Last night’s preseason game was a lot of fun to attend. We met with our season ticket holder advisory board before the game. They are so smart; so passionate; and they answered a very simple set of questions for us: What do you like best and what are your aspirations for our franchise as a fan? What is your biggest set of concerns for us?
It is so educational to listen to our fans and get to know them one on one. Thanks to all that turned out. Your time and knowledge is most appreciated.
The game was a lot of fun too. We had terrific goaltending. We crashed the net. Do you “K-now K-nuble?” Chris Clark crashed it too to create a goal. And Brooks Laich was banging inside too. This is a new dynamic for a team and a good one to boot.
And Alex was Alex last night with 2 goals in 100 seconds.
We looked much better last night than Monday night. We are now 3-1 in the preseason and nobody got hurt last night which is also a relief.
I wanted to make a few comments to our fans on Olie’s retirement.
- The new CBA does NOT allow us to sign any player for a day. If we did that, the signing would count against our 50 contract limit for NHL contracts. So we cannot do as some of you request. Sorry, nothing personal here.
- We did not know ahead of time about the announcement. I hustled out a comment as soon as I heard. I was in meetings for about 3 hours and I put the comment up on my blog as fast as possible. Olie retired through the NHLPA offices as he was in actuality Toronto Maple Leafs property via the trade from Tampa Bay to Toronto. The Washington Capitals weren’t involved with this announcement in any form.
- In regards to retiring Olie’s number/jersey, we need to give this some time. He hasn’t even been retired for 24 hours. He was an all-time great for our franchise. He is deeply respected and beloved by all of us but I simply request that we all have the luxury of time. We all need to gain perspective. Let Olie get settled into his new life. All is well on this front. I look forward to seeing Olie soon but there needs to be time past before we retire the jerseys of great players. That is the right thing to do. Thank you.
@Toni–last season, one of the reasons why the Capitals could not trade for any players at the March deadline was that they couldn’t add a contract. They were at the 50-contract limit because, thanks to the salary cap, they had to hand a player or two an minimum NHL deal to have them fill in during the team’s bad run of injuries early in the season (Bryan Helmer and possiblity someone else). They went into the season with 48 or 49 contracts sitting at right at the salary cap–just like this season. You take away another contract spot, and you remove the team’s flexibility to pick up players to replace injuried guys (like Fedorov replacing Nylander in 2008) or addressing weaknesses. If you want to damage this year’s team’s chances at winning a Cup for a sentimental gesture that you don’t even know Kolzig would want, by all means.
People suggested the same thing with Bondra, and it wasn’t done. The fact it wasn’t done hasn’t had any affect on the organization’s current great relationship with the player, nor has it affect the way the fanbase remembers him. It’s a meaningless thing at this point, because in reality, he still wouldn’t have retired as a Cap–his last game wasn’t in a Caps uniform, and that’s what really matters. A technicality doesn’t count.
Good points on Olie’s retirement. I hope the Caps do one day retire Olie’s jersey. However, I think there is someone else that needs to be recognized – Peter Bondra. His jersey should be retired. One of a few Caps to score over 500 goals (even though the last few were with other teams). And he was a leader during some lean years.
Ted, I normally back you 100% and have defended your positions to other fans, but are you saying were it not for the CBA 50 contract limit you could sign Olie and retire him here? Seriously? We can’t live with 49 contracts?
You only get one chance to do this right. This is one of those times when you may look back and say “I could have done better.” Time is not a friend here.
“Nothing personal here”?? I understand the business side for you. For fans, it’s incredibly personal. And you know it’s personal for Olie. I’m not talking about retiring a jersey. I’m talking about retiring a man…a man who served us well. But I’m sure Toronto will give him the same send-off that we would…he is so beloved there too.
Ted:
The Nylander situation seems a bit ridiculous, especially since it appears that Brendan Morrison is injured. Why is Nylander not being given a shot considering he is 100% and he is a skilled center??
Gartner’s # was retired what.. 10ish years after he himself retired? Obviously Kolzig meant so much more, but I agree, let’s give it some time.
Heck, shouldn’t Bondra’s 12 be retired first?
The fact that you even so much as looked into the “sign Olie for a day” suggestions makes you the coolest owner in sports. I wasn’t one of the people suggesting it, but just reading your post about that and the other two comments regarding what fans want makes me proud to know that I’m giving my family’s money to someone who cares. Thank you, Ted, for repeatedly demonstrating that you care about the fans as well.
Eddie
Ted,
The session with the STH’s last evening was an affirmation of your passion for this team and for hockey in Washington, as well as your commitment to your customers, the fans. Your presence and involvement for 1 1/2 hours at this meeting with us speaks for itself. The STH’s will try to play a constructive role in helping to sustain and further develop this great organization. Go Caps!
Very true Mr. Leonsis, as with lots of things in life, timing is the key factor.
The Capitals will pay honor to Olaf Kolzig, when the time is right for all.
As the caps practice t shirts say , it is our time for the caps to play for the cup.
Keep up the fine work.
Sincerly
Dave
see ya at the convention!
Go Caps