RED ALERT: Flash out, Nylander a distraction

Despite training camp going on and preseason just three days away, the big stories center around two players, Tomas Fleichmann and Michael Nylander. 

As reported yesterday and right below this story, Tomas Fleischmann will miss all of training camp and possibly the first few weeks of the regular season with a blood clot that developed in his leg.

Eric Fehr is still recovering from offseason surgery is limited in workouts and practice and is no-contact for at least two more weeks. 

Imagine that.  Training camp just underway and two guys that are on the spot to produce this season are temporarily out by injury.  That should give Hershey players Quintin Laing, Chris Bourque, Oscar Osala, Jay Beagle, and Alexandre Grioux opportunities to possible make the opening day Caps roster.  Giroux among all stands out as the one who will take that fight on.  Giroux had a sensational season last year in Hershey, scoring a new AHL record 64 regular season goals and is eager to prove that he is not a career AHLer but can play at the NHL level.  More on Flash and injury.  The Hockey News, Wash Times, Canoe, CNNSI

Chris Bourque is another one to keep an eye on.  Has his time come?  Bourque was a difficult roster cut last year because he played so well in training camp and preseason.  With a few spots open, Bourque may make the run. 

Of course, the other main story is the ongoing saga of the Capitals and Michael Nylander.  I for one can not wait until this story is put to rest.  The Caps say Nylander is looking to play somewhere in Europe, Nylander says his desire is to remain in the NHL.  And the saga goes on and on and on. 

Obviously I doubt we see Nylander skate for the Caps.  A deal will try and be worked out either in the NHL, Europe, or wherever, but the problem remains is the noose of a contract Nylander was signed to by the Caps.  Here are more reads.  DC Examiner, Wash Post, Yahoo Sports.

Here is a story on former Capitals prospect goalie Daren MacHensey, who was claimed off waivers by Vancouver.

Check out our MVN Partner, On Frozen Blog, for a story on Caps training Camp Day One.  Dump N Chase discusses new guys Mike Knuble and Brendan Morrisonn.