Arbitration Update

Milan Jurcina, 26, is the only Cap that will be filing for arbitration, per Tarik; Shaone Morrisonn (who went through the process last year), Eric Fehr and Boyd Gordon didn't file. Fehr, 23, signed his qualifying offer last year and most likely will do the same this time around. Similarly, I'd be shocked if the 25-year-old Gordon went anywhere.

The 26-year-old Morrisonn, though, is an interesting case-study. He went through arbitration last year after boasting a successful 2007-08 season but regressed considerably (three goals, 10 assists) during the team's most recent campaign. While he was once considered a fixture playing with Mike Green, that spot was up-for-grabs last season.

If Karl Alzner, 20, spends next season with the Caps, as expected, Mo's status might continue to fall. Of course, he could decide to become a free agent by declining his qualifying offer. More likely, though, he'll stay on the Caps and try to work his way back to respectability in a lesser role.

John Carlson might make his NHL debut next season but the 32-year-old Brian Pothier is an unrestricted free agent after next season and Tom Poti, also 32, the subsequent campaign. So there's playing time there for Mo to grab. Whether he takes advantage of the opportunity is entirely up to him.