Trade Theodore This Summer

With all of this attention on Simeon Varlamov, it's time to pose an idea for next year: trade Jose Theodore and re-sign Brent Johnson to be the back-up.

Johnson discussed the current roster situation situation yesterday, saying: "It really is getting complicated. In the off-season, we'll see what happens here. I would love to stay here. But it's getting to be a different game right now when you look at next year. I just need to show them that I'm ready and that I'm trying as much as I can to get back."

The logic behind the move is pretty straightforward. Varlamov clearly has earned the right to be a starter in the NHL and, if he can stay healthy, Johnson would help the Russian newcomer ease into a 60-or-so-game workload. Plus, Johnson won't ask for much money (he's making just less than $1 million this year) and, if he gets hurt, Michal Neuvirth is a phone call away in Hershey.

Such a move would not be unprecedented. Patrick Roy, for example, only played one game in the AHL on his way from junior hockey to the Montreal Canadiens. In his first full season in the NHL, at the ripe age of 21, Roy went 23-18-3 with a 3.35 GAA. The rest is history.

More recently, Marc-Andre Fleury spent one full season in the AHL before playing 50 games as the Pittsburgh Penguins' starting goalie at the age of 21. Carey Price only played 12 AHL regular-season games before leading the Hamilton Bulldogs to the Calder Cup (over the Hershey Bears) and then splitting time with Cristobal Huet on the Canadiens' roster before Huet was traded to the Caps last season.

Similarly, Kari Lehtonen, after a decent career in his native Finland, played 96 games in the AHL before joining the Atlanta Thrashers for good just before his 22nd birthday.

Trading Theo would free $4.5 million from the payroll on top of any money freed from other players (such as Michael Nylander's $5.5 million) who won't be back. And there are sure to be takers for Theodore, who only has one year left on his contract.

Besides pursuing free agents (Jay Bouwmeester, anyone?), the Caps could use the extra money for a contract extension for Nicklas Backstrom, padding in case the salary cap decreases and for some roster rearrangement.

Clearly, the Caps face many decisions for next season -- and there will be plenty of time to address that. But there's no doubt that their starting goaltender for next year and beyond has been found.