Strange, Busy Days for Capitals

The last week has brought little in the way of hard news, but plenty of rumors, agent talk and innuendo surrounds the Washington Capitals as the Free Agent period is set to start tomorrow.  Let's take a look at what we've heard over the last few days.
--First off, we know Brooks Laich will be back.  He re-signed Tuesday before testing the open waters. Laich's new contract immediately sparked

Brooks Laich Remains a Capital; Signs Six-Year Deal

The Washington Capitals announced today that they re-signed forward Brooks Laich to a six-year deal, reportedly worth $27 million.  It's a bold move to retain one of the hardest-working players in the game, an integral part of this team and organization.  While the cap hit of $4.5 million per season is steep for a second-line player, he would have been one of the more attractive free agents

Capitals Acquire Brouwer from Chicago for First-Round Pick

In the days leading up to the NHL's entry draft, Washington Capitals GM George McPhee indicated on several occasions he didn't think much of this draft class.  Friday night, his actions confirmed that his words were not meant as subterfuge, as he traded the Caps first round pick, No. 26 overall, to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for 25-year old right wing Troy Brouwer.
Brouwer is a Restricted

Random Thoughts on Draft Day 2011: Draft, Flyers, Realignment

With the 26th pick in the NHL Draft tonight, it's kind of a forgone conclusion that the Washington Capitals will select Russian center Alexander Khokhlachev if available.  The skilled Russian had a terrific season for OHL Windsor last year, notching 34 goals (12 PPG) and 76 points with a plus-9 rating and in 19 playoff games he went 9-11-20...as a 17-year old. 
Other names that might be

Caps Announce 2011-2012 Regular Season Schedule

The Washington Capitals announced their 2011-12 regular season schedule today.  Pre-season schedule was announced earlier in the week.

The Washington Capitals’ 82-game regular-season schedule for 2011-12 begins on Saturday, Oct. 8 at Verizon Center versus the Carolina Hurricanes at 7 p.m., with the first road game of the campaign set for Oct. 13 against the Pittsburgh Penguins at CONSOL Energy

"Olie the Goalie" Back with Capitals

The Washington Capitals today announced that Olaf Kolzig, known as Olie the Goalie and Godzilla to legions of Caps fans, has joined the team as Associate Goaltender Coach, joining his longtime coach Dave Prior, who was announced as Director of Goaltending and NHL Goaltender Coach.
These moves were made in response to Arturs Irbe resigning for personal reasons two weeks ago.
“We are excited to add

Capitals Sign Swedish Forward Mattias Sjogren

The Caps signed Swedish forward Mattias Sjogren to an entry-level contract today, reportedly for the maximum allowed to a rookie under the CBA.  Swedish papers Expressen and Aftonbladet had it early today, and Japers Rink was the first local outlet with the story.
Sjogren is a big, physical player according to scouting reports with good international experince, and should challenge for a spot on