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Capitals: Pending Free Agent Digest, Who to sign and who to let walk?

ByDavid Trice|
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 13: Nicklas Backstrom #19 of the Washington Capitals looks on during the pre-game skate before a game against the Carolina Hurricanes at Capital One Arena on January 13, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/NHLI via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 13: Nicklas Backstrom #19 of the Washington Capitals looks on during the pre-game skate before a game against the Carolina Hurricanes at Capital One Arena on January 13, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/NHLI via Getty Images)
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UNIONDALE, NEW YORK – JANUARY 18: Braden Holtby #70 of the Washington Capitals cools off during the game against the New York Islanders at NYCB Live’s Nassau Coliseum on January 18, 2020 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Mike Stobe/NHLI via Getty Images)
UNIONDALE, NEW YORK – JANUARY 18: Braden Holtby #70 of the Washington Capitals cools off during the game against the New York Islanders at NYCB Live’s Nassau Coliseum on January 18, 2020 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Mike Stobe/NHLI via Getty Images)

Braden Holtby – G (age: 30)

2019-2020 NHL Stats: 33 GP, 18W, 9L, 3.09 GAA, 0.897 SV%

Holtby was instrumental in winning the Stanley Cup for the Washington Capitals, while executing the save that no one will ever forget. But between his play this season and the likelihood of a contract comparable to Sergei Bobrovsky, the Capitals will most likely be saying good bye to their longtime starting goaltender.

This decision has been made easier with the emergence of Ilya Samsonov who is undefeated in his last eight starts and has much better stats than Holtby at the midway point of the season. Braden we owe you everything as fans and Capitals faithful for being what we needed at the right time to win it all. But hard decisions need to be made for the betterment of future Caps teams.

Current Contract: $6,100,000

Projected Cap Hit: $10,000,000

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