Rumor: Capitals to let Braden Holtby walk as free agent

With the recent contract extension for Nicklas Backstrom, the Washington Capitals may not have the cap space to resign Goaltender Braden Holtby. GM Brian MacLellan needs to ensure long term cap space for Alex Ovechkin and Jakub Vrana, both contracts run till the end of next season. The play of backup goalie Ilya Samsonov will be a huge factor in MacLellan's decision to resign Holtby. There would be no shortage of teams looking to acquire the Stanley Cup winning goaltender.

Pierre LeBrun of TSN reported that the Caps and Braden Holtby have agreed not to discuss any contract negotiations during the season. LeBrun believes the Capitals would like a short term deal and Holtby would prefer a long deal similar to Sergei Bobrovsky.

The Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers and Colorado Avalanche would be front runners to sign Holtby in the off season. All three teams need a true #1 goalie and each team has the cap space to make a significant offer to Holtby's agent. All this can change with another deep run by the Caps and Holtby this Spring, time will tell.