We added a new free agent center to our team roster yesterday with the signing of Brendan Morrison. Although we will all miss Victor Kozlov and Sergei Fedorov in our line-up, the two new free agents that we signed - Mike Knuble and Brendan Morrison - actually had better individual statistics last season in comparison so you could rationalize that we have indeed upgraded in each position. Time will tell.
What is most important to me is that we stayed on plan. We added free agents to our line-up on short term deals and at reasonable financial terms and these are really talented veteran players who WANTED to come and play in Washington, some taking less money than they could garner elsewhere because of the quality of our team; our city and fan base; and because everyone wants to play on a Cup contending team. Everyone loves the Kettler Capitals Iceplex and wants to enjoy its comforts.
We are now stronger down the middle. We have drafted young centers as well, many of whom will be at our development camp this coming week.
We are strong at wing. We should have great goaltending. We have lots of good young D and many prospects awaiting their turn to make our team. Camp will be very competitive this coming pre-season. The future remains bright. See you all at Kettler this coming week. Go Caps!
Tags: Brendan Morrison, Hockey, NHL, Ted Leonsis, Ted's Take, Washington Capitals
Any comments on what Brian Burke is doing with the Leafs? He’s calling it re-tooling vs. re-building. He’s started 4 years after the Capitals and it will be interesting to see how quickly the Leafs can become competitive again without going through a major re-build vs. the Caps complete rebuild.
Ted, Love the Commercial! I think your are officially SAG eligible
Like new blog layout as well. - Jeff
Nice sign at a good price especially if he regains his form.
I keep hearing we are strong w/ good young D in the system but this team needs a gritty tough vet D man. I have seen many signed for good price. Caps may want to consider this. Nice to have vets down the middle but Caps need it at the blueline if they want to advance pass the 2nd round.
Thanks for the hard work and commitment to team excellence, Mr. Leonsis. I am a long time fan that used to go to games with my father way back in the day when the Caps were still playing at the Cap Centre and guys like Bengt Gustafsson (my father’s favorite player) and Mike Gartner (my favorite player) were doing their things. My father was going to games even before those guys came around. I’ve lived in Houston, TX since 2002 but get Center Ice just so I can keep up with the Caps from way down near the border. Thanks again for building a young, exciting, competitive hockey team!
Ice breakers… goal shakers… the Caps! (cheesy, yes, but it brings back good memories)
The key that I take from your blurb is:
“…who WANTED to come and play in Washington”.
You and your team have really changed the way players and the public view the Capitals.
Good job, and my kids and I can not wait for the Capitals Convention in September.
Jeff