organizational depth at center.  Let's call the odds 50/50 that Perry is back in Hershey as of right now.

So, those players are not officially back in Washington/Hershey jerseys for 11-12 but they are on their way.


From Russia to DC back to Russia?

No one is quite sure what is happening with Semyon Varlamov this offseason but all signs recently point to him returning to Russia to play in the KHL for 2011-12. 

Lots has been said and written discussing what is going to happen but most recently things have begun to progress in the Varly to KHL storyline.

This could potentially impact Hershey directly.  As of right now Braden Holtby would become the #2 in Washington while Dany Sabourin would become the #1 in Hershey with no #2 in Hershey.

That is subject to change though as the Caps could see fit to sign a low-price veteran backup (read: Brian Boucher) to serve as the #2 in Washington while Braden tries again to play a full season in Hershey. 

Personally...I think Braden will be in Washington and the Bears will be forced to sign another veteran AHL goalie for the 11-12 season.

We should know soon.


AHL Realignment

Things could look drastically different in the AHL this upcoming season.  As Tim Leone reports, the AHL is considering a plan that would create 6 divisions (like the NHL) instead of the 4 currently.  The makeup of those divisions would likely be geographical in nature but nothing is ever perfect. 

I think its funny that the AHL would consider going to 6 divisions at the same time that there is talk of the NHL going to 4! 

The AHL annual summer meetings will be held next week (3rd-7th) and expectations are that a decision will be made during them. 

Personally I like the 4 division layout because it creates better rivalries.  The divisional playoff structure breeds hatred for other teams and that would be lost with a move to 6 divisions.  Sure the Pens and Bears would still have a good rivalry but there could be multiple years in a row where the teams don't play in the playoffs, where as now they play in the playoffs almost every year.

But going to 6 divisions would create more balance and equality.  It will be an interesting decision.


Former Bear Free Agents

Tim Leone also discusses free agency in his article today, including a compilation of recent Bears who are unrestricted free agents this offseason.  Definitely check out the entire article but I have provided a copy of the list below.

• Alex Giroux
• Kyle Wilson
• Dean Arsene
• Graham Mink
• Matt Beaudoin
• Chad Wiseman
• Danny Syvret
• Mark Wotton
• Quintin Laing
• Grant Lewis
• Troy Milam
• Jason Bacashihua
• Nolan Yonkman
• Staffan Kronwall

Definitely an interesting list. 

 

 

Expect active summer season from Caps

 

Finally, I leave you with this quote from Ted Leonsis, owner of the Washington Capitals...

“We now move on to free agency,” Leonsis wrote. “We want to keep some players. We want to sign some players. Wish us well in all of our pursuits.

“And then don’t be surprised if you see some trades. It takes two to tango. We want to change and improve. We ware getting ready for a new season which is fast approaching.”

Interesting.  We could see a summer that we haven't seen since the Bears/Caps alliance started back up a few years ago.  Prospects, picks, veterans...they could all be on the move.  Who knows.

Keep checking back!

Free agent list

Found a list of the 186 "AHL" free agents today and figured I would share it in case you are curious what players are free agents this season. 

Thanks to Pens beat writer Jonathan Bombulie for compiling the list.

Definitely some interesting names on the list.  5 of the top 20 names have played in Hershey sometime in the last 3 years. 

Goaltending news in Hershey

Multiple happenings on the goaltending front within the organization yesterday. 

First, former goaltending coach Dave Prior is returning to that position with he organization.  The way I understand it, he will mainly be responsible for the goalies in Washington.

Second, the Caps hired former Caps goalie Olie Kolzig as associate goaltending coach.  This move is likely to impact Hershey directly as it is anticipated that Olie will work mainly with the goalies in Hershey and South Carolina. 

I believe this will be the first time that the Bears have an actual, designated goalie coach.  Prior spent some time with the kids in Hershey during his tenure, but most of his time was spent in Washington.  Last season Arturs Irbe served as goalie coach for the Caps and while he definitely worked with the "kids" in Hershey, his main focus was the guys in Washington.

This can only help the Bears, who may have a deep stable of goalies again in 2011-12....

And the final news of the day...the Bears/Caps have resigned goalie Dany Sabourin for the 2011-12 season. 

Last year Dany started out slow before really finding a groove and playing great before getting hurt in January and missing the rest of the season.  He says he is skating fully and will be ready to go when the season starts after rehabbing his knee injury.

Dany said that he wanted to return and his contract verifies that.  At the AHL level (which is where everyone expects him to be) he is making half of what he made last season, according to capgeek.com.  Obviously that doesn't mean everything but I think it speaks loudly about how much he wanted to return to the Washington/Hershey organization. 

