Contrary to a report out of Canada late last month that suggested the Caps are going to target pending unrestricted free agent Anton Volchenkov this summer, two sources have told me that the team does not, in fact, plan to pursue the Ottawa blue liner.
The Caps "are not going to make him an offer," one of the sources familiar with Washington's plans told me.
Tarik El-Bashir, from the Washington Post's Capitals Insider blog.
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Color me skeptical
But I would love it if this were the case. If no one is willing to give Android the five mil he wants, we should be able to re-sign him.
Silver Seven - The Daniel Alfredsson of Ottawa Senators Blogs
Ditto.
Detroit was considered another suitor, but Lidstrom’s back with them. If Washington is indeed out—and, looking at their cap situation, I don’t see how they can be in—it leaves teams like Pittsburgh, Los Angeles, or San Jose in the running.
by Peter Raaymakers on Jun 4, 2010 9:44 AM EDT up reply actions
Another talented Sen going to San Jose?
by Alexander Calloway on Jun 4, 2010 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions
They'll certainly have the money if Marleau and Nabokov aren't re-signed
Silver Seven - The Daniel Alfredsson of Ottawa Senators Blogs
Can't trust anything you read in this situation.
This is exactly what the Capitals would have released to the public if they DID want to make Volchie an offer that was on the lower scale of what he’s expecting. They want him to weigh his options in terms of going for the big cash, or the team that has the best shot at the cup.
Now, if they make him an offer for mediocre cash, he might be more likely to take it.
As much as he’s Ottawa’s #1 free agent, reality is he’s probably not a guy who’s going to be signed day 1 of free agency. He’s a great player, but I get the feeling his story could end up being similar to that of Jay McKee. McKee left the Swords for the Blues and a $4mil a year contract. He never played anywhere close to a full season and had the last year of his contract bought out.
McKee was one of the premier shot blockers in the league when he signed that contract, so he might be a guy who is fairly comparable to A-Train in my estimation.
Trade tactic
Murray has been looking to trade Volchenkov’s rights to a team that can sign him before he becomes a free agent. In the process Murray might be able to get something like an extra pick or two in return. Washington is probably trying to dampen the market for this kind of deal.
A-Train is great and all, but he’s no J-Bo. I doubt there is any team out there looking to give up assets for the negotiating rights to a defensive d-man. At this point I’m willing to bet A-Train hits the market and has a tough time finding any takers at 5mil a season. If he finds teams only willing to offer 4.5 to 4.25 then Ottawa is probably right back in the running for his services.
$4M is my wincing point
And I’d want that to be a frontloaded contract.
Silver Seven - The Daniel Alfredsson of Ottawa Senators Blogs
Washington management is very secretive. Nothing more than a rumor, this Washington after Volchenkov. Like was said above, the cap situation won’t allow for a big signing, and I’m sure management will look to get a quality second line center before a defenseman.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Red Line Station: for Capitals fans who can bear reading something less intelligent than a story at Japers' Rink
(note name change)
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