Joined: Apr. 2018
Posts: 5,351
Likes: 1,535
Ovechkin is definitely going to have to take a cut, especially with a non-expanding cap. One problem is that the majority of the team is $3M or less. Shifting then doesn't open much because you still need a decent enough guy to fill those spots. Meaning, you move Panik's $2.75M you still need a decent player in that slot, so you maybe save $1M cap? That's nothing major.
Oshie picked the right your to score 33 goals. His contract is probably the worst on the team. if the Caps can figure out a way to get Seattle to take him that is their best option.
Backstrom is my favorite Cap but that contract kills. A $2.5M raise. He will be 33 when that new contract season starts, and it runs 5 years. They kept his cap % the same, that is where that amount came from, 11.29% of the cap at time of signing.
Ovechkin will actually be 36 when the season starts under his new contract (Sept birthday). He needs to decide if he want's high $ or term, because a high $ with tern should not be on the table.