Washington Capitals 2011 NHL Free Agency Preview

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When the 2011 NHL Draft concludes on June 25th, general managers across the league will begin to turn their attentions to when unrestricted free agents throughout the league become free to move clubs on July 1st. This day is the most discussed and analysed each year, and is always a frenzy and a joy to follow. After another disappointing season, Capitals general manager George McPhee is sure to be active in free agency. Though he rarely makes big splashes, he often uses free agency to sign good role players for a good price (without giving up any assets).

The Caps biggest need going into free agency is to find a defensively solid two-way center, whether he is second, third, or fourth line quality. The most important aspect is excellence in the faceoff circle. The team needs a center who will be able to take the bulk of the faceoffs in the defensive zone and relieve pressure. One of the main problems for the Capitals team at the moment is that the Nick Backstrom ? Alex Ovechkin line is often forced to take those defensive faceoffs (no-one else is solid enough in the dot) and that takes away offensive zone draws. If the Caps can find their man, we should see Ovechkin and Backstrom back to their old ways next season. The team may also look to add some scoring on the bottom lines as well as depth defensively. Finally, the Caps?are rumoured to be looking for a top-six forward?who would provide?a shake up of the team?s core. Here are five players the Capitals may take?a run at on July 1st and beyond:

?Jonathan Ericsson

?6-4, 220, D, Detroit Red Wings

?Ericsson would bring more depth to a Caps defensive corps that has been growing in recent years. The Swede brings great size and outrageous strength, and would fill the role of a physical presence that fans crave. He can also chip in with a timely goal and is a very solid two-way defenseman. Despite his size, he is a strong skater and is able to beat forwards to the puck. He has become very important on the Red Wings blueline, but they have expressed an interest in letting him walk and giving their prospects a chance. Subsequently, rumours are swirling that the Caps are interested in him, so don?t be surprised to see him in on the roster on opening night

?Sami Salo

?6-3, 212, D, Vancouver Canucks

Salo coming to the Caps would depend entirely on whether or not Scott Hannan will be back. Hannan may ask for too much and Salo may have more value. With a good defensive lineup, the Canucks have said that Salo, who spend most of this season injured, is expendable. The Finn has great size and uses that height to his advantage when he blocks shots. He can produce offensively often, and despite his defense-first mentality he would take pressure of the Caps? power play specialists. He has been all the way to the Stanley Cup final this season and knows what it takes to get there. If he could stay healthy, the veteran (36) would be a terrific addition to a young Capitals blueline.?

?Scottie Upshall

?6-0, 200, RW, Columbus Blue Jackets

Upshall is a hated man in DC due to his days with the Philadelphia Flyers. If Caps fans can see beyond his past and see the player he has become, he would be a great signing for the team. He can provide good scoring on the second and third lines and could be a good complement to Alex Semin and Jason Arnott, should he re-sign. He scored 22 goals with 12 assists in a full season this season, but is really pesky around the opponent?s net and creates chances for his linemates. He won?t make any friends on the ice, but Semin would definitely be happy to have him on his team and would be a different player. Upshall brings attitude to the ice; maybe that?s what the Caps need to get to the next level.

?John Madden

?5-11, 190, C, Minnesota Wild

Madden has been linked with the Capitals a lot so far this offseason, but it doesn?t look like he?ll be playing in the red come opening night. He has already responded to the rumors by saying he is either re-signing with the Wild or retiring at 39. If the Caps could pick him up, he would probably fill a role on the 3rd or 4th line as a center who can take faceoffs and win them consistently. He is a penalty killing specialist who has a great two-way game and brings that veteran presence. He also played with Mike Knuble while at Michigan University. Madden would be that guy to take some defensive faceoffs and take pressure off the first line to do it. A crucial pickup for the Capitals is they can convince him to come.?

?Vernon Fiddler

?6-0, 202, C, Phoenix Coyotes

Fiddler, like Madden, is a faceoff specialist who is solid defensively whose his signing would lead to more offensive starts and subsequently more points for Ovechkin and his linemates.?Aside from having one of the best names in the NHL, he is a center with?decent size who can pitch in offensively and be a good presence on the penalty kill. He is a good skater and has very quick feet, and he can bring that veteran presence to the Caps even though he hasn?t had too many playoff experiences. He is a great leader and has acted as Phoenix?s alternate captain in recent years.?He is expected to be re-signed by Phoenix but if he hits free agency then the Caps may swoop.

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