The NHL Lockout is over, and in the days leading up to a much-anticipated opening night, we will be profiling the newest members of the Washington Capitals organization. On Tuesday, Joey Crabb was up. On Thursday, we profiled Jack Hillen. Today, Mike Ribeiro gets the treatment.

Date of Birth: February 10, 1980

Place of Birth: Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Age: 32

Height: 6’0”

Weight: 178 Pounds

Position: C

Pro career:

When the Washington Capitals acquired Mike Ribeiro from the Dallas Stars for prospect Cody Eakin and a second-round pick this summer, there was little doubt the organization had finally filled a hole that for years had held the team back. 

In Ribeiro, GM George McPhee has finally found a second-line complement to top center Nicklas Bäckström.

A talented offensive catalyst, Ribeiro, though not the biggest player, has speed, skill, and great vision. A playmaker who loves dishing to his teammates, the center excels in all three zones, and makes those around him better.

With Bäckström, Marcus Johansson, and Alex Ovechkin likely to round out the first-line, Ribeiro should start the season with Troy Brouwer and Wojtek Wolski, talented players in their own right, on the second-line. If those three find chemistry, the Caps could find themselves with one of the best top-sixes in the NHL.

Two things happened last night for the Washington Wizards that had not happened all season -- and both of them were good. First, point guard John Wall made his season debut after missing the first 33 games of the season with a stress injury to his knee. Second, the Wizards finally won back-to-back games, the last NBA team to do so this season. 

The Wizards downed the Atlanta Hawks, who came into the game 21-14 and winners of their three previous games against the Wiz this season, 93-83 behind some solid team defense and balanced scoring. Wall entered the game to a standing ovation midway through the second quarter and quickly went to work, bricking a bad shot off the front of the rim. Wall admitted to having some "jiggly legs" and it showed in the second quarter and much of the third, as well, before he crossed up Devin Harris on a drive and made a running bank shot and drew a foul at the end of the third. From then on, Wall looked like a different player.

Wall sat to start the fourth quarter, but with 6 minutes and 15 seconds left in regulation and the Wiz holding an eight point lead, he re-entered the game for starter AJ Price. The Hawks immediately got closer as Wall had a shot blocked and Nene got flagged for an offensive foul and then committed a turnover. 

With the Hawks coming back and the Wiz seemingly starting to fade, Wall embarrassed Jeff Teague by blowing past him on consecutive possessions, ending them both with layups that built Washington's lead back up to eight and then ten points. To anyone who has watched the Wizards this season and witnessed how rare a fourth quarter layup is, the sight was a revelation. The speed, athleticism and ability to finish at the basket that no one on the team has apart from John Wall has been missing along with, well, John Wall. 

The Wizards dropped two of the three games they lost to Atlanta this season because they could not execute their offense down the stretch and the Hawks took advantage by pushing the games into overtime and finishing the job during the extra play. Wall would not permit that last night, repeatedly keeping the ball and using his athleticism to get to the bucket in the final minutes to ensure a victory in regulation. 

Wall's "jiggly legs" and early rust showed in some missed shots and three turnovers, but he rallied to hit 5 of 11 from the floor and 4 of 5 from the line for 14 points. He added 4 assists and 4 rebounds to his stat line. He played just under 21 minutes in the game. 

Washington led most of the way, taking advantage of some good defense and bad Hawks shooting to claim a 27-17 lead at the end of the first quarter. The Hawks came storming back in the second period, though, thanks to some Wizards turnovers and missed opportunities on offense. At halftime the score was 51-50, the Wiz clinging to the narrowest of leads. Strong play in the second half, though, particularly after Wall came back into the game in the third and fourth quarters, enabled Washington to escape with a solid 10-point win in front of a delighted home crowd at the Phone Booth. Washington's final bucket of the night was a beautiful fast break with Wall leading the charge before dishing behind his back to Trevor Ariza for the uncontested dunk. Sights like that haven't been seen since Wall last suited up in April 2012. It was good to have him back.