Another thing to consider with this signing though...this could signal the end of Braden Holtby in Hershey.  There is speculation that Semyon Varlamov is heading to Russia for the upcoming season which would present an opening in Washington for a backup to Michal Neuvirth for Braden. 

Obviously there is still lots of time and roster moves to come before that happens but definitely something to keep an eye on. 

Either way...welcome back Dany Sabourin!!  It will be great to have you healthy for a full season in 2011-12.

McNeill back for 2011-12

This is definitely good news for Bears fans.  Patrick McNeill has signed a 2-year contract with the Capitals which will keep him in Hershey/Washington until 2013. 

I can't say I am too surprised by the deal as Patty has developed into a solid prospect.  He will surely get some looks in Washington this season if needed. 

Last season he had 7 goals and 20 assists in only 51 games.  Not bad offensive numbers for a defenseman.

Welcome back Patty!

Bears/Caps making roster moves...Sens one win from Calder Cup

Wow, it's been a while since I posted.  Or at least it feels like it has been a while.  Lots of roster news today.

Let's start with the biggest news as far as Hershey fans are concerned...

Boyd Kane will be a member of the 2011-12 Hershey Bears.  He signed an AHL only, one-year contract. 

Kane has been an important part of the Bears team the past 2 seasons in many different aspects.  Offensively he has scored 48 goals over the last 2 years (24 each year) and added 45 assists (25 in 10-11) during those seasons.  Defensively he is arguably one of the best penalty killers in the AHL.  And in the locker room I doubt there is a better leader for a young team.

That doesn't mean Kane doesn't have his faults.  He is a hothead that takes untimely penalties, he is about as far from fast as a hockey player can get, and he isn't a spring chicken.  He is 33 years old and counts as an AHL veteran.

This signing does a couple things for the Bears.  One, I think you have your 2011-12 captain.  Two, this gives them 3 of the 5 (6 depending on game limits) veterans that they can dress each night. 

I am not Kane's biggest fan on here but if he returns to the team as a 3rd line left wing then I am happy with this signing.

Welcome back Boyd!


Some other roster moves....

The Caps signed Swede Mattias Sjogren.  Sjogren is 23 (will be 24 in November) and has spent his entire career playing in Sweden.  Most recently for Farjestads where he scored 7 goals and added 17 assists in 51 games. 

He is a natural center and from what I have read is more defensive than offensive.  He is expected to compete for the 3rd/4th line center spots in Washington.  His contract is a 2-year deal and IS (according to capgeek.com) a two-way contract. 

This is important because the European game is a different style than the North American version.  Meaning he could probably use some seasoning before jumping to the NHL. 

I was wondering if he would be willing to play in the AHL and while that isn't confirmed by the 2-way nature of the contract it is more likely.  He was likely making much more money in Sweden then he will make in the AHL so only time will tell if he would accept a position in Hershey.

Either way I think this is good for Hershey.  If Sjogren does make the Caps it could be at Jay Beagle's expense which would return the fan favorite to Hershey for another season.

Stay tuned...


Wait...more roster moves...

The Caps and Predators pulled off a conditional trade this past week.  LW Taylor Stefishen was acquired by the Caps for a (possible) 7th round pick in 2013. 

This is a complicated trade and I will be brief here but if you want more check out Mike Vogel's insight over at Dump n Chase.

Basically the Caps don't have to give up the pick unless they sign him to an NHL deal.  He was drafted in 2008 and is 21 (in August) so he is ineligible for juniors in Canada again this season.  The Caps can sign him to an AHL deal and give him a "test run" so to speak for a season before signing him to an NHL deal and giving up the pick. 

At least that's the way I understood Vogel's article.

He was a 5th round pick that has produced solid numbers in his short time in juniors and college hockey.  Most recently he played in the WHL and recorded 24 goals and 43 assists in 68 games. 

My guess is...he will spend most of the season in South Carolina with a few Hershey call ups throughout the year.  He will likely be given a chance to win a job during camp with the Bears but he seems more destined for the ECHL for a year.


Okay...that's it for roster moves for today.  Expect more news as we get closer to July 1 though.  The entry draft is the last weekend of the month and free agency begins in July.  Lots will happen over the next few weeks.  Most of it will affect Washington immediately, but anything that affects the Caps will have an effect on the Bears.

-----------------------

As of today (Monday, June 6) the Calder Cup appears to be remaining in the East Division.  After dropping game 1 in Houston the Binghamton Senators have won 3 of 4 to take a 3 games to 2 lead in the Calder Cup Finals.

The series shifts back to Houston for games 6 and 7 this Tuesday and Thursday. 

