Goodbye Sasha #3

Apparently this is old news, but since I am playing catch up, please forgive me. Alexandre Giroux (or Sasha #3 as I liked to call him) was signed to a multi-year deal by the Thrashers after the Caps bid him adieu.

ATLANTA -- The Atlanta Thrashers signed free-agent center Alexandre Giroux to a multi year deal Friday.

The 26-year-old Giroux had two goals and two assists in nine games with the Washington Capitals last season. Giroux also played in 67 games with Hershey of the American Hockey League, recording a career-high 70 points (42 goals, 28 assists).

I really like Giroux, so I hope this his chance to have some good NHL time. I think he is going to be a solid NHL'er.

Caps re-sign Eminger and Sutherby

From the Caps:

The Washington Capitals have re-signed defenseman Steve Eminger and center Brian Sutherby, vice president and general manager George McPhee announced today. In keeping with club policy, financial terms of the deals were not disclosed.

Brooks Laich and Milan Jurcina both have arbitration hearings at the end of this month. I bet we will hear about a multi-year deal for Jurcina before then.

The Caps have also signed G prospect Simeon Varlamov to a three year entry level contract, but from what Tarik writes, Varlamov will probably be spending at least another year playing in Russia.

During a brief interview with goaltender Simeon Varlamov last night, I asked him why he wanted a clause in his contract that allows him to return to Russia next season. Here's what he said:

"Because there is such a provision in my contract, that means I want to play next year at home in Russia. I want to become tougher mentally and physically, and I can do that by playing another year at the highest level back home."

It felt like Friday, the 13th...

After a trip to the GW emergency room, a badly sprained ankle, two pairs of crutches, a second hurt ankle, a trip to the Shenandoah Valley, a birthday, a second trip to the GW emergency room and several late nights (not all in that order), I am back from my (unwanted) absence. And I missed Caps Dev Camp! I am going to be playing catch up today but let me know if I missed anything good.

Caps announce 07-08 schedule

The first game will be October 5 in Atlanta against the Thrashers. The home opener will be the next night, October 6, versus the Canes. After that, we have to wait until the 18th to see the Caps at home again.

Quick update

I am swamped at work today which is unfortunate because there is so much going on in Caps Land.

Here is Tarik's take on whats going on at Development Camp today:

I'm out here at Kettler Capitals Iceplex taking in the opening morning of development camp. Not much to report yet. There are about a dozen fans in the stands and Hanlon and Boudreau are at the markerboard diagramming systems.

It's hard to tell which players look good because they're doing drills at the moment. I can, however, confirm this much: Varlamov is very quick. Unfortunately, I missed Backstrom's group because of a traffic backup.

This afternoon's scrimmage, from 4:30-6, should be pretty revealing in terms where individuals are in their development. So I'm looking forward to that. After the scrimmage is also the only time reporters can do interviews.

I'll do my best to update with news and interesting tidbits this week, but the boken-up schedule and limited access is going to make it difficult.

Don't forget all of the on-ice sessions are open and free to the public. So there's no excuse not to come out and get your July hockey fix.

And here is the Cap's full roster for camp.

You'd have to pay me more than 9 mil a year...

... to wear a skating penguin on my chest. Maybe for that much money Sid can find a decent night light so he doesnt have to keep sleeping at Uncle Mario's place.

PITTSBURGH -- The Penguins signed Sidney Crosby to a five-year contract extension worth about $45 million that will keep him in Pittsburgh through the 2012-13 season.

Crosby, who turns 20 next month, became the NHL's youngest MVP since Wayne Gretzky when he was awarded the Hart Trophy last month. The three-year contract Crosby signed as a rookie lasts through the coming season. The extension keeps him under contract for the next six seasons.

In other news, the Capitals Development camp opened today. First scrimmage is Wed. from 4:30-6:00pm and they continue through Saturday.

NOTE: The Capitals signed RW Joe Motzko to a two-year contract today. Motzko played for the Ducks last season after being traded there in January. Sweet trade.

Capitals Development Camp

Between the July 4th festivities (beer, baseball, and veggie dogs), and then recovery from the July 4th festivities (beer), I forgot to post this:

The Washington Capitals will hold their annual summer development camp at their new training facility for the first time, July 11-14 at Kettler Capitals Iceplex in Arlington, Va. The camp, which features recent Capitals draft picks, select rookie players and other prospects, includes on- and off-ice workouts.

The on-ice workouts, which will include multiple scrimmages, are open to the public. The off-ice workouts are closed to the public.

Capitals Summer Development Camp On Ice Schedule

Tuesday, July 10 Players arrive

Wednesday, July 11 On ice in two groups beginning at 8:30 a.m.; scrimmage from 4:30 – 6 p.m.

Thursday, July 12 On ice in two groups beginning at 8:30 a.m.; scrimmage from 4:30 – 6 p.m.

Friday, July 13 On ice in two groups beginning at 8:30 a.m.; scrimmage from 4:30 – 6 p.m.

Saturday, July 14 On ice in two groups beginning at 8:30 a.m.; scrimmage from 4:30 – 6 p.m.

Sunday, July 15 Players depart

The camp’s complete roster is yet to be finalized, but among the confirmed participants are Capitals first-round draft picks Karl Alzner (2007), Nicklas Backstrom (2006), Simeon Varlamov (2006), Sasha Pokulok (2005) and Joe Finley (2005). Michal Neuvirth (a 2006 second-round selection) and Maryland natives Luke Lynes (a 2006 Capitals draft pick) and Stephen Werner (a 2003 Capitals draft pick) will also attend.

PS: I forgot to mention that the Caps are getting some love from George Solomon (three paragraphs, but I'll take what I can get from the Post). Its nothing Caps fans didnt know but a little respect feels nice. Check it out at the Post and CapsChick has a breakdown.