Washington Capitals: Top 3 players that need long-term contract extensions

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Ilya Samsonov, Washington Capitals Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

#2 Ilya Samsonov

Ilya Samsonov is likely going to be the starting netminder this season getting some mentoring from his new backup Henrik Lundqvist. Samsonov carries a cap hit of $925,000 and will be a restricted free agent (RFA) at the end of the season. If Samsonov has a solid year you can expect a long term contract extension.

Samsonov enjoyed a good rookie season going 16-6-2 with a 2.55 goals against average and a .913 save percentage in 26 games. The future looks bright and he had a terrific start to the season. All the way up until January 7, Samsonov was 12-2-1, had a 2.24 goals against average and .921 save percentage.

There was a stretch of time where Samsonov played better than Holtby but with Samsonov as a rookie, Holtby was still the undisputed number one goalie. In that same stretch, Holtby was 18-8-4 with a 2.99 goals against average and a .901 save percentage.

Samsonov proved that he belongs in the NHL and it’s just a matter of what kind of money he will command when the season ends. It shouldn’t be too much unless he has a Vezina caliber season. For now, the Caps will look to him and Henrik Lundqvist in goal next season. After the season, they’ll try to figure out a way to extend Samsonov.

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