Wall's teammates did help him out some. Backcourt mate Bradley Beal scored 16 points on 16 shots, including a nice 3-pointer off a dish from Wall. In fact, Wall's first three assists all went to Beal, an encouraging sign for the future. Starting ahead of Wall, AJ Price scored 16 points on 12 shots, Emaka Okafor added 10 points and 10 rebounds and Nene, starting and healthy again, chipped in with 8 points and 10 boards. Quick forward Martell Webster added 15 points on 10 shots. Not helping so much was Jan Vesely, who didn't score, but did manage to commit five fouls in less than five minutes on the court. 

Kevin Seraphin played his usual inefficient game, scoring 8 points on 10 shots, never getting to the line, and committing three turnovers and four personal fouls in 31:34 minutes of court time. Former Hawk Jordan Crawford sat out with an injury.

The Wizards held the Hawks to 38.5% shooting from the field and 29% from the line. Atlanta helped out by missing 9 of their 25 free throws and allowing the Wizards to trounce them 51-38 on the boards, including 12-6 on the offensive glass. Jeff Teague led the Hawks with 19 points, but he had a -9 court ratio and couldn't stop Wall when it mattered in the fourth quarter. 

WIZARDS 6-28 overall, 1-0 with John Wall. 

A player who the Washington Capitals traded to the Winnipeg Jets in July 2011 for prospect Danick Paquette and a 2012 fourth-round draft pick (Thomas DiPauli) is coming home.

According to the Washington Post's Katie Carrera and Washinton Times' Stephen Whyno, the Caps are set to sign right-winger Eric Fehr on Sunday, pending the completion of a medical.

The deal will be for one year at $600,000.

Fehr, a one-time 59 goal scorer in the Western Hockey League, was drafted by the Caps in the first-round of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, going on to play parts of six seasons with the team before his trade. In 230 career games with the organization, Fehr scored 46 goals and 93 points, including a 21-goal, 39-point 2009-10 campaign.

He had become an unrestricted free agent this summer after the Jets declined to offer him a qualifying offer.

The Manitoba-native struggled with injuries with the Jets last year, managing just three points in 35 games, but rediscovered his scoring touch during the lockout, tallying 25 points in 21 games with HPK of the Finnish SM-Liiga.

He figures to come into training camp competing for a spot on the Caps bottom-six. Should he continue his form from the lockout, he could prove to be a solid signing at what is without question a terrific price.

Congrats goes out to Washington Redskins LB London Fletcher and rookie RB Alfred Morris for being named to the Associated Press' All Pro Team.

Fletcher, the 37 year old inside linebacker, hasn't lost a step.  In his 15th season, Fletcher compiled 139 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 forced fumble and 5 interceptions.  His 5 pass picks were a career high.  As customary over the past four years, Fletcher has not committed to retuning for a 16th season and will take the offseason to decide.

Morris' season was nothing short of amazing.  Morris came into training camp fourth on the depth chart as a sixth round draft pick out of Florida Atlantic. The sixth rounder opened camp behind Tim Hightower, Roy Helu, and Evan Royster.  Hightower was eventually released.  Helu and Royster struggled in preseason with injuries allowing Morris to seize the job.  He responded by setting a single season rushing record for the Redskins, gaining 1,613 yards on 335 carries.  Morris' tough running style endeared him to Redskins fans.  His 4.8 yards per carry was refreshing to watch as he led the NFL's top rushing offense. Morris also added 13 touchdowns and 83 first downs.  

He's been sidelined with a stress injury to his left kneecap since September, but Saturday night John Wall finally makes his season debut for the Wizards. Wall has received "full medical clearance" after completing his third straight day of practice on Friday without a setback. How much can we expect Wall to play? According to Wizards Coach Randy Wittman, Wall is still.....

"getting his legs."

Wall says he is feeling no discomfort and is ready to play.

Wizards fans will finally get to see the "backcourt for the next decade" with Wall paired with rookie Bradley Beal. Washington (5-28) hosts the Atlanta Hawks (21-14) at the Verizon Centers, tip off is scheduled for 7pm.

Lost in a week long medical breakdown of RG IIII was the addition of Phillip Merling. The defensive lineman signed by the Redskins to a reserve/futures contract.

