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

By David 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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WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 05: Washington Capitals left wing Brendan Leipsic (28) skates in warm-ups prior to the game against the San Jose Sharks on January 5, 2020 at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 05: Washington Capitals left wing Brendan Leipsic (28) skates in warm-ups prior to the game against the San Jose Sharks on January 5, 2020 at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Brendan Leipsic – LW (age: 25)

2019-2020 NHL Stats: 49 GP, 3G, 7A, +7, 8 PIM

Leipsic was on the way to being considered a journeyman until he reached the Washington Capitals roster.  That designation is surprising for someone who still held restricted free agent status into the upcoming offseason. But he has found a niche in the fourth line of the Capitals along side Nic Dowd and Garnet Hathaway to revamp the struggling bottom six from last season.

He has even shown enough production of high danger scoring chances that the team has been giving him more time on the second PP unit. But he makes his living on the PK unit where his speed and willingness to take on opponents of all shapes and sizes, just ask the Anaheim Ducks, has shined through and made him hard to see anywhere esle.

This is going to be the hardest decision for the Capitals, as he has definitely found a role and could even grow further on this roster. But the Capitals will need to decide between Leipsic and the other forwards prospects knocking on the door and will need to make sure they leave room for those players.

Current Contract: $700,000

Projected Cap Hit: $1,000,000 (NHL)

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