It has been a close series to date with offense very limited.  Overall the Senators have scored 11 goals in 5 games while the Aeros have scored 8. 

Too bad this hasn't been on TV in our area.  Would loved to have seen some of it.

Go Sens!

Zach Miskovic back for 2011-12

Look at this...2 posts in one day!!!  And you thought this blog was dormant for the summer..HA.

The Caps and Bears announced that Zach Miskovic was signed to a one year extension for the upcoming 2011-12 season. 

This is good news for the Bears as he will certainly be a member of Hershey's team next season with (maybe) a call up or two to Washington depending on injuries.

When not playing with the stuffed animals from a Teddy Bear Toss, Zach had 6 goals and 10 assists for the Bears this past season in 57 games.

Should they fire Bruce Boudreau?

This is the question everyone is asking right now.  Will (or should) the Caps fire their head coach?  And everyone has an opinion on it.  Including me.

Should they fire Bruce?  Seems straightforward enough considering his history in the playoffs.  Despite taking many extremely talented teams (and top seeds) into the postseason he has failed to pass the 2nd round. 

In the regular season though the Caps are as good as anyone.  Whether they outscore you, as in years past, or out-defend you, like this year, they end up as the #1 team in the Eastern Conference.

But the playoffs don't see the same success.

So is that an indicator of the coach...or the team?

Personally I think it is an indicator of the team.  Let's look at what wins in the NHL playoffs:

Ugly goals
Hard work around the boards
Puck movement
Solid defensive zone play
Great goaltending

What of those things are the Caps good at?  Surely not the "ugly" goals and usually not the hard work around the boards.  The Caps generally like to make the cute pass that gets the pretty goals but that doesn't work in the postseason.  Guys are more willing to block a pass or a shot during the playoffs then they are during the regular season.  They gamble more and in turn they keep the "cute" teams off the scoreboard.

You don't have to have a team made up of Johan Franzen's to win.  But your star players need to be willing to much it up in the corners and in front of the net.  Cycle the puck and get opportunities.  Crash the net and look for the rebounds. 

The Caps do move the puck well and their defensive zone play was good against the Rangers but against an explosive offensive team like Tampa they were unable to slow them down. 

And the goaltending was solid this playoff year.  Michal Neuvirth played very well.  Neuvy is very consistent but will sometimes let in a goal he should have...which all goalies do at times.  In my opinion he should be the #1 goalie going forward but what do I know.

So they have 3 of the 5 items they need.  Now they need some scoring help.

Will firing Boudreau fix that problem???   NO!

Bringing in a new coach with the same players is not the solution.  In the infamous words of Peanut, "polish a turd, it's still a turd."

It is time to revamp the offense.  And no that does not mean wait for the youngsters to be ready.  Cody Eakin could use a year in the AHL and Evgeni Kuznetsov isn't coming over for at least another year and will need time to get acclimated to the NHL game.

So instead of going out and getting players a couple years past their prime (Jason Arnott and Marco Sturm) let's see if the Caps go out and get real talented players.  And then move some other pieces.  Alexander Semin will NEVER be a great playoff performer.  His game and attitude will not allow it.  Trade him for a package of players.  I would be curious if you could get a Michael Grabner type player for him.  Or a solid #2 center like a Stephen Weiss.

Say goodbye to Arnott, Sturm, Boyd Gordon, and Matt Bradley.  If possible trade Tyler Sloan and Mike Knuble (in addition to Semin) and let's see the Caps really try and make this team better.

There are going to be good players (playoff time goal scorers) available this summer....there always are in the NHL.  Time to make the changes and go get them.

Just a brief list of guys I would love to see join Washington this year...(all players shown as unrestricted free agents on capgeek.com):

• Ville Leino
• Nikolai Zherdev
• Maxime Talbot
• Alexander Frolov
• Sean Bergenheim
• Simon Gagne
• Scottie Upshall
• Radim Vrbata

So...should the Caps fire Boudreau?  Not if that is the only change you make because I don't think it will help enough. 

If you are going to blow up the roster and fell that it will be best to start over with the coach too...then fine...so long Bruce.

But Boudreau is not the main problem.  The roster is.

Update to the free agent lists

As I said yesterday, Tim Leone would have something up soon. And he does.

Below is a complete breakdown of all the players that were with Hershey. Much of this information was in yesterdays post but this clarifies the AHL only contracts that I didn't have access to.

