Wednesday, July 13, 2011

A Fehrwell

Unfortunately this past week the Washington Capitals organization bid "Fehrwell" to a talented young forward, #16 Eric Fehr. He was traded to the Winnipeg Jets, the newly formed team that is replacing the Atlanta Thrashers in the Southeast division this coming season. It is only fitting that Winnipeg is Fehr's hometown and has always been his dream place to play hockey. Although he did make some remarks saying how much he enjoyed his time in Washington and will miss the fans and his relationships with the guys in the red sweaters.

I am going to miss #16 and his continuous urge to score goals on the third line. Washington will move on but the memories of Fehr will never fade away. Let's go back to New Year's Day of this year when the Caps played in their first ever Winter Classic vs. the Pittsburgh Penguins. I remember it quite vividly when Fehrsie logged two goals to put the Pens down in front of the away crowd at Heinz Field. That was perhaps Eric Fehr's most defining moment as a Cap. In his career in DC he scored 46 goals and 47 assists. Oh yeah and he had a +78 ice rating......not bad at all for a 3rd line forward!!!! This Winnipeg native experienced shoulder problems this past season. He had to undergo surgery over the summer that was going to make his return questionable for the beginning of the season. I will always be an Eric Fehr fan no matter where he plays. Good Luck Fehrsie you will always be a Cap in my heart. Rock the Red!

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Caps Offseason

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!