Yesterday, Olaf Kolzig, the long time starting goalie for the Washington Capitals, decided he would not be returning to the team next season.
He's been the only goalie that I associated with the Caps since I started really paying attention about a decade ago. It's tough to see Olie the Goalie, Godzilla, leaving the only NHL team he has played for. Kolzig led the team to it's only Stanley Cup Finals berth in 1998. It appears he knew for sure the end was near when the Caps didn't start him for Game 5 against the Philadelphia Flyers, with the team down 1-3 in the first round. I actually discussed that with some hockey fans. Whether they were going with the "hot hand" or just trying to ride with Cristobal Huet, it made Kolzig's decision easier.
Good luck to you Olie. Here's hoping we see you in net somewhere this winter.
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I think Olie made the decision so the team didn't need to tell him they didn't want him back.
I think he has been a great player for Caps and wish him well in whatever he does in future (just don't go to Flyers, Carolina or Pens).