NHL: 3 free agents that could be on the move
By Jasmine Yen
2. Braden Holtby – Washington Capitals
Braden Holtby‘s 10-year stint with the Washington Capitals is coming to an end. With the rise of Ilya Samsonov and the major pay raise Holtby’s going to want, it will be unrealistic for the Capitals to keep this relationship going.
His time with the Capitals has been extremely memorable, winning a Vezina in the 2015-16 season, a Jennings the year after, and finally the Stanley Cup in 2018. His career 282 wins is second-most in Washington’s history and is tied with Olaf Kolzig with 35 career shutouts. He will go down as one of the greats in Capitals’ history.
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As for his future contract, that will be tricky to predict. He’s 30 years old (31 in a few days) and coming off the worst season of his career. While goaltending help is always needed, teams are now more weary than ever to sign 30 year olds – especially goaltenders – to hefty contracts.
His current cap hit is $6.1 million and he is the eighth-highest paid goaltender in the league behind names like Sergei Bobrovsky, Carey Price, and Henrik Lundqvist. Will we see another team throw ridiculous loads of money at a goalie (ahem Florida Panthers) or will he have to take a discount due to these new circumstances?