Bruce Boudreau expects Tomas Fleischmann to have a breakout season -- and he expects it to happen with the Washington Capitals.

Fleischmann, a talented left winger, was the center of trade rumors this summer, but Boudreau said it's time to end the speculation.

"Oh yeah. Those trade rumors, I think you can faithfully put all of them to bed," Boudreau told Sporting News. "We laugh at so many of them that have no substance. I don't know who makes them up. Some people have very vivid imaginations."

Fleischmann's name came up as a possible candidate to be moved when it was reported that unrestricted free agent center Eric Belanger was going to sign with the Capitals. That still hasn't happened.

"There is no Belanger deal," Boudreau said.

Fleischmann is signed to a one-year, $2.6 million deal and is coming off a season in which he had 23 goals.

Boudreau believes that goal total can increase this season.

"He's ready this year. Last year he missed the first 11 games of the season [from a blood clot] and couldn't practice all of training camp," Boudreau said. "This year, watching him skate at our practice facility and talking to him -- he's ready for the season."