Washington Capitals make shocking decision let their starting goalie go for nothing
When the Washington Capitals moved on from Braden Holtby, they did so because they believed they already had a goalie in their organization that was ready to take the top spot. Unfortunately it doesn't seem like that has worked out and the Capitals are ready to move on.
Ilya Samsonov was a star goaltender in the KHL before making his way to North America. He has struggled since moving to the NHL and eventually the Washington Capitals lost confidence in him. Samsonov never had a save percentage higher than .915 and this past regular season had a save percentage of just .896 along with a GAA of 3.02. Now it looks like the Capitals have no interest in bringing him back.
The Washington Capitals have chosen not to extend a qualifying tender to the RFA. It looks like they'll have another set of goalies in Washington next season.
The Capitals appear poised to sign Darcy Kuemper when free agency opens, which will help fill their need in net. But they could also circle back and offer Samsonov a lower valued contract to return.
| POLL | ||
Who will be Washington's goalie next summer? | ||
| Jack Campbell | 31 | 20.3 % |
| Darcy Kuemper | 84 | 54.9 % |
| Someone else | 38 | 24.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
