The Caps have a lot of decisions to make going into free agency next week. The big issue, as it has always been, is the trying to find the elusive blueliner that can clear the crease and wreak havoc for the opposition. Also, someone who can play with Mike Green and give him the proper support he needs so that he doesn't have to play much defense. Lots of teams are looking for the same thing right now, so the Caps will have to really sell the idea of coming to D.C. and playing for Barry Trotz.
The top choices via free agency are:
1). Matt Greene - L.A. Kings: He has great experience in the playoffs and showed just how tough he can be this year. He can shut down the best players and keep the garbage from crowding the net, something the Caps just don't have. Last Year's Cap Hit: $2.95M
2). Willie Mitchell - L.A. Kings: Some people aren't sold on Mitchell as an option for the Caps, but he's a strong leader who can take care of the defensive zone and move the puck. Last Year's Cap Hit: $3.5M
3). Brooks Orpik - Pittsburgh Penguins: Orpik has been the steady, tough presence for the Penguins for a long time, but his time there is over. He may be aging, but he's still a great option for teams looking to strengthen their blue line. He wouldn't cost too much either, and he has experience in the playoffs. He can log a lot of minutes if he has to and can block shots. Last Year's Cap Hit: $3.75M
4). Dan Boyle - New York Islanders: Yes, I know that Boyle isn't a shut down defenseman, but he's a skilled veteran who can still do some good. He's going to cost a bit more, but he could be a good addition to a Caps blue line that... well... kinda sucks. If the Caps wanted to pick him up however, it could mean the end of Green's time in Washington. Last Year's Cap Hit: $6.66M
5.) Ron Hainsey - Carolina Hurricanes: Hainsey was solid during his time in Winnipeg and could definitely use a change of scenery. He's a good shut down guy and can move the puck - more importantly, he could be the cheapest option. Last Year's Cap Hit: $2M
via trade:
1). Dion Phaneuf - Toronto Maple Leafs: Chances are this won't happen, but I guess anything is possible considering we don't what kind of GM MacLellan will be. The Caps would have to shed some salary of course to take on Phaneuf's monster contract, and that would mean trading someone like Troy Brouwer, who might become expendable if Ovechkin decides to stay on the right wing. Cap Hit: $7M
2). Dustin Byfuglien - Winnipeg Jets: The big guy might be on the move at some point this summer, and it could be possible that GMBM is kicking the tires to see what it would take. We all know what he can do when he puts his mind to it, and getting out of Winnipeg might be all the motivation Buff needs. Like Phaneuf, it could take someone like Troy Brouwer or Joel Ward to get the Jets interested. Cap Hit: $5.2M
3). Paul Martin - Pittsburgh Penguins: It doesn't make much sense for the Caps to go after a potential $5M rental player, but if they could give him an extension, it may be worth it. Of course, the Penguins actually have to be offering Martin up for this to happen. Martin would do well teaching Green a thing or two about positioning, and while he's not a mean, shut-down-guy, he's a very good skilled defenseman. Cap Hit: $5M
Who do you think? Who are some other realistic options?
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