BALLSTON, Va. - Washington Capitals defenseman Tom Poti was expected to participate in Group A's practice Saturday morning as the Caps' training camp officially began, but he did not appear on the ice at all. After the first group's session ended, general manager George McPhee said that the oft-injured Poti failed his medical exam and his status for the season is uncertain.
"We're going to try a different program to see if we can get him back to 100 percent," McPhee said. "He's worked really hard in trying to get ready. He's still unable to do it. We'll see if the new program works. If he can play at some point this year, he can help us a lot."
Poti has been suffering from a groin injury that has kept him out of action since January 12. McPhee said that surgery is not part of the new program, but he will be placed on long-term injured reserve until he is ready to participate in the program.
With Poti on LTIR, his two-year, $5.75 million contract will not count against the Caps' salary cap, which will give them more space for roster moves.
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