The NHL “silly season” officially begins at noon on Saturday, as Free Agency officially begins. Here are the latest Capitals-related rumors from the reputable media outlets covering the NHL.
Salary Cap
The Capitals now have $12,456,560 in remaining salary cap to sign any remaining players, including Evgeny Kuznetsov and Andre Burakovsky.
Karl Alzner
Several sources are also stating that Alzner has met with the Montreal Canadiens.
Justin Williams
As per Darren Dreger: Justin Williams is down to three or four teams. Williams was high on the Dallas Stars list. The Nashville Predators are still in the mix. Word is Williams would like to stay in the East – so the Lightning, Philadelphia Flyers, and New York Islanders.
Stanislav Galiev
According to Alvis Kalnins, Capitals’ Unrestricted Free Agent Stan Galiev is currently exploring his options in the KHL. (Photo below – Galiev on return flight to Russia last week).
Morning of July 1st multiple KHL sources suggested that Stanislav Galiev is done in the North America and is fielding offers on the other side of the pond.
”I made the decision to move back home to make Team Russia so I can play at the Olympics,” he said. ”It was clear that after five years in the Washington organisation I had to move on, it’s hard to compete when you don’t get a chance to play, or if you do it’s either fourth-line or AHL”. Galiev is yet to decide the direction he is taking but more than likely he would look at the possible contender.
From Dima Erykalov, Stan Galiev, relieving agent, wants to return to Russia for the sake of the Olympics. There are a couple of interesting options. Right at the moment, the Dynamo.
Lane Lambert
As per Elliotte Friedman, “the Coyotes are going to keep this search small. As we now know, Washington will not let anyone talk to Todd Reirden, but I wonder if Lane Lambert is a contender here — as he was last summer in Colorado.”
Darren Dietz
According to Alvis Kalnins, Barys Astana has come to terms with Darren Dietz. The Capitals did not extend a qualifying offer to Dietz.
Brooks Laich
Laich continues to market his services through his social media channels. On Friday he released a video via his Instagram account showing his work on stick and puck handling drills.
Odds and Ends
According to Andy Strickland, former Capitals defenseman Steve Oleksy has signed a two-year deal with Anaheim. Former Capitals backup goalie Justin Peters has signed with Dinamo Riga of the KHL.
By Jon Sorensen
Follow @nova_caps
