Washington Capitals: Free Agents to Watch in the Stanley Cup
Blake Coleman, Tampa Bay Lightning, 29 years, $1,800,000
One cheap option the Caps could potentially add is Blake Coleman who is the same age as Kuznetsov and carries just a $1,800,000 cap hit. Could be a good replacement if the Caps move on though I wouldn’t want to see Kuzy on the Lightning.
In 55 games, Coleman scored 14 goals and added 17 assists for 31 points. In the playoffs, he has a goal and six assists so far. In last year’s run to the Stanley Cup, Coleman had five goals and eight assists for 13 points.
Pros:
- He scored more goals lat season than Evgeny Kuznetsov. Kuznetsov just had the edge in assists with 20.
- He will be on the right side of 30 when next season starts, so he’s not too old.
- He makes the most out of new environments. He was acquired by the Lightning in a trade in 2020.
- He has the potential to score 20 goals in a full 82 game season
Cons:
- He will turn 30 when the season starts. Not old but not young either.
- He only took seven face-offs so although he is listed as center on Hockey Reference he is more of a winger.
- He might be looking for more money than the Caps could afford.