Players under contract with Hershey AND Washington for 2011-12:

• Braden Holtby 
• Brandon Anderson
• Dmitry Orlov
• Keith Aucoin 
• Kyle Greentree 
• Jay Beagle 
• Garrett Mitchell
• Dmitry Kugryshev

One note here (didn't realize this yesterday)...Anderson can NOT play in Hershey in 2011-12. He is still a junior eligible player and can only join the Bears after his season is over.

Here are the players under contract with ONLY Hershey in 2011-12:

•  David de Kastrozza
•  Maxime Lacroix
•  Phil Oreskovic
•  Andrew Carroll

Overall there is 1 goalie, 2 defensemen, and 8 forwards eligible for Hershey next season, and that includes Jay Beagle. That is what you call an empty roster. There will be LOTS of signings and player movement this offseason.

Here is a list of the restricted free agents for 2011-12:

• Patrick McNeill
• Zach Miscovic
• Josh Godfrey
• Joe Finley
• Francois Bouchard
• Mathieu Perreault
• Trevor Bruess
• Andrew Kozek (Atlanta Thrashers)

Perreault had this to say about his future:

“I want to sign back with Washington,” Perreault said. “I like the organization. I like to be here [Hershey] if I’m not there.”

Seems like he will sign his offer if (WHEN) it comes. I don't see the Caps letting him go yet but another team might be interested. I would expect all of the remaining guys to get offers as well with the exception of maybe Finley. But even him I expect to see them give one more chance.

  

Here are the unrestricted free agents for 2011-12:

• Dany Sabourin
• Todd Ford
• Jared DeMichiel
• Nolan Schaefer (Boston Bruins)
• Johann Kroll
• Dylan Yeo
• Brian Fahey
• Patrick Wellar
• Sean Collins
• Lawrence Nycholat
• Patrick Cullity
• Jordan Pietrus
• Nikita Kashirsky
• Grant McNeill
• Ashton Rome
• Andrew Joudrey
• Joel Reclicz
• Boyd Kane
• Steve Pinizzotto
• Brian Willsie
• Andrew Gordon

That's a lot of names. Here is what Gordon had to say about his future:

“Washington has been so good to me over the years, so I feel it’s still priority No. 1 for me to stick around here,” he said. “If they don’t think there’s a spot for me, I still have the option to maybe go test the water this year."

“It’s all I know. I love it here. I want to play in the NHL, though. With all due respect to everybody here in Hershey, I don’t want to spend any more time here. It’s a tough position. I don’t want to see this organization in my rear-view mirror, but at the same time I’d like an NHL opportunity.”

I don't think he comes back without a 1-way deal. And I am not sure he gets it with Washington. He is a very good player with a real chance to make it in the NHL but the Caps don't seem to like giving their young forwards as much of a shot as other teams. The defense has been built via Hershey but the offense...not so much.

That is possibly an indication of the forwards in the system and that top forwards are more likely to skip the AHL but that doesn't answer it all. Nathan Gerbe, Martin St. Louis, Claude Giroux...they all spent considerable time in the AHL and are all key players for their respective clubs.

That doesn't mean Hershey has seen talent like that at forward but I think...IF given a legitimate shot...that Gordon and Chris Bourque could make it in the NHL.

Either way I think Gordon might have played his last game in a Hershey jersey. We wish him all the best no matter what he chooses.

Some other comments from guys:

Boyd Kane,

“I definitely love it here and I’d come back in a second.”

Brian Willsie (considering Europe as well),

“Nothing too concrete right now,” he said, “but Hershey is a definite possibility.”

   

Sheldon Souray (under contract with Edmonton),

“It really was an easy and seamless transition for me, especially with the guys and the coaching staff and just this organization in general,” Souray said. “I say that and I mean it.

“You think about hockey and playing with a lot of younger guys who are hungry to make the NHL. I really had a fun time. It was a good experience. It reminded me of playing 15 years ago.”

“I don’t have one bad thing to say about the organization or the experience I’ve had here,” Souray said. “So if that’s something that’s going to play itself out, then I have no problem coming back here.

“Obviously, there’s other places I’d want to be, you know what I mean? I say that in the best way. My goal is to get back in the NHL, like most of these guys. But it was so easy here."

Steve Pinizzotto,

“I think I put together a good couple years here,” he said. “Hopefully, I can do something where somebody believes I can play at the next level.”

  

There is lots of time for speculation about any number of these players but after the past few years we are used to seeing certain players each and every year.

The roster turnover hasn't been there like it might be this year. Most of these years has seen many of the same faces return year after year. Obviously we will see many of these players again. There are the 11 currently under contract and I would be willing to bet that at least 8 of the unrestricteds get resigned by the organization.

But we won't know about them until July. That's a long way off compared to when the season ends in June.

That's kind of depressing to think about.

