Evaluating the Roster

Tomorrow is the one-week anniversary of the Caps' loss to the Montreal Canadiens. Although this certainly isn't a reason to celebrate, it is noteworthy because the Caps most likely will be taking a different approach to the off-season, given the results of the last three springs -- and the extra time with which they have to work.

Must Keep: Alex Ovechkin (signed until 2020-21), Nicklas Backstrom (RFA now), Brooks Laich (UFA after next season), Eric Fehr (RFA now), Mike Green (RFA after 2011-12), John Carlson (RFA after 2011-12), Karl Alzner (RFA after next season), and Simeon Varlamov (RFA after 2011-12).

Backstrom most likely will get a long-term deal in the $6 million range per season, and he deserves it. In his three years in the league, he's quickly become an elite center -- and, with 33 goals this season, discovered a dangerous scoring touch. Although Green and Laich struggled in the postseason, they are solid players who should be here a while. Fehr started to break out this season and might be set for stardom. Carlson is a stud and Alzner isn't far behind -- especially if the two are paired together. And Varly clearly is the goalie of the future.

Positives Outweigh Negatives: Mike Knuble (UFA after next season), Tom Poti (UFA after next season), Jason Chimera (UFA after 2011-12), Boyd Gordon (RFA now), David Steckel (UFA after 2012-13), Eric Belanger (UFA now), Mathieu Perreault (RFA after next season), Matt Bradley (UFA after next season), and Jeff Schultz (RFA now).

Knuble, once he was paired with Ovechkin and Backstrom, showed why the Caps wanted him so badly last summer. He might even have a couple more years left after next season, but for now, he's entrenched on the team. Poti, before his gruesome injury, might have been the Caps' best defenseman against Montreal. Chimera, Gordon and Belanger also did well during the playoffs. GM George McPhee might be able to keep Belanger for a year or two, which would provide a great third-line center and more face-off prowess to go with Steckel. Perraeault should be a second- or third-line energy guy, while Bradley should remain doing what he does. Schultz is only going to get better.

See Ya: Alex Semin (UFA after next season), Tomas Fleischmann (RFA now), Brendan Morrison (UFA now), Scott Walker (UFA now), Quintin Laing (UFA now),  Shaone Morrisonn (UFA now), John Erskine (UFA after next season), Milan Jurcina (UFA now), Tyler Sloan (UFA 2011-12), Michael Nylander (yes, he's still on the payroll; UFA after next season), Joe Corvo (UFA now), and Jose Theodore (UFA now).

It's unlikely that McPhee will get rid of both Semin and Fleischmann, but it's worth a try. Semin has disappeared in the playoffs pretty much for most of his tenure with the Caps and Flash was a big disappointment against Montreal. (More on these two another time.) Morrison started the year well, but faded after the Olympic break, while Walker really didn't play much after he was acquired from Carolina. Laing has been a great story, but there's really no room for him anymore. Morrisonn was lucky to last this long, but Green's supposed defensive-partner-for-life is going to be looking for work. Many are still scratching their head why McPhee gave extensions to Erskine and Sloan, but hopefully he'll be able to send them elsewhere this summer. And, Theo, it's been fun. Hopefully you'll win the Masterton before you go.

The Big Question Marks: Michal Neuvirth (RFA now) and Braden Holtby (RFA after 2011-12).

Who McPhee will pair with Varly next season is certainly one of the team's biggest off-season questions. McPhee could go with youth and have Neuvirth on the Caps from the start (similar to what the Habs are doing with Carey Price and Jaroslav Halak). Or, GMGM could bring in a veteran to provide Varly with some rest and guidance. Either way, Neuvirth and Holtby will be in the organization next season -- it's just a matter of where.

As you can tell, McPhee and the Caps have some work to do this summer. They need some more grit and playoff prowess -- and not just in the form of a second-line center and defensive defenseman (although both are desperately needed). Trading Semin would go a long way towards showing McPhee is serious about transforming the team. And it would end the speculation about Semin's future before next season begins.