Red Army part 2?
Sergei Fedorov wants to return to Washington. At least that’s what Capitals teammate, not to mention fellow countryman, Alex Ovechkin said Wednesday.
When the Capitals’ season ended, Fedorov wasn’t sure if he wanted to retire, play in Russia, or play with another NHL team. But Ovechkin said he knows what Fedorov wants. The two had a long talk at the World Hockey Championships earlier this month.
“I know for sure he wants to stay in Washington,” Ovechkin said. “But it’s not my job to talk about money or to talk about how many years he wants to be here. That’s up to [general manager] George [McPhee] and Sergei’s agent. But he wants to play — not just with me, but with the Capitals.”
The Capitals don’t disclose negotiations, but McPhee said Wednesday that “we’re talking to all of our guys.” That list, of course, includes goalie Cristobal Huet, who led them down the stretch and in the postseason. However, McPhee would not say if any were close to a deal.
Perhaps Fedorov sees what the Caps can become — especially if they retain Huet. The Caps acquired Fedorov in a Feb. 26 trade with Columbus. He contributed two goals and 11 assists. However, he also was expensive, making $6.08 million last year. It’s hard to imagine the Capitals paying him that much. So, despite the wish of both sides to maintain the relationship, it might not be feasible.
Fedorov, Ovechkin and Alex Semin played on the same line for Russia en route to winning the World Hockey Championship.
“It was seriously unbelievable,” Ovechkin said.
Which best describes Ovechkin’s season. He’s already earned the Art Ross Trophy (most points, 112) and the Maurice Richard Trophy (most goals, 65). He has a chance to win the Hart (MVP, writer’s vote) and Pearson (most outstanding player, player’s vote).
“I always want to be the best hockey player, especially when I was a little kid,” he said. “I want to win all the personal awards. … All players want to win something. I’m glad I have the chance to be the first player to win all four.”
Dorsey says Beasley’s No. 1
Recommended Stories
Joey Dorsey is in Orlando trying to showcase his offense. And trying to give out a scoop.
He told reporters at the pre-draft camp that Kansas State’s Michael Beasley, a Washington, D.C. area native, will go No. 1 overall to Chicago.
“I’ve got the inside,” he said. “They’re going to get Beasley. … I’m not telling you how I know. You’ll see June 26. I can’t say any more.”
Dorsey’s college teammate, Derrick Rose, is the other strong candidate to go first.
Meanwhile, Dorsey, a Baltimore native, wants to raise his stock by showing a side few saw in college.
He averaged 6.7 points this past season.
“On offense, I’m a way better scorer,” Dorsey said. “I’m showing that in the drills that we’re doing. Every drill where we went 1-on-1 and 2-on-2, I scored the ball every time. And I’m showing I can pass the ball, too.”
Hawks pick Sund over Sheppard
The Wizards won’t be losing a key front office member after all. Vice president of basketball administration Tommy Sheppard lost out in the running to become the Atlanta Hawks general manager, an NBA source said Wednesday. The Hawks instead will hire former Seattle general manager Rick Sund. For Sheppard, it’s the second time this offseason he’d interviewed for a position and came close to landing the job. He lost out in Seattle and also was mentioned briefly in connection with the Milwaukee job. He’s considered a “rising star” in the industry and the organization.
Knucklehead of the week » Joakim Noah, Chicago Bulls
The center proved he was an equality opportunity offender this holiday weekend, having multiple run-ins with police in the Gainsville, Fla., area. It started innocently enough on Memorial day when he was busted in his speeding Hummer for not wearing a seat belt and driving with a suspended license.
Things heated up that night, however, when Noah was busted for having an open container of alcohol, which led to him being taken to the police station. Upon a search of the former Gator standout, he was found to be in possession of marijuana and charged with possession of less than 20 grams. His father, former tennis great Yannick Noah, however, sees nothing wrong with his 23-year old party to go. “I don’t understand all that fuss for just drinking a beer on the street,” the eldest knucklehead said.
Good idea/Bad idea
GOOD IDEA » To view Charlie Weis differently after Spygate. Guess we know now why he made such good halftime adjustments. Except, of course, for the Irish.
BAD IDEA » Admitting that you were contemplating retirement after your rookie year, Vince Young. If you don’t love playing, it’s a hard gig.
GOOD IDEA » To look at Omar Minaya as closely as the New York media is looking at Willie Randolph. This is an expensive and mediocre team. Sort of like, you know, the Yankees.
BAD IDEA » Blaming the Spurs’ Game 4 loss on a swallowed whistle by the officials. The Lakers lead 3-1 because they’re better.
GOOD IDEA » Paying attention to Reds’ outfielder Jay Bruce, who went three-for-three in his debut Tuesday. The Reds are stocked with good young talent.
BAD IDEA » Inviting Danica Patrick and Ryan Briscoe over for dinner. On secondthought, that might be entertaining.
ON THE RECORD
“If there was a major league player who tells me he’s not selfish, he’s lying. Everyone is selfish about numbers, because that’s the only thing people cannot lie about.”
— White Sox shortstop Orlando Cabrera, who called the press box during a recent game to complain about an error charged to him.
“There’s something that I wish to state very clearly: I’m not looking for a job. In fact, I have told my agent that he should stop offering my services to MLB teams. I’m not retired.”
— Former Cubs star Sammy Sosa who announced his intentions to play for the Dominican Republic in the 2009 World Baseball Classic, despite not playing in the major leagues this season.
BY THE NUMBERS
31 » Number of years it’s been since the Cubs and White Sox were both in first place at the end of May. It might happen this year.
2,000 » Dollars Pete Rose estimated on Wednesday that he bet on per game when he managed the Cincinnati Reds.