Washington Capitals: 2015 Free Agency Primer

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Washington Capitals: Their Own Unrestricted Free Agents

Mandatory Credit: H. Darr Beiser-USA TODAY Sports

The Washington Capitals have a total of 15 unrestricted free agents. We’re just going to talk about the four biggest ones though. This list in order of most valuable to the Washington Capitals considering what position they filled with the team.

  1. Eric Fehr is the most valuable of the Washington Capitals unrestricted free agents in terms of how hard it would be to replace him in the role that he is in (third line center). The Capitals third line center without Fehr is most likely Jay Beagle. Beagle is much better suited for a fourth line role. Fehr should get roughly a three year deal and he’s probably worth a maximum average annual value of $3,000,000. I expect him to return to the Washington Capitals.
  2. Joel Ward will not be that difficult for the Caps to replace, as they have guys like Tom Wilson who are ready to step up and fill Ward’s role of checking line right wing. He is looking for a four year deal while the Caps are likely looking to go only two years. He could return to the Caps if he can’t find that four year deal, but apparently he has suitors.
  3. In terms of the role he played, Mike Green will not be that difficult to replace. His production, however, will be very hard for the Capitals to replace. It will be hard for the Capitals to say goodbye to Green, but perhaps it is for the best that the two part ways.
  4. Tim Gleason, who the Caps traded for at the trade deadline, could return to the Caps as they do need a seventh defenseman. However, they will likely consider other options before turning to Gleason.

Next: Free Agency Targets