Rumors and Notes II: UFA Dmen, Blue Jackets, and Capitals
  • Ryan Dadoun of Pro Hockey Talk: Some noteworthy free agent defenseman that are still looking for work: Cody Franson, Marek Zidlicky, Christian Ehrhoff, Lubomir Visnovsky and Sergei Gonchar.
  • Aarron Portzline: The Blue Jackets have an offer on the table for UFA defenseman Christian Ehrhoff for the past few weeks. It is well below the $4 million he made last season with the Penguins. The Blue Jackets have cap issues at the moment. (General Fanager is showing they have about $3.72 million in cap space with 23 players)
  • Alex Prewitt: Capitals GM Brian MacLellan said that the Capitals “wanted to pursue a longer-term deal” with Marcus Johansson, but they had difference views on money “from the get-go.”
  • Alex Prewitt of the Washington Post: The Capitals are still looking at options, but are likely done for now.

    “We’re exploring a couple things,” MacLellan said on a teleconference, “but I would say we’re done for now.”

  • Alex Prewitt: Capitals GM MacLellan prefers Marcus Johansson on the wing as opposed to down the middle. MacLellan on where Andre Burakovsky: “could play any position . He’s just that good.”
  • J.J. Regan of CSN Washington: Capitals GM Brian MacLellan on Brooks Orpik after having wrist surgery in late July.

    “He’s had an issue with the wrist and he’s managed it and it hasn’t really affected his play,” MacLellan said. “I think whatever happened in his training or this summer, I think he’s decided I just don’t want to manage it.”

    MacLellan updating Nicklas Backstrom after his hip surgery earlier this offseason.

    “He’s progressing well. I heard he started skating just recently so that’s a good sign.”