Washington Capitals: Free Agents to Watch in the Stanley Cup

Phillip Danault, Montreal Canadiens, 28 years, $3,250,000

The rumors of trading Evgeny Kuznetsov have heated up and if the Caps were to move on from a top six center, they would have to add another one. A cheap option could be Phillip Danault though he isn’t as offensively talented as Kuznetsov.

Still Danault has been outstanding for the Habs as their shutdown center throughout their playoff run. The one issue that may make things complicated is Danault may be looking for more money than the Caps can afford after betting on himself and turning down a $30 million contract extension over six years.

Danault has more of a defensive style than an offensive style which should fit Peter Laviolette’s system but the only way they could have room from him is if they decide to move on from Kuznetsov.

Pros:

• His defense would help the Caps defense improve.
• It is unlikely he will have a cap hit as high as Kuznetsov.

Cons:

• He had only five goals and 19 assists for 24 points. Kuznetsov was bad but was much better offensively.
• Even though his cap hit is less, he will likely be looking for an extension which will likely price his way out of Washington.