NHL

He can play left wing and center, take faceoffs, block shots, hit and work on the penalty kill. "I think I've established myself more in this league," Hendricks said. "Proved I can play throughout the lineup ' special teams, penalty kill, things like that. I'm pretty good at faceoffs. I think I'm just more of an established player at this level." Washington GM George McPhee praised Hendricks for his work, but it's unclear if the team wants to commit to the longer term deal that he is reportedly seeking. Hendricks hopes to be back with the Capitals though and several of his teammates want that to happen as well.

He wasn't utilized much by the Washington Capitals during the lockout-shortened season and was set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. Wolski produced four goals and five assists in 27 games with the Caps.

Hendricks is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent after completing his two-year/$1.65 million contract. "There's always changeover from year to year, but he's one of those guys you're not going to replace," Jason Chimera said. "It's not an easy job to go out there and fight guys twice his size. He sticks up for guys on the team and brings energy when no one else has it." Hendricks had eight points, 73 penalty minutes, and 93 hits in 48 games this season.

The pending unrestricted free agent said, "It's time to move on." Poti has struggled with injury for the past couple of seasons, appearing in just 37 games over that time. It may be tough for him to find interested suitors at the age of 36.

Ovechkin played in Game 7 despite the injury and in Russia's quarterfinal loss to the United States despite the ailment. He was reportedly told that he couldn't make the injury worse and that it wouldn't require surgery.

The source, who had direct knowledge of the winger's injury, added that skating could not make the injury worse and that rest would be the only thing required to make it heal. Ovechkin went overseas to represent Russia at the IIHF World Championships despite the ailment.

The Russians are now eliminated from medal contention at the IIHF World Championships following an 8-3 drubbing. Ovechkin's Capitals were knocked out of the NHL playoffs on Monday in Game 7 against the New York Rangers, so this hasn't been a very good week for the 27-year-old sniper. He enjoyed a spectacular end to the 2013 season and captured his third Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy, but he couldn't muster much offense in the playoffs.