Looks like the Caps better get moving on signing Huet or they're in trouble. I expected Kolzig to finish his career there...
Quote:
WASHINGTON -- When Olaf Kolzig removed his nameplate from the Washington Capitals' locker room after their last playoff game, then skipped a mandatory meeting the next morning, everyone figured his time with the team was over.
Now Kolzig confirms he won't be back.
"For me, it was disappointing the way it ended. ... It just doesn't feel right," the 38-year-old goalie told The Washington Post for a story Friday. "But at the same time, as an athlete, you have to know when to move on."
Kolzig never has played for another NHL franchise. He was drafted by the Capitals in the first round in 1989, helped them reach the 1998 Stanley Cup finals, won the Vezina Trophy in 2000, and owns most team goaltending records.
But he was relegated to being a backup down the stretch this season and in the playoffs after Washington traded for Montreal Canadiens goalie Cristobal Huet.
"Olie has been great for the Washington Capitals, and the Capitals were great for Olie," general manager George McPhee said. "He has been a great leader and ambassador for the club. Olie can still play, and if he decides to continue to play, we wish him the very best."
Kolzig thought he might get a chance to play when Washington fell behind 3-1 in the best-of-seven first-round playoff series against Philadelphia. The Capitals stuck with Huet, though.
"Our backs were against the wall, but it didn't happen," Kolzig told the newspaper. "I said to myself: 'My time here in Washington has passed. They've chosen to go in a different direction, and this was the exclamation point on it.' "
He went 25-21-6 with a 2.91 goals-against average this season.
"If he decides to continue his career with another team, I will respect that decision, and he will be missed," Capitals owner Ted Leonsis said. "In my mind, however, he always will be a Washington Capital."
Kolzig's agent did not immediately return a phone message from The Associated Press.
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"The Marines will never disappoint the expectations of of their country - never!" - Capt. C. W. Morgan, US Navy
"I have just returned from visiting the Marines at the front, and there is not a finer fighting organization in the world." - Gen. Douglas MacArthur, US Army
Speculation on where he will go? Montreal sure needs a veteran to help those two youngsters along.
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"The Marines will never disappoint the expectations of of their country - never!" - Capt. C. W. Morgan, US Navy
"I have just returned from visiting the Marines at the front, and there is not a finer fighting organization in the world." - Gen. Douglas MacArthur, US Army
I have a feeling Ollie will be calling it quits altogether to spend more time with his son. I can't really see him leaving Washington either for they have one of the best hospitals in the country.
All the best to him although.
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I guess it's easy for me to say since I'm not in his shoes, but I think he's over reacting. His career is getting on, and he knows he can't be a #1 goalie forever. As a long time Capital, you'd think he'd want what is best for the team. If both him and Huet signed, they could possibly be the best tandem in the league, with Olie being a great asset at backup, and he'd be good for 25-30 games. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think he's being a little selfish.
I guess it's easy for me to say since I'm not in his shoes, but I think he's over reacting. His career is getting on, and he knows he can't be a #1 goalie forever. As a long time Capital, you'd think he'd want what is best for the team. If both him and Huet signed, they could possibly be the best tandem in the league, with Olie being a great asset at backup, and he'd be good for 25-30 games. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think he's being a little selfish.
I guess it depends on what happened behind the scenes. If the coach or GM sat down with him and told him that his playing time would be diminished but they still wanted him there then I think that you're right. But if they said nothing after he's been in the organization for 20 years then you can understand it.
If he took a small contract, I'd sure take him as a backup over Valiquette for the short term. But no one is going to make him number one at his age.
Caps' Kolzig confirms he won't return
Caps' Kolzig confirms he won't return
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