5 Stories that Have me Buzzing this Offseason (Part 1)

The 2011-2012 NHL Offseason has been, interesting to say the least. Experts have said that this year’s UFA class was a little down, which is true, but don’t mistake that for a lack of talent in this UFA class. There may be only a handful of top talent, but there is a lot of dept available for the 30 teams.

July 1st is one of my favorite days of the calendar year. While it’s so exciting to follow things on Free Agent Frenzy, the offseason isn’t made in one day. Teams have to address their needs, target players, and crunch numbers.

This isn’t a video game. It isn’t fantasy. Fans get disillusioned with what is and isn’t possible. Teams have the cap to worry about, and some teams have budgets.

With all that taken into consideration, some teams perform well. They’ve prepared well, they’ve target players that fit needs, and they’ve gotten orders from their owners to spend freely, or spend frugally.

1. Washington Steals the Show

Literally, steals the show. The Caps are pretty good. The 10-11 Southeast Division Winners are still in a very winnable division, however, that isn’t their ultimate goal.

Even with one of the best players in hockey, the Capitals have been hardpressed to make it out of the first and second rounds in recent years. Call them, the San Jose Sharks of the East.

You needn’t take them seriously because they’ll crumble in the playoffs.

That may change beginning this season. The Capitals were spending freely, bringing in Joel Ward, Jeff Halpern, and Roman Hamrlik to shore up depth up front and back.

But the move of the century is Tomas Vokoun at 1 year/$1.5 mill. What a steal for a guy who should be making bank on a long term deal!

Preface that by trading Semyon Varlamov to Colorado for a first and second rounder (which in itself was solid).

Vokoun is one of the best in the league who put up great numbers on a terrible Panthers team.

This could just be what the Capitals ordered to make a deep playoff run, while giving Neuvirth and Holtby a chance to grow behind a great tender.

I say the Capitals have had the best offseason, but what say you? Any other steals?

This five part series will continue tomorrow, so check back for Part 2!