If You Love Somebody Set Them Free

As of today's 5 p.m. deadline, the Caps have tendered qualifying offers to the following players: defensemen Steve Eminger, John Erskine, Jamie Hunt and Milan Jurcina and forwards Tomas Fleischmann, Jakub Klepis, Brooks Laich, Dave Steckel and Brian Sutherby. Good to see some familiar faces sticking around, at least for now. Select players (Eminger, Erskine, Jurcina, Laich and Sutherby) have until July 5 to accept the offer or go to arbitration; everyone else must notify the club of whether the offer is accepted by July 15.

However, today also marked the end of the road for a few players, most notably Kris Beech and Jiri Novotny. Other players not given qualifying offers included goaltender Maxime Daigneault, defenseman Trevor Byrne, and forwards Jonas Johansson, Louis Robitaille, Matt Stefanishion and Joey Tenute.

Conceivably the release of Beech and Novotny frees up some space at center for Backstrom and a free agent, especially if Brooks Laich were to move back to wing like many people are predicting he will. Novotny probably won't be missed as his time here was spent being pretty much invisible, but I'll admit I'm a little sad to see Beech go. Again.

I know he was given numerous chances to make it, though, and didn't take advantage of those opportunities - so I'll wave the handkerchief with a sad tear in my eye...and throw open my arms to welcome whomever takes his place.

So long, Kris. So long, Jiri.

Hello Backstrom and...Drury? (Ha! That rhymes...)

Speaking of new additions: if you haven't already, be sure to check out the video clip of Karl Alzner's post-draft press conference. A shortened version is available on the Caps' Draft Day page, or if you get the Caps' newsletter you can view the whole 10 minute clip.

Well-spoken, funny, snappy dresser...perfect. A+ to McPhee and the Caps scouting staff on drafting mere personality alone.

Now if he really turns out to be the second coming of Lidstrom, I'll be even happier...