Boumedienne Officially a Cap

Defenseman Josef Boumedienne is now officially a member of the Caps. Again. George McPhee confirmed this to me today. I'll have the contract details in tomorrow's paper.

Boumedienne's arrival also assures Bryan Muir's departure. The UFA won't be retained, which is not much of a surprise.

In addition to helping out on the power play, Boumedienne also could prove to be a great help for 19-year-old rookie Nicklas Backstrom, a fellow Swede who must adjust to his new life in America.

Here are some other tidbits:

McPhee said that prospect Eric Fehr, who has not skated since suffering a hip injury in February, has been examined by a joint specialist and it was determined that the injury will not require surgery.

McPhee also said he doesn't expect trade talk to pick up until next week, but does expect to field calls about the No. 5 overall pick from teams hoping to move up. He said the talent level drops off considerably after the fifth-ranked prospect on the Caps' list. In typical McPhee fashion, he didn't tip his hand.

Also, former Capitals Mike Gartner and Rod Langway will attend the June 22 draft party at Kettler Capitals Iceplex and will sign autographs. It will be Gartner's first public appearance in Washington since retiring. Current players Chris Clark, Ben Clymer, Jeff Schultz, Brian Pothier, and Brent Johnson also will be on hand to sign autographs.

Meantime, merchandise bearing the Capitals' new, red white and blue color scheme and logo will be sold during the event, however, jerseys won't be available until September.