The 2015-2016 Washington Capitals were a pick by many to win the Stanley Cup after breezing through the regular season and capturing the President’s Trophy as the top point getter in league. But once again facing the now champion Pittsburgh Penguins, the Capitals found history repeating itself and lost to their rival in six games.
Cap Space: $12,788,204 (via CapFriendly)
Key UFAs: Winger Jason Chimera still registered 20 goals and 40 points in a full 82 games. It was the first time Chimera registered 20 goals in a season since the 2011-2012 campaign. Though he was quieter in the playoffs, Chimera was valuable as a third line wing and also spent time on the second power play unit. A return to Washington isn’t out of the question, but according to Isabelle Khurshudyan of the Washington Post, Chimera is keeping his options open after one of the best seasons of his career.
Other UFAs: F Mike Richards, D Mike Weber.
Key RFAs: D Dmitry Orlov and F Marcus Johansson. Orlov notched 8 goals and 21 assists and played all 82 games, averaging 16:02 on the ice. His playoff numbers were dismal, but he was one of many Capitals who failed to produce in the postseason. Johansson not only produced in the regular season with 46 points (17-29), but he also registered 7 points in 12 playoff games. The Capitals and Johansson have a history of negotiations and after an arbitrator ruled in favor of Johansson last year, it will be interesting to see how the Capitals value Johansson during negotiations.
Other RFAs: F Tom Wilson, F Michael Latta.