Capitals #1 center
Nicklas Backstrom is due a big pay raise come July 1 when he becomes a restricted free agent. Talks on a new contract are in progress and the two sides appear relatively close to a deal. Trying to figure out his worth based on recently awarded contracts for comparable players is an interesting exercise, but one must also consider the salary structure on the Capitals. Next season,
Alex Ovechkin is due $9 million,
Alexander Semin is due $6 million, and
Mike Green is due $5 million.
The next question is term: Ovechkin is signed for another 11 seasons, Semin is UFA after next season, and Green is on for another 2 seasons. Where does Backstrom fit in this scheme? One could argue he's somewhere between Semin and Ovechkin based on his role and production.
