The Traded Guys » The Caps need to re-sign goalie Cristobal Huet (one of six unrestricted free agents). They started focusing on goalies in the draft two years ago, but no one is yet NHL-ready. A bridge is needed; that’s Huet (he shouldn’t cost more than $6 million a year). The question is, did he and his wife like their time in Washington? Makes a difference, though the chance to play for a winner, and make a lot of money, could trump anything else. As for Sergei Federov, they can survive if he leaves with Michael Nylander returning from injury. Matt Cooke would be welcomed back at the right price.

Olie Kolzig » It’s well-speculated that Kolzig’s time in Washington is likely over. He removed the nameplate from his locker and he did not attend the final team meeting Wednesday. If he’s done — would he be in a better spot than this if he signs elsewhere? — then the Caps should retire his number, hold a special day for him next season and maybe even offer him a job in some sort of community relations role. He likely won’t live here, but could return occasionally for events.

Picking these guys could be a big risk

With more and more money lavished on rookies, teams can’t afford to make mistakes. If they take one of these three players, that’s what they could be doing.

Kansas CB Aqib Talib » He’s fading fast because of multiple failed drug tests. At one point he was penciled into the first round, but that’s very iffy these days. One Redskins source spoke of gray areas in character about receiver James Hardy. But when it came to Talib, there was no gray area.

Michigan WR Mario Manningham » He has potential, having made numerous big catches in college, finishing with 72 receptions. And he had a knack for plays downfield. However, Manningham only ran the 40-yard dash in 4.62 seconds — a bad time for someone supposed to be a burner. Then there’s the off-field stuff; he flunked drug tests and had a bad reputation at Michigan.

One talent evaluator said, “I wouldn’t mess with him.”

USC TE Fred Davis » Neither the Redskins nor the Ravens have a pressing need at tight end. That’s a good thing. Davis has loads of potential; at 6-foot-3, 255 pounds he passes the eye test and received the Mackey Award as the nation’s top tight end this past season. But there are way too many questions about who he hangs around. That’s always a major problem.

Young does best LeBron impression

The questions sounded like they were more for, well, LeBron James than Nick Young. There’s a reason. That’s who Young tried to mimic in practice Wednesday.

So among the questions he was asked:

“Were they beating you up today?”

“Did you adjust your mouthpiece a lot?”

“Did they tell you it’s OK to take an extra step?”

Kidding aside, it’s hard for anyone to emulate James. If the Wizards had someone who could play that way, they’d be up 2-0 instead of down 0-2. Young is a 6-foot-6, 200-pound rookie; James is three inches taller and 60 pounds heavier. Other than that …

But Young simply tried to get his teammates ready for another night of drives to the basket.

“I’ve been watching him the last couple game, just trying to emulate him,” said Young. “LeBron’s a little stronger guy than I am. He can take more contact.”

In case you missed it

Justin Boren just did the unthinkable: he transferred from Michigan to Ohio State. Though he grew up in Ohio, his father played for Bo Schembechler at Michigan. Boren even started as a sophomore this past season. But he announced his intentions to leave Michigan during the offseason, indirectly citing new coach Rich Rodriguez and a loss of “family values”. Michigan football alum have their own issues with Rodriguez, whom they feel is cutting ties to the past.

On the record

“I’ve been called whatever they call me — a lot — since I was a kid. My first five or six (years), I was ‘That N-word.’ Some people would chant that out, some people would throw beer or whatever . . . batteries.”

— Angels CF Torii Hunter about how he’s been treated by Red Sox fans.

“[Pat Summit] accused us of cheating at recruiting. She doesn’t have the courage to say it publicly … Some people, that’s just their style, they’re passive-aggressive.”

— UConn womens’ basketball coach Geno Auriemma on why the regular-season series vs. Tennessee ended.

Just asking …

1 Why doesn’t Joe Paterno catch more heat for how many of his players get arrested?

2 Anyone want to change their minds on the NBA MVP after what Chris Paul has done the first two games?

3 Does anyone remember that Bill Parcells had the first pick in the 1997 draft — and traded it because he didn’t want to pick an offensive tackle first (Orlando Pace)?

4 Will Phoenix coach Mike D’Antoni be out of a job if the Suns lose this series, whether it’s his decision or the front office’s?

5 How long did Gary Bettman cry after losing a potential Sidney Crosby–Alex Ovechkin matchup?