Merling was an All-ACC defensive end at Clemson, leading to the Miami Dolphins selecting him with the first overall pick in the second round of the 2008 draft. Merling spent four seasons in South Florida and last season with Green Bay.

Merling who turns 28 in April, has the size (6'5" 315) to play anywhere along the three man front and could provide relief to a unti that was worn thin in 2012 after season ending injuries to Adam Carriker and Chris Neild. Jarvis Jenkins was forced into a starting role in essentially his rookie season, sapping the team of its main source of depth.

Make no mistake, Merling is a long shot but is getting what amounts to his final chance. In 2010, Merling was charged with aggravated battery, but charges were dropped when the accusing party did not show up to testify.

The 2013 NFL draft is becoming quite deep and stands to benefit those teams that have stockpiled draft picks. St.Louis is the only team with two first round picks, Washington currently the only team without a selection in the opening round. Miami has additionaly picks in the second and third rounds, as it stand they are the only team with multiple extra selections in the first three rounds. Tuesday is the deadline for underclassman to declare.

16 more athletes have decided to give up remaining eligibility since we last spoke, we group them for you by position.

QB

Tyler Bray Tennessee (6'5" 210) First round arm, but question marks surround maturity and technique

RB

Joseph Randle Oklahoma State (6'0" 195) Latest in long line of Cowboy running backs projects in second round

Eddie Lacy Alabama (5'10" 220) Bama cranks out another, doesn't project as high as Ingram or Richardson in draft

WR

Cordarrelle Patterson Tennessee (6'3" 200) Projection: First round value for JUCO star after one year in Knoxville

Justin Hunter Tennessee (6'4" 205) Injuries plagued the big time talent and drops him into the second round

Josh Boyce Texas Christian (5'11" 205) Projection: Third round for emerging talent

Brandon Kauffman Eastern Washington (6'5" 215 ) Two time FCS All-American projects late due to competition level

Marquess Wilson Washington State (6'2" 190) Left the Cougars program early, claming "abusive" treatment

OL

Menelik Watson Florida State (6'6" 320) Right tackle projects in the second round

D.J. Fluker Alabama (6'6" 335) Skins don't pick high enough to get him, doesn't fit Shanahan model for position anyway

Chris Faulk LSU (6'6" 325) 10th Tiger to depart early, injury in '12 may knock him down to third, nice fit for the Redskins.

Luke Joeckel Texas A&M (6'6" 310) Johnny "Heisman" personal protector could go as high as first overall.

DL

Darrinton Sentimore Tennessee (6'2" 290) 3-4 End transferred from Alabama and figures mid-draft

Kwame Geathers Georgia (6'6" 355) Projects mid to late and would be ideal backup for Barry Cofield

DB

Terrence Brown Stanford (6'1" 180) Projects as a corner with mid-round value

Dee Millner Alabama (6'1" 200) Easily top corner in draft has been climbing mocks into top-ten overall

According to several sources, the Caps may have have dodged a potentially playoff-hope-ending bullet, with news that superstar Swedish center Nicklas Bäckström is back on the ice, skating with the team at an informal practice today.

Bäckström appeared in 19 games for Dynamo Moscow, scoring 10 goals and 25 assists, but had not played since December 26 with a bruised neck.

Naturally, the fear was that the center may have suffered another concussion, especially frightening after his scary episode a year ago. 

He returned from Russia this past week, but spent the last couple of days visiting a specialist in Michigan. It looks like the news might have been good. The hope now is that Bäckström is fit to start training camp with the Caps on Sunday.

Former Washington Redskins All Pro tackle Joe Jacoby, who won three Super Bowls with the team in the 1980s and early 1990s, failed again to become a Hall of Fame finalist and it is starting to look like it may never happen for the man whose enormous size [6'7" and 325 pounds] ushered in a new era of gigantic offensive linemen. 

Former Buffalo Bills WR Andre Reed, who lost Super Bowl 26 to Jacoby and the Redskins in January 1992, made the Hall finalist list, as did LB Dave Robinson, who played with the Redskins from 173-1974, but won most of his plaudits as a member of the great Green Bay Packers teams of the 1960s. Robinson made the Pro Bowl in 1966, 1967 and 1969. 

