Sergey Kostenko Signs With Hershey Bears

The Hershey Bears have announced the signing of 2012 7th round draft pick Sergei Kostenko from Russia.  Kostenko got out of his contract in Russia, so was free to sign anywhere.

Kostenko had a good showing at Caps Development Camp which helped him earn his contract.  The Russian goalie's shining moment at camp was when he stonewalled Filip Forsberg on two breakway shots in a row, garnering a large round of applause by the onlooking crowd.

Kostenko and fellow development camp participant Brandon Anderson have contracts with the Bears and both may spend time in the ECHL.

Caps Sign A Healthy Scratch

Wojtek Wolski played in the first 2 games of the NHL Playoffs in 2012 for the Florida Panthers.  After playing less than 21 minutes and making no impact on the scorecard he was a healthy scratch for the next 5 games in the series.

Over the course of 2011-12, Wolski went from healthy scratches with the Rangers to healthy scratches with the Panthers and in the past 3 seasons he has played for 4 different teams.

The Caps have allegedly told Wolski he can be a top-6 with the Capitals in the upcoming 2012-13 season; although they only gave him a $600,000 one year deal.  If the team actually believes that bold statement then this is a great low-risk high-reward deal.

But do the Caps really feel that a guy who has struggled to contribute to good hockey teams following a sports hernia injury can be one of the main scorers on the team?

The Caps will be without Alexander Semin in the upcoming season and they would have to be sent to Shutter Island if they believed that Wolski could possibly fill even a part of the elite Russian's skates.

But if Wolski can mimic even a bit of the season he had in 2009-10 when he tallied 65 points and scored 42 goals, it would be a step in the right direction.  If he doesn't, well it's only 600k down the drain...

=========================================================

I know you Caps fans want to be part of the Wojtekkies!

Joey Crabb, Strong Character Player

Yesterday was the first day of the so touted "free agent frenzy" and the Caps weren't doing much. With the filure for GMGM to pick anyone up at the trade deadline back in Febuary still fresh in our minds, everyone began to panick a little, afraid we wouldn't pick up anyone and the Caps wouldn't have the players they need to be successful.

Those fears werew momentarily set aside as the Caps signed Joey Crabb last night to a 1-year $950,000 contract. Considering he's a career 3rd liner and plays right wing, it looks as though GMGM is trying to add mroe character to the line up.

Crabb was drafted back in 2002 by the Atlanta Thrashers and played a majority of his time for the Wolves. His next stop was Chicago, where he played for a brief time before signing with the Leafs on the first day of free agency, July 1, 2010. Crabb spent most of his time with the Marlies, the AHL affiliates, but he was called up often to add some grit to the Leafs line up.

Crabb definitely is the kind of player the Caps need in their line up, he's a gritty player, who is reminiscant of DJ King, and I think he'll bring something to the table the Caps don't have. He was a good pick up and hopefully his play will be up to par. See ya in October, Crabb.

I Want My Babyback....

Cappy's Mikey C Ribz...Cappy's Mikey C Ribz...


According to an explosion that happened on Twitter, the Capitals now have a 2nd line center.  They traded Clay Eakin & a 2nd rounder for Dallas (I'm assuming starting?) Center Mike Ribeiro.  As someone who knows nothing about hockey positions, it was my understanding that this was a position that needed to be upgraded.  Also by looking at statistics and comparing Marjo to Mikey, this was apparently accomplished.

The reaction of fans on Twitter was mixed.  The "lover" fans immediately purchased their jersey's, changed their computer background to Ribeiro, and started their Ribz Shirtless Tumblrs.  The "medium" fans were happy to have an upgrade at a needed position.  The "want mores" are a little upset that Ribeiro is older and not the player they wanted.

According to the stats, Ribeiro scored 63 points last season.  To compare to the 2nd round game 7 losing Caps, top scorer was Alex Ovechkin with ... 65 points.  2nd place was Semin with 54.  I really don't see the problem here.

Well like it or not he is on the team...Oh and you can follow him on Twitter too...

Some Offseason Questions & A Poll

Sure we are now more professional (lol) at Caps Basektball now that we are a part of the Nexus, but this is my first ever hockey offseason so I have some questions that need answering!  (Yeah, I'd ask the head hockey writer, but where is the fun in that)

1.  When does the hockey free agency period begin?

2.  Is it going to be exciting, or is there just 1 big free agent (Parise)?

3.  I hear Parise is expensive.  Would the Caps ever consider him?

4.  Are there any free agents out there the Caps should target?

5.  What positions do the Caps need to target?

6.  Will the Caps give Semin the long-term contract he wants?

7.  Who do you think is gone?

8.  How much does LW and RW have to do with roster moves?

I know, lots of these are opinion, but just wanted to get a quick glimpse of what is going to happen over the summer.  Also answer this poll question.

The following question is NOT who would you rather have on your team.  If both guys were on your squad, which one would you want as captain?

Who Would You Rather Have As Captain?