After all of the trades and signings, the Caps still have a hand-full of free agents who have something to play for down the stretch: Salaries, or even careers. They might not even be in Washington’s plans, but if they want to keep playing hockey, they’ve got to show something in these games.
Conor Sheary is making $1.5 million this year. He’s 30 years old and I can’t see the Capitals resigning him, especially because of his lack of offensive output lately. His last goal was Jan. 24 against Colorado. His play as of late couldn’t have come at a worse time for the Caps and it’s one (of several) reasons the team has been struggling.
For Matt Irwin, the increased playing time couldn’t have come at a better time, as he too is a UFA. Originally signed as a backup defenseman, he’s played far more this season than last – 17 last season, 54 this season. He’s only making $750,000 this season and may end up on another team in a similar role. Though the team has been struggling recently, he’s actually been playing the very role he was signed for, which was to be a dependable, back-up defenseman. He did his job.
Craig Smith, who the Caps got in a trade from Boston, is also playing for a contract. Right now, he’s got two goals in ten games with the Caps, but isn’t playing much. It’s unlikely the Caps will be resigning him but if he wants to stay in the league, he’s got to show something, and he’ll need to do that with the Caps.
Washington also has a few restricted free agents who are finally getting some playing time down the stretch. But with the Caps struggling defensively, it’s hard to say either Martin Fehérváry or Alexander Alexeyev are due for huge raises. I suspect Fehérváry will get a bridge contract, perhaps two years with a raise, but something that tells him he’ll need to show a bit more to get a better contract. For Alexeyev, it’s great to finally see him getting some playing time, but the former first-round pick has been with the team since 2018. He, too, might get a bridge deal.
