Well Caps fans I am finally back! With all the free agents being signed in the past week by the Washington Capitals it is clear that George McPhee means business. Last week things got started off when Brooks Laich was resigned for 6 years. Brooksie is a hardworking strong forward who has helped the Caps organization the past few years.
The Capitals made another big move in the draft when they traded their first round pick to Chicago for forward Troy Brouwer. The 25 year old has a Stanley Cup on his resume and can definitely aid Washington with his size. He led the Blackhawks and was fifth in the league in hits and is a great physical presence. Then the free agent craziness began! Joel Ward, Roman Hamrlik, Jeff Halpern, and Tomas Vokoun were signed by the Washington Capitals.
Joel Ward is a 30 year old forward from the Nashville Predators who is also a very physical player. Roman Hamrlik is another big bodied defenseman from the Montreal Canadiens. He is a 37 year old veteran and will be a great help in showing the young D-men the ropes. Then we have Jeff Halpern, sound familiar? Yes he started his career playing six seasons for the Caps and used to be captain. Jeff is a 35 year old forward who also came from the Canadiens. Washington's final big pick up was signing Florida Panthers goalie Tomas Vokoun for one year. Vokoun can definitely help the young goaltenders Michal Neuvirth and Braden Holtby with his long career experience in the NHL.
One unfortunate thing that occurred was the trading of Semyon Varlamov. Varly will be missed but I think it was his time to go with so much young talent at the goalie position. He was traded to the Colorado Avalanche for a 1st and 2nd round pick in next year's draft. Only time will tell what the Capitals roster looks like come October. It will be another interesting season with some new additions. Rock the Red!
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