Here is the full list of 2013 NFL Hall of Fame finalists: 

OL Larry Allen [Dallas Cowboys]

TB Jerome Bettis [Pittsburgh Steelers]

WR Tim Brown [Oakland Raiders]

LB Kevin Greene [Steelers, Carolina Panthers]

LB/DE Charles Haley [San Francisco 49ers, Cowboys]

OL Jonathon Ogden [Baltimore Ravens]

WR Andre Reed [Buffalo Bills]

LB Dave Robinson [Green Bay Packers, Washington Redskins]

OL Will Shields [Kansas City Chiefs]

DE Michael Strahan [NY Giants]

WR Cris Carter [Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles]

DB Aeneas Williams [Arizona Cardinals]

DL Warren Sapp [Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Raiders]

OL/DL Curley Culp [Chiefs, Houston Oilers, Detroit Lions]

Coach Bill Parcells [NY Giants, New England Patriots, NY Jets, Cowboys]

Owner Eddie DeBartolo, Jr. [49ers]

Owner Art Modell [Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens]

To me, the persons from this list who eventually belong in the Hall of Fame are, in no particular order: 

Sapp, Strahan, Williams, Carter, Shields, Ogden, Brown, Allen and Parcells. 

DeBartolo was a great owner, but disgraced himself with criminal business connections in Louisiana and Art Modell cravenly and greedily betrayed the good football fans of Cleveland to chase tax dollars in Maryland. Modell deserves nothing from the game of football. 

The Washington Capitals are busy preparing for their upcoming shortened season and their votes to ratify the new CBA.  That will come today and tomorrow.  

Looks like the Caps will kick off the season against Steven Stamkos and the Tamp Bay Lightning.  That will be on Saturday, January 19. 

Training camp opens this weekend.  The Caps have decided against inviting juniors because, according to GM George McPhee, they stand little to no chance of making the roster.  2012 first round pick Tom Wilson did get an invite and will be present.   Wilson's invite could have to do with the Nicklas Backstrom neck injury and perhaps Wilson could get a look from the Caps.  Wilson will play Friday night for Plymouth before heading tot he District.  Speaking of prospects, Caps have several prospects in the NCAA and playing in Europe, but they do have a small contingent in the CHL. 

Although we anxiously await word on the extent of the injury to Backstrom, although we believe it may be a concussion, Brooks Laich addresses a possible injury with him.   Laich apparently tweaked his groin while playing in Switzerland.  Doesn't appear ot be anything significant. 

“Just getting in a little extra work,” said Laich. “Just making sure that everything’s good to go. That was all. Nothing major.”

Asked if he is healthy, Laich laughed.

“I feel healthy. I feel good,” he said. “We’ll see. There are just a few things to work on to get better. Camp starts on Sunday and that’s exciting for us.”

As the players begin to reassert their team chemistry, the coaches themselves have chemistry dating back 15 years.   Assistant Calle Johansson is former Cap and assistant Tim Hunter was on staff with Washington during Ron Wilson's tenure.  Bench boss Adam Oates, Johansson, and goalie coach Olaf Kolzig all played together on the Caps during their one Cup appearance. 

In case you misssed it, if you are unfamiliar with some of the new Caps, we have two new player profiles completed, first one being Joey Crabb and second one being Jack Hillen. 

You can catch Alex Ovechkin's new Gillette commercial here.  More on the new beard by Ovechkin in the commercial. 

We wrap it up with another article on the return of Tom Poti.  Poti's return from a year and half injury was even a surprise to the Caps players. 

"They were excited to see me," Poti said at a press conference Thursday, recalling his teammates' reaction upon entering the locker room for the first time. "You guys know how [forward Jason Chimera] is. He was yelling his head off and everything and stuff like that. That's another thing. It's so much fun to be around the guys and hanging out. It's something that you really do miss when you don't have that." 

"It's been a while," said Brooks Laich, one of just five current Caps who have been on the team longer than Poti. "He walked into the training room and I kind of did a double take."