Capitals Sign Chris Bourque
by Becca H on Jul 2, 2011 11:49 AM EDT
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The Capitals have signed free agent left wing Chris Bourque to a one-year deal.
From the team:
ARLINGTON, Va. – The Washington Capitals have signed free agent left wing Chris Bourque to a one-year contract, vice president and general manager George McPhee announced today. In keeping with club policy, financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Bourque, 25, split time between Lugano of the Swiss-A league and Mytishchi Atlant of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) last season, collecting 33 points (14 goals, 19 assists) in 39 games with Lugano and adding one goal in eight games with Mytishchi.
The Boston, Mass., native has been a part of three Calder Cup-winning Hershey Bears teams (2006, 2009, 2010) and won the Jack A. Butterfield Trophy as the playoff MVP in 2010, tying for the league lead in postseason scoring with 27 points (seven goals, 20 assists) in 21 games. In 325 career regular-season AHL games with Portland and Hershey, Bourque has collected 302 points (105 goals, 197 assists) and registered a plus-51 rating. In addition, he has collected 60 points (15 goals, 45 assists) in 68 career postseason AHL games with Hershey. Bourque has played alongside several current Washington Capitals players including, Michal Neuvirth, Braden Holtby, Mathieu Perreault, John Carlson and Karl Alzner.
The 5’8", 178-pound forward has collected one goal and three assists in 33 NHL games with Washington and Pittsburgh. He was originally drafted by the Capitals in the second round (33rd overall) in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.
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If this reaches 1000+ posts like last time…
by Charlie Foxtrot on Jul 2, 2011 11:53 AM EDT reply actions
It’s rertro week, I guess.
Lacking specific evidence to the contrary, I shall blame this on Chemmy and Two Line Pass.
*retro
Lacking specific evidence to the contrary, I shall blame this on Chemmy and Two Line Pass.
by CapitalCentre on Jul 2, 2011 11:54 AM EDT up reply actions
I much prefer yesterday’s nostalgic signing, thank you very much :P
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
Halpern > Bourque > Jagr
Lacking specific evidence to the contrary, I shall blame this on Chemmy and Two Line Pass.
by CapitalCentre on Jul 2, 2011 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
…true. And at least Jagr didn’t sign with us so I guess we’re okay.
(I will restrain myself from squealing excitedly over the Halpy signing here, since this is Chris Smith’s big day.)
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
Don’t disrespect guys named Chris Smith. I had a crush on a guy by that name in grade school.
(Just giving you a hard time.)
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
___
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
Brian Bilello must go!
by Bald Pollack on Jul 2, 2011 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
Which can only mean that Varly will be back in three years!
by Ray of Sunshine on Jul 2, 2011 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Nice pull
A danger to myself and others on the ice
by can't skate on Jul 2, 2011 12:55 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Love it. I thought the Bears really missed his ’tude last year.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
You will know better but it strikes me that GMGM is also trying to rebuild the Hershey roster too. Because of the recent number of AHL signings.
"Hockey won’t hold still for a portrait. To gain a glimpse inside you join it in progress—just as the players do." Epilogue of 24/7
by capsyoungguns on Jul 2, 2011 12:03 PM EDT up reply actions
I think he has to, we lost a lot of guys to free agency and a lot of guys have graduated to the NHL.
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
I think having a strong AHL factory helps you when you need an emergency call up. Options for the 5th line are important.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
Yes it does help and having Hershey so close by helps, too.
I read the thread and I believe this is obvious to everyone, but I’m going to say it anyway :)
If Bourque wanted to play hockey in NA, the Caps held his rights so it was sign with the Caps or go back to Europe unless he could convince the Caps to trade his rights. After a year overseas and now getting married, it makes sense that he’s returning on the 2-way deal he should have signed a year ago.
Agree with everything except the implication that he shouldn’t have gone seeking a big paycheck. Truth is, for all his father accomplished, Ray Bourque never made all that much money in comparison to today’s salaries. I have no problem with what CBo did. He went in search of a little extra bank for a year, and that’s fine with me.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 3, 2011 5:16 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t begrudge these guys going overseas to make money, their career and life, their choice; didn’t mean to make it sound that way, but I realize my post above does sound that way. Just noting if he wants to still try to pursue an NHL career (regardless of what we all think his chances are), there are pros and cons to playing overseas at the time he was at in his career. It helps some guys, but not sure they benefit for Bourque.
