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Washington Capitals: 5 players that won’t be back in 2022

By Michael Marzzacco

Ilya Samsonov, Vitek Vanecek, Washington Capitals Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Ilya Samsonov, Vitek Vanecek, Washington Capitals Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Justin Schultz, Washington Capitals Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Justin Schultz, Washington Capitals Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

#3 Justin Schultz

This is another defenseman but this one is more high profile. The reason Justin Schultz won’t be back next season is simple: high price tag. The Caps signed Schultz in the offseason of 2020 and carries a yearly cap hit of $4 million. Brenden Dillon was traded last offseason. The Caps might not simply have enough money to re-sign Schultz.

Schultz has one goal this season which came on opening night against the New York Rangers. He averages 17:14 minutes of ice time while skating on the third pair with Trevor van Riemsdyk. Schultz and Van Riemsdyk have been a solid pair together.

Schultz’s advanced stats include a Corsi For percentage of 57.21 percent, a 56.88 percent Expected Goals For percentage, and a 50 percent High Danger Chances for percentage via Natural Stat Trick.

Schultz and TvR together have a Corsi For percentage of 60 percent, a 60.45 percent Expected Goals For percentage and a 53.66 percent High Danger Chances For percentage.

Schultz will enter the offseason as an unrestricted free agent and will likely command a hefty raise, something the Caps might not afford. You might see early signs of them getting younger with Martin Fehervary in the mix as well as Connor McMichael and Hendrix Lapierre.

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