The Washington Capitals are expected to have a different look next season. At least, that would be the ideal thing to do since it hasn’t worked the last four years. But in order to create room for new faces, which players are likely to leave the Caps via trade or free agency? Glad you asked because that’s what this article is for.
Free agency is set for mid July and there are several restricted and unrestricted free agents that might not return to the Capitals next season. We’ll look at a few of those plus players that could be traded.
#5 Matt Irwin
Matt Irwin is a defenseman who had a cap hit of $750,000. He’s a low cost for a blue liner. He is set to become an unrestricted free agent where he could command a raise close to a million.
Irwin played in just 17 games where he recorded a goal and three assists for four points. He didn’t play much and there likely might not be a big role for him on the Caps next season. Usually when Peter Laviolette picks his defenseman, he likes to keep it set the whole way. You saw how that worked out with guys like Jonas Siegenthaler.