Actually was just reading earlier this weekend an interesting article about Victor Bartley (former Caps development camp invite/former WHL dman) now signed with Nashville.
My fave pic of him
Suitable for his Hershey Bears hockey trading card.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Suddenly my Bourque Bears shersey doesn’t seem so forlorn.
Lacking specific evidence to the contrary, I shall blame this on Chemmy and Two Line Pass.
by CapitalCentre on Jul 2, 2011 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Trendsmap DC TrendsDC
‘bourque’ is now trending in #DC http://trendsmap.com/us/washington
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Seriously?
I mean I like the guy, and he’ll fill out Hershey’s roster quite nicely, but come on… He’s got nearly zero chance to make the Caps…
Winnipeg? Winnipeg??? Oy! (And now it's official...)
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jul 2, 2011 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions
He knows that.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
I hope he does. And yet I hope “did I say your dad’s house? I meant waivers!” was somehow addressed.
Lacking specific evidence to the contrary, I shall blame this on Chemmy and Two Line Pass.
by CapitalCentre on Jul 2, 2011 1:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Tim Leone tweets
# Bourque said language was a major hurdle in Russia. He loved Switzerland.
More Bourque: "I’m fortunate to get this opportunity. I’ve just got to capitalize on the chance that’s been given to me. No pun intended."
Bourque on return: “It’s good to be back. I’m really excited. … It’s like family.”
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Bourque is also getting married to long-time girlfriend Kim McManus this month.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Congrats to Chris & Kim (oddly enough, Chris Clark’s wife was also named Kim)
Now on the snarky, teasing note: guess Bourque should have paid more attention when Ovi, Semin, and Varly spoke in Russian. Or when Brash was taking lessons.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
comes home tail between his legs eh? Will be great for the bears, might get a look with big club but unlikely.
Refs allow play to continue....
With the pickups of wingers Bourque, Ford, and center Potulny, wonder if they think Gordon and Perreault are goners?
"I remembered when he said that and I kind of looked at him during the warm up and told myself that I got to shut these guys out tonight." - Michal Neuvirth, 02.06.11.
Gordon = gone.
Perreault = mulling it over.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Perreault’s an RFA. If he’s in North America, he’s in the Caps org.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 2, 2011 6:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Did you hear that cheer?
That was me.
From New Jersey.
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
by winterion on Jul 2, 2011 12:58 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
I could understand if it was Boston drafting the undersized offspring of a hometown hero, but the Capitals? And then going back to him again? Just don’t get it. Enjoy Hershey…
Huh? How is this possibly bad? He’s a quality AHL player who will make Hershey better. What’s not to like?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 2, 2011 6:06 PM EDT up reply actions
The 5’8", 178-pound forward has collected one goal and three assists in 33 NHL games with Washington and Pittsburgh
This requires a definition of the word “played,” whereby we can then apply it to “33 NHL games” and decide exactly how many he really should be credited for.
Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com, twitter and now on the official Pensburgh Facebook page
An elaborate formula centered around TOI subtracted by the number of press box visits should work.
"A picture is worth a thousand words. For moving pictures we manage to shorten it to one or two."
Divided by # of SBN comments that include swearing?
Lacking specific evidence to the contrary, I shall blame this on Chemmy and Two Line Pass.
by CapitalCentre on Jul 2, 2011 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Don’t forget to subtract one game for every viable scoring chance he had.
…we may be heading into negative games played here.
Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com, twitter and now on the official Pensburgh Facebook page
Hey, it could be worse. He could have signed with the Flyers.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
Brian Bilello must go!
That would actually be beneficial to the Caps and the Pens – one less player to worry about.
And to be honest, I was on the fringe with Jagr anyway. I’m more annoyed at how he played the Pittsburgh fans than anything else, but I suppose the local media is to blame for that as well.
As for Talbot – if he wants five years, good for him. He can get it elsewhere. He was a morale guy and all but now I’m laughing at how I’m seeing Philly fans call him a “goal scorer.”
Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com, twitter and now on the official Pensburgh Facebook page
haha, yeah, that’s how we feel about those idiots who signed Brooks Laich to a 6 year contract for 4.5 Million per.
oh, wait…
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 2, 2011 6:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Goodbye Brads
"@FlaPanthers: The #FlaPanthers… signing RW Matt Bradley to a two-year contract."
I'm the type of person who edits his signature every 5 seconds.
Good for him.
"Hockey won’t hold still for a portrait. To gain a glimpse inside you join it in progress—just as the players do." Epilogue of 24/7
by capsyoungguns on Jul 2, 2011 4:17 PM EDT up reply actions
I don't don't if I should be blue about the Professor
I loved Brads. But analytically, I don’t know whether to be blue or not. Crassly, this sounds like the Panthers being desperate, but I’m not analytical enough to judge whether this is a negative for the Caps. Should I be blue or (quietly) agnostic about this news? Again, I’m very happy for Brads, but is this good news or bad news for us?
Still worshipping at my Joe Juneau shrine. And a 4.0 in engineering, too.
Bradley is pretty much one of those “great guy, meh player” that rebuilding teams often feature. The type of guy who you loved on a scrappy team trying to earn some respect, but ultimately, not a guy that a contending team probably keeps around.
We’ll always have the goals against Lundqvist and Brodeur, though.
This sig is brought to you by... Frungy, The Sport of Kings!
Poker face McPhee strikes again
@ESPN_Burnside: Vokoun signs a one-year deal with #Caps for $1.5 million.
Our cap situation is going to be very interesting
I'm the type of person who edits his signature every 5 seconds.
Wow, and kept the price reasonable. Well done, sir.
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
1) So who’s gonna be our number 1 goalie this year? Is this goalie controversy 2.0?
2) Holtby must be p-i-ssed!
3) Remind me to never, ever, EVER play cards with GMGM. Ever.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to run back upstairs and put that Holtby shirt back in the bottom drawer again.
I think, largely, it’s better for Holtby to start in Hershey than ride the bench in Washington.
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
Ditto. I like the kid, but from what I recall from last year, he could still use some time to cook in the AHL. He’s got some crazy talent, but he could stand some honing in some areas – and he even admitted that in an interview before the playoffs.
Think about who is on the Caps payroll for a moment. What team has on its staff a goaltender who was a number one draft pick, spent the better part of the next eight years toiling in ECHL and AHL, only got intermittent call ups with the big club, then finally took over as number one goalie at the age of 27, and only because the guy in front of him took one right on the cup in the season opener.
You do remember Olie Kolzig, right?
His example could be valuable to these young guys
If you've read this far...seek help.
Seriously confused
Next year’s team is basically half new, right? All the talk about ‘the team" not winning the Cup seems to be out the window in that you can’t hang the old laundry on the new crew. This is good news, for sure, but it just makes it confusing to talk about the “Caps not winning the Cup.” This is largely a new crew. Long live GMGM. Can’t blame ’em for not trying.
Still worshipping at my Joe Juneau shrine. And a 4.0 in engineering, too.
Well, it’s the same coach…
Lacking specific evidence to the contrary, I shall blame this on Chemmy and Two Line Pass.
by CapitalCentre on Jul 2, 2011 8:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Semin out the door, for real?
Still worshipping at my Joe Juneau shrine. And a 4.0 in engineering, too.
And what will be the return? (Or is it still speculation)
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Speculation here
I have no idea.
Still worshipping at my Joe Juneau shrine. And a 4.0 in engineering, too.
sorry for botching the "reply" feature"!
Still worshipping at my Joe Juneau shrine. And a 4.0 in engineering, too.
Andrew Gordon to Anaheim?
He's a better skater than Nick, but he's big in the back[side]...BB
by Backeez Got Back on Jul 2, 2011 6:48 PM EDT reply actions
I started a new thread
Until the mods take over:
http://www.japersrink.com/2011/7/2/2256464/tomas-vokoun
Endavant, a triomfar, a guanyar Villarreal!
by siempre_riquelme on Jul 2, 2011 7:17 PM EDT reply actions
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