I'll play, I kinda like Washington and hope for the best for Ovechkin. It should be pretty easy with their quality kids although a lot will depend on which Theodore they get. Boudreau had a lot to do with their success last year and the only major change will be in goal. I expect them to give an improved Tampa a run for the Southeast. A full season out of Clark, Pothier, and Nylander should help, but they need to improve on defense like much of the East. They were tied for 9th in scoring last year but in the bottom half in goals against but they played much better in front of Huet after the deadline. The only players scheduled to become UFAs after this coming season are Brashear, Johnson, and Kozlov.
Not even ten players over 28 years old. Nylander and Brashear are the oldest at 36.
Forwards already under contract:
Ovechkin- 9,538,462
Nylander- 4,875,000
Semin- 4,600,000
Clark- 2,633,333
Kozlov- 2,500,000
Backstrom- 2,400,000
Brashear- 1,200,000
Bradley- 1,000,000
Fleischmann- 725,000
Steckel- 512,500
Giroux- 487,500
Defensemen:
Green- 5,250,000
Poti- 3,500,000
Pothier- 2,500,000
Alzner- 1,675,000 (will be a rookie)
Schultz- 736,889
Jurcina- 881,250
Erskine- 537,500
Morrisonn- RFA (Offer sheet 1 Million+)
Goaltenders:
Theodore- 4,500,000
Johnson- 812,500
Total on Goalies is 5.3 Million
Total under current or expected contracts: 53.3 Million
Cap is at 56.8 Million, cap space is 3.5 Million
Now that I've done the research it appears as though they are pretty set, close to the cap and just waiting for their extremely young players to break out, the difficulty will be keeping them all together long-term. Armchair GM says they could use a veteran presence, someone like maybe Brendan Shanahan, if he would leave NY his salary would fit.
Secondary scoring is maybe the Caps' biggest problem with only 3 forwards scoring more than 20 goals last year, although injuries to Clark and Nylander may have been the biggest reason. They have so many young players with potential that trading for a goal-scoring second liner should be doable, maybe Mike Knuble who only has one year left at Philly and would fit no problem (although Philly is set on young D prospects). Fedorov came in and played well while he was there, if he enjoyed playing there he would be worth adding at a significantly reduced salary from his 6 million+ of last year, between the 2 million they supposedly offered and the 4 million he thinks he's worth. To them he's probably worth just over 3 million.
I'm a big fan of Jason Smith, and I think his veteran presence would certainly help the young blueliners, he would certainly be affordable and could solidify their top 4 with two gritty vets and two younger offensive-minded guys. A gritty left-handed top 4 would be welcomed. Berard would be a risk, but could have a good season with some youngsters and a healthy year. Knowing that Defense wins championships they might consider trading for Schneider. He could be had for very cheap, and provides what they're looking for, however they would likely lose Fedorov unless they managed to wait till the deadline or lose salary somewhere else.
Go after Feds and a vet Dman, but if he won't take less than 4 million, trade for Schneider and a pick and let the young forwards play.
