Sammi’s Daily: New Capitals In Town, Player Reports, What If Hagelin Returns?

WASHINGTON, D.C. — If the Washington Capitals wanted to start training camp today, they almost have the full roster in town to do so. With the exception of a few players, the Capitals are pretty much all back on the ice and taking part in informal skates ahead of main camp next week.

Meanwhile, as those skates continue, fans get their first glimpse at some of the new faces, but are also keeping an eye on one injured name working toward an ultimate comeback. And with the regular season rapidly approaching, that comeback appears to be coming more of a possibility.

In other news across the league, NHL free agency is wrapping up and some players are finally finding their homes after going the entire offseason as a UFA.

Here are the latest news and notes from D.C. and across the league:

Washington Capitals

• Darcy Kuemper has officially entered the chat and joined Washington, sporting his fresh paint job and brand-new D.C. themed gear. (WHN)
• Everything to know from the Capitals informal skates, including how Alex Ovechkin looks, the latest on Kuemper, Erik Gustafsson and others’ arrivals and more. (WHN)
• Carl Hagelin is looking better each day, and it seems as though his comeback is becoming more likely. What does it mean for Washington? (WHN)

NHL

• Will the Islanders make the playoffs? Several analysts give their takes as they brace for a tough Metropolitan Division following a so-so offseason. New York Islanders (NYIHN)
• Speaking of a tough Metropolitan Division, Sean Couturier called last season “embarrassing” for the Flyers but said the team is ready to surprise this season. Philadelphia Flyers (PHN)
• Evan Rodrigues finally has a new team after going the entire offseason without a deal, as he signed a one-year contract with the Avalanche following a career year with the Penguins. Pittsburgh Penguins (PHN)

Sammi’s Top Shelf Takes

• Connor McMichael really stood out to me at informal skates as he returned to D.C. on Monday. He was moving his feet, taking good care of the puck and reading the ice well. Lars Eller also stood out, and it’ll be an interesting battle between the two going forward.
• Braden Holtby, Peter Bondra and other top alumni hit the links to tee off and drive some… marshmallows? Capitals Outsider caught the fun. It was good to see Holtby in high spirits, especially after speculation that his career is over following hip problems.

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• Former Capitals netminder Jose Theodore turns 46 today. Personally my favorite goaltender of all time.