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Washington Capitals mock offseason: Stanley Cup run

By Dave Stevenson

May 6, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates with teammates after defeating the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-2 during the third period in game five of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports
May 6, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates with teammates after defeating the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-2 during the third period in game five of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Signing the RFAs

The Washington Capitals will have to adjust their RFA strategy if they want to go all-in. One player who is getting a long-term extension regardless of what happens is Evgeny Kuzetsov. He’s a clear future building block and he’s arguably going to be your best center within the next two to three years (perhaps as soon as next season). Kuznetsov’s worth for an eight-year deal sits at around $6.125 million, maybe a tad bit more. This makes sense regardless of what the Capitals are doing. It’s for $6.2 million in this exercise.

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However, Dmitry Orlov would likely be stuck holding the short straw, so to speak. Usually, he’d get anywhere from a five-year deal to an eight-year deal. But in this scenario, Orlov has to settle for a three-year deal. However, it still grants him a nice pay day at $3.35 million a year.

Another person who gets stuck with a bridge contract when they might normally get a long-term one is Andre Burakovsky. There’s a good argument he shouldn’t get a long-term deal because he hasn’t broken through yet. But this is why the Washington Capitals should try to extend him long-term now. Because if he breaks out, you’re paying more to keep him. Burakovsky signs a reasonable $2.15 million a year deal for two years. Both sides are happy and it sets him up well for a nice pay day. Sure, it will cost more to keep Burakovsky in two years, but for now, you keep him at a good price.

Nate Schmidt finally gets a solid deal, getting a three-year deal worth $1.75 million annually. It represents a great pay raise over his current $812,500 salary. Schmidt has earned a greater one, but he’s another player who would have to sacrifice for the team.

Brett Connolly gets brought back at $1.2 million for a year. He gives the Caps a bit more right wing depth and he was awesome with Lars Eller during the regular season. Connolly shouldn’t be hard to trade if someone like Riley Barber proves himself worthy of a top nine spot. Chandler Stephenson gets brought back at $800,000 for a year to serve as the 13th forward. Plus, this team needs an extra center since it only has four natural ones.

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