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Washington Capitals Free Agent Target: Nikita Nesterov

By Dave Stevenson |
Jan 4, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Montreal Canadiens defenseman Nikita Nesterov (89) in action during the game against the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center. The Canadiens defeat the Stars 4-3 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 4, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Montreal Canadiens defenseman Nikita Nesterov (89) in action during the game against the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center. The Canadiens defeat the Stars 4-3 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Nikita Nesterov will reportedly not be given a qualifying offer by the Montreal Canadiens. This will make him an unrestricted free agent. The Washington Capitals should take a look at him. 

Going into next season, the Washington Capitals blue line might look a bit different. Free agents Karl Alzner and Kevin Shattenkirk likely won’t be back. Even Nate Schmidt might get picked by the Vegas Golden Knights in the upcoming expansion draft. Should that happen, the Capitals would need to replace two left handed defensemen. Nikita Nesterov is a guy they should target even if they keep Schmidt.

Nesterov will reportedly not get a qualifying offer from the Montreal Canadiens. They traded for him earlier last season, giving up a sixth round pick and a player. In 48 games last season, Nesterov set career highs with 17 points, four goals and 13 assists. He’s proven he can drive possession in a third pairing role, finishing two of his three NHL seasons with a relative even strength CorsiFor percentage of at least 2.4.

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With the Capitals, Nesterov would be a quality third pairing option. Should Washington elect to go younger, perhaps with Christian Djoos or Madison Bowey, he’d be a huge upgrade over Taylor Chorney as the seventh defenseman. With a young third pairing, having a quality defenseman ready to fill in the lineup would be very important.

The best thing about Nesterov is he would most likely come cheap. He’s coming off a one-year $725,000 deal. It’s not a stretch to think Nesterov would sign for under $1 million. Of course, he might be more interested in getting a guaranteed spot in the lineup. And rightfully so, after spending the past three seasons in and out of the lineup.

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Nesterov is a strong candidate to sign with the Vegas Golden Knights. But if he doesn’t, the Capitals would be very wise to try and add him.

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