Sports Talk: Extreme Team Makeover?

A LITTLE MORE THAN ONE WEEK after the Washington Capitals unveiled their sort-of-new, sort-of-retro red, white and blue uniforms in conjunction with the first round of the NHL draft, the long-suffering club has the opportunity to give itself a far more meaningful makeover.

The league's free agent market opens on Sunday and the Caps, who haven't made the playoffs since 2003 and have the NHL's third worst record over the past two seasons, continue to insist they will be players. The club has a few things going for it: a glittering new practice facility in Arlington, Alex Ovechkin and an owner who insists the time finally has come to spend some money.

"We have to bring in some new talent and we have to bring in some veterans, because I think the kids are ready to take that next step," Ted Leonsis said at last week's unveiling. "We need centers. We need defensemen ... We're going to have to add three or four new players through trades and free agency."

The Caps certainly have enough room under the salary cap — the club had the NHL's lowest payroll by far last season — but with salaries in excess of $5 million to $6 million per year being sought by the top free agents, general manager George McPhee likely will be left to acquire one or two while looking to offer younger players and excess 2008 draft picks in trade. Leonsis also needs to keep some cash in reserve to re-sign Alex Ovechkin.

"George needs to improve the team now so we've told him what we need to do," Leonsis said.

Swedish center Nicklas Backstrom is signed and will launch his NHL career this fall, but the Caps' need for a legitimate first-line center will have to be filled through free agency. There are some good ones available. The Buffalo Sabres may lose two — two-way dynamo Chris Drury (30 years old, 69 points last season) and playmaker Daniel Briere (29, 95). Two-time Stanley Cup winner Scott Gomez (27, 60) likely will leave New Jersey, and the New York Islanders' Ryan Smyth (30, 68) is the top winger available.

"You don't want to just go out and get who might be the best player available but might not be the best for our team," captain Chris Clark warned. "You really need to put those things together."

Written by Express contributor Brian Straus
Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images