Caps 2011 UFA's and RFA's

Jason Arnott UFA

This past season the 36 year old center was being paid $4.5 million, he was a great fit in DC up until the 2nd round series with Tampa Bay. The entire team struggled and Arnott was no exception. I think there is a chance that Arnott is back in a Cap uniform next season, but the numbers are going to be a lot different. If the Caps resign him I suspect it will be in the 2-2.5 million range.

Prediction: Gone

Marco Sturm UFA

Sturm was a good mid season addition when you consider they gave up nothing to get him. Sturm played well at times, and looked lost at other times. I would be very surprised to see him back next year.

Prediction: Gone

Brooks Laich UFA

When you think about the Caps paying 6.7 million dollars for Semin, it is not unreasonable to say he is being overpaid. Unfortunately, in the salary cap era a team can only afford to overpay for so many guys. The scenario I imagine unfolding around Laich is the Caps offer him a fair contract, but he holds on singing until after July 1, where another team will offer him a lot more money. As a result, Brooks is not in a Caps uniform next year. Having said that, so much has been made of Laich's character during his tenure in Washington that it would not surprise me if he took less money to stay.

Prediction: Gone

Matt Bradley UFA

A fan favorite and a great teammate Bradley is getting older and due to much depth at the 4th line wing position he is dispensable.

Prediction: Gone

Boyd Gordon UFA

Gordon has performed great in a PK role and as the fourth line center. Guys like Gordon are not easy to come by and I think McPhee will be very active in making sure Gordon is back in a Caps uniform next season.

Prediction: Back

Scott Hannan UFA

Hannan was a solid mid season addition, however, his play really sputtered in the playoffs. The lightning were really able to use their speed to make Hannan seem like an AHL quality defenseman. With 6 defenseman already under contract for next year it makes it seem unlikely the Caps will resign Hannan.

Prediction: Gone. The only way the Caps would resign him is if the numbers in terms of dollars were advantageous for the Caps. I can't foresee a scenario where another team is not willing to pay Hannan a substantial amount for his services.

Karl Alzner RFA

Most likely the Caps number one off season priority. Would be very surprised to see him anywhere but Washington next season.

Prediction: Back

Semyon Varlamov

Prediction: Gone. Two scenarios I can see happening. The first is that he goes to the KHL and he is no longer the Caps property, or problem. The second scenario is the Caps deal his rights at some point this summer.