All signs are pointing to Braden Holtby’s time in Washington coming to an end. Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan told reporters Tuesday, “I would assume” Holtby goes to free agency.
While MacLellan added the Capitals will keep in contact with Holtby, it’s presumed the market for the star goalie may set above the club’s reach.
The 30-year old is coming off a five-year, $30.5 million deal he signed in 2015.
Holtby has been a cornerstone at goalie for the Capitals since the 2012-13 season. He won the 2016 Vezina Trophy for being the NHL’s top goaltender, and helped the Capitals claim their first-ever Stanley Cup championship in 2018. His save in Game 2 against Vegas will forever be cemented in Capitals history.
However, Holtby struggled this season in a contract year. He had a career-worst .897 save percentage while having a career-high 3.11 goals-against-average in 47 starts. His struggles continued in the playoffs as he won just two of eight starts in the Toronto bubble.
Meanwhile, rookie Ilya Samsonov outplayed Holtby in net for the Capitals. Samsonov had a 2.55 goals-against-average with a .913 save percentage.
Samsonov’s promise and Holtby’s declining play this season could spell a change at starting goalie for the Capitals next season.
