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

By David Trice | Jan 20, 2020

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 13: Capitals defenseman Radko Gudas (33) looks for a pass during the Carolina Hurricanes vs. Washington Capitals NHL game on January 13, 2020 at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.. (Photo by Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Radko Gudas – D (age: 29)

2019-2020 NHL Stats: 49 GP, 2G, 12A, +22, 36 PIM

Gudas jumped right in the gap left by the trade of Niskanen, and the Washington Capitals have been much more defensively sound since the trade. He continues to improve his time in the penalty box, while also setting a tone on the ice for the opponents that step into the Caps defensive zone.

For a group full of younger players who like to join the rush he gives the Capitals the steady veteran they lost when Brooks Orpik retired. His value will always extend beyond what he provides on the score card. So assessing whether he should receive an increase from the current cap hit is going to be the challenge for the Capitals organization.

There is no doubt that Gudas could continue to be a great veteran for them moving forward, but will it be at the expense of a few members of the Caps young pipeline of defenseman.

Current Contract: $2,345,000

Projected Cap Hit: $2,250,000 (NHL)

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