Day 1: News and Notes

Just a few notes on the opening day of camp today at Kettler Capitals Iceplex.

1. Fleishmann out with a diagnosed blood clot in his leg. This reportedly occured during a flight to his native Czech Republic earlier this summer. Fleishmann is out until the beginning of October. Who may take his spot opening night if Flash cannot return?

2. Perfect lead into my second note. Skating in place of Flash on the second line with Brendan Morrison and Alex Semin was Hersey Bear sniper Alexandre Giroux. Giroux's goal totals a year ago totaled over 70! This included regular and post season games. Giroux saw time with the Caps last season but is yet to be paired with high skilled players. Most of the time Giroux is placed on the 4th line checking line. I think Giroux could really be an impact player is placed with impact players. i.e. Alex Semin. Alex Ovechkin didn't score 70 goals.

3. Michael Nylander is still a Capital. Reports are there are negotiations happening between the Caps and numerous KHL teams. All this and Nylander "wants to be a Cap". If GMGM has his way, Nyls will be playing in Europe next season. An interesting note, Nylander's family didn't make the trip from Sweden. Perhaps he has a gut feeling his time here is Washington is coming to and end. Time will tell.