Quick Caps notes

Both come from Capitals Insider (the Post's Capitals blog), run by Tarik El-Bashir.

First off, the Caps' top prospect, 19 year old defenseman Karl Alzner, signed a 3 year entry-level contract. I'm very excited to see the reigning WHL MVP take the ice in the NHL. I have only heard good things about this kid (is it okay to call someone who is exactly the same age as you a "kid"?) and hope he can make the transition to the NHL as seamlessly as most people think he can (was considered the "most NHL-ready" draft pick of 2007).

Secondly, the Caps and their top minor league affiliate, the Hershey Bears, extended their affiliation through the 2009-10 season (plus an option year for the '10-'11 season). This is also good news, as the team is both close to Washington (130 miles away says El-Bashir) and close to Washington's heart, as the Boudreau-led Bears of 2006 won the Calder Cup. And Hershey=Chocolate, so all is well there!