Caps Briefing: Pothier Hoping to Return

Just yesterday, the first reader question Hockey News columnist Adam Proteau answered about the entire NHL came from a Caps fan frustrated about the lack of information about Brian Pothier's recovery from a serious concussion. Pothier missed the second half of last season and all of the playoffs, and was believed close to retirement. But one frustrated fan wanted to know for sure.

You've got to love the quick and thorough response to an online question that you get from a team owned by a former AOL executive. Last night Pothier told the Washington Post that he has been able to start jogging and lifting weights again, and now feels more optimistic about an eventual return to the ice. We are excited to hear he's feeling better, and we're sure the Caps don't mind waiting a little bit longer to get him back, either.

The team's players add up to at least the salary cap maximum without him, and if he can't play because of injury, then he doesn't count against that limit. But if Pothier is ready to rejoin the Caps shortly before the playoffs, his salary will only count against the cap for the portion of the year that he is able to play.

Getting a veteran offensively-skilled defenseman back from the brink of retirement in the middle of a season can really change the way a team is perceived, and the way it sees itself. Last season, when Scott Niedermayer decided to come back from retirement, Niedermayer's Anaheim Ducks were instantly and universally declared favorites to win the Stanley Cup, and the team climbed back into playoff contention on the strength of that confidence boost. We're not going to try to compare Pothier to Niedermayer, because Niedermayer is better on the power play and brings a lot of intangible leadership and experience to a team. We will just note that last season Pothier scored two more even-strength points than Niedermayer in ten fewer games.