Rookie Camp, Matty Hendricks, and More

I don't really have much to report from Caps Rookie camp as I am not there. But the links below should give you some information:

Dustin Stevenson is impressing Corey Masisak

Interview with Caps director of player development Steve Richmond Mike Vogel

5 Rookies to Watch Puckhead's Thoughts

Guys to keep your eye on Ravings of a Rink Rebel

If you are more interested in Caps training camp and what players may or may not make the Caps try these:

Alzner and Perry set for camp Capitals Insider

Caps Training Camp Primer Japer's Rink

And let's welcome back former Bear Matt Hendricks as he has been invited to try out with the Caps during training camp:

Who is Matt Hendricks Rock the Red


Caps camp starts Saturday as all the veterans and rookies will join up for a few weeks. Hershey camp will surely start sometime the following week as the Caps send players to Hershey or back to their junior clubs.

It has been a while...

July was a busy month for me and the Bears with lots of signings and even a minor trade.

So let's get caught up...

~ Hershey signed 2 goalies for the upcoming season. Jared DeMichiel and Todd Ford will likely be suiting up in South Carolina for much of the coming season. Both players add depth in case of injury or call up to Hershey's goaltenders.

Ford spent much of 09-10 in South Carolina racking up an 18-7-2 record with a .910 save percentage and a 2.79 gaa in 29 games. He also played 15 games in the AHL for Manitoba and Texas.

DiMichiel just finished up his college career at R.I.T. where he started 38 games last year posting a .921 save percentage and a 2.09 goals against average while going 27-10-1 for the year.

~Elsewhere Hershey officially added Ashton Rome to the 2010-11 roster. This deal was first reported back in May but apparently only became official this past month. Rome played in 26 games for the Bears this past season, recording 5 goals and 3 assists in those games. Mainly seen as a third or fourth line player he showed a willingness to get his nose dirty and play a very physical game.

~ Boyd Kane will return for another season in Hershey as well. Kane recorded a career high in goals last season with 24 while adding a significant veteran presence to the team. He has played 2 seasons in Hershey, winning Calder Cups in both 05-06 and last season.

~ Dylan Yeo resigned with Hershey for 2010-11 as well. Yeo spent much of last season playing for South Carolina where he recorded 14 goals and 16 assists in 49 games there. Not too bad for a defenseman. He did appear in 6 games for the Bears including 2 in the playoffs.

~ Joel Rechlicz will also be joining the Bears this season. The 6'4" 220lb right wing is an enforcer type player. He played last season for Bridgeport and the NY Islanders collecting a combined 155 penalty minutes in 27 games between the two leagues.

~ Not sure if I mentioned this but forward Nikita Kashirsky was also signed by the Bears for the 2010-11 season. He spent most of 09-10 in South Carolina, recording 19 goals and 16 assists in 39 games for the Stingrays. He also played in 25 games in the AHL for Manitoba and Springfield.

~ Also of note was a recent trade. Stefan Della Rovere was traded to the St. Louis Blues by the Capitals in exchange for tough guy D.J. King. Rovere was always going to play the pest role that Pinizzotto plays right now which made him expendable in the eyes of the organization.


I think I got everything. If I forgot anyone in this post or previous posts please let me know in the comments section.

Signings, Development Camp, and Other News

Lots of activity on the Washington/Hershey front this past week....

• Caps/Bears signed former Cap and Bear Brian Willsie, a right wing, to a one year two way contract. He is expected to play most of the season in Hershey but would likely be given a chance at a call up. Willsie played in Hershey for all or parts of 1998-2003 when the Colorado affiliation was in place. He then spent considerable time in the NHL playing for Colorado, Washington, and Los Angeles. Last season he spent almost the entire year with Lake Erie where he scored 26 goals and added 31 assists.
• Yesterday the Capitals announced that Andrew Gordon, Zach Miscovic, Patrick McNeill and Andrew Joudrey signed their qualifying offers and are back in the organization for another year. In addition Jay Beagle signed his qualifying offer which ties him up for 2 more years.
• Unfortunately Chris Bourque has made it official, he is off to Russia to play in the KHL. He declined to sign the Caps qualifying offer and apparently did not get any/much interest from other teams. He will make much more money playing there and then who knows...we might see him back in the States in a few years.
• Development camp is being held this week in Washington. Tomorrow morning is the end of week scrimmage so if you want to go down that is the time to do it...I think the scrimmage is at 10am. Marcus Johansson is apparently showing off some serious skill and it will definitely warrant a good look at training camp. He and Mathieu Perreault are the leading candidates for the #2 center position with the Caps.

I will have more on the roster moves next week and updates on anything else as well.