Your savory breakfast links:
- The Jaroslav Halak era in Washington has come to an end, as the Caps swapped the pending UFA to the Islanders for a fourth-round pick in this summer’s draft. [Caps, WaPo, CSNW, NBC4, LHH, AP, Puck Daddy, RMNB, WNST, NY Post, Newsday, SI, Sporting News]
- If you haven’t read Mike Vogel‘s final chat with exiting general manager George McPhee about the last 17 years, do so immediately – and if you have, read it again. [Dump ‘n Chase]
- Tucked within that fantastic work is this little nugget: McPhee warned Ted Leonsis that trading for Jaromir Jagr – remember him? – was a bad idea. Brilliant man, that GMGM. [WaPo]
- More from McPhee’s exit interview with the press. [CSNW]
- A fond farewell to Tom Poti, who has officially announced his retirement after 824 NHL games (230 of which were played in a Caps’ jersey). Best wishes, sir… thanks for the memories. [NHLPA, WaPo, CSNW, PHT, Sportsnet, AP]
- Ted Leonsis: “[W]e’re probably better served in bringing in a fresh set of eyes and a fresh set of voices.” [WaPo]
- The DSP crew chats about last weekend’s changes and what lies ahead for the Caps. [DSP]
- Looking back at the season that was for:
- Troy Brouwer… [Rink, RMNB]
- …and Jason Chimera… [CSNW]
- … and Dmitry Orlov… [Peerless]
- … and the (lame duck/former) administration. [DSP]
- The Caps have reportedly offered a tryout to Slovenian Center Jan Urbas (aka “that guy who played on the same team as Anze Kopitar at the Olympics”). [RMNB]
- As the second round of the playoffs gets underway, you may need some help selecting a new bandwagon team. Down Goes Brown has you covered (and so do we). [Grantland]
- Finally, happy 34th birthday to Jason Chimera.