Thursday Caps Clips

Your savory breakfast links:

• Preliminary contract extension talks are expected to begin with Nicklas Backstrom and Braden Holtby before camp starts next month. [NHL]
• Add Michal Kempny to the list of players who ended last season with an injury but should be ready for training camp. Hooray! [NHL]
• Kempny was among those on the ice at MCI as the team’s informal practices continue to grow. [NoVa Caps]
• What can we expect from the Caps’ special teams this season? [NBCSW]
• Putting together a defensive corps of the franchise’s all-time best blueliners. [StarsandSticks]
• Wrapping up season reviews for the Metropolitan with a look at the reigning division champs... your Washington Capitals. [NBCSW]
• A look back at the 10 best entry-level performances of the salary cap era, including a couple of studly Caps. [The Score]
• With Brooks Orpik’s retirement, the alternate captain role is open - and here are three options to take his place. [StarsandSticks]
• Finally, happy 55th birthday to Dean Evason.