Courtesy: Capitals.NHL.com
With the threesome of Braden Holtby, Michal Neuvirth and Philipp Grubauer, the Washington Capitals never found stability between the pipes throughout the underachieving 2013-14 season.
Free agency is set to kick off Tuesday and this is the time period of the offseason where DC’s hockey franchise will decide whether or not they want to contend this season, prepare as if they want to contend or build for the future. Early signs indicate they still label themselves as playoff contenders as they are looking at free agent goaltender Justin Peters, formerly of the Carolina Hurricanes.
According to NBC4’s Adam Vingan, Peters’ camp has been gauging interest from Washington and two other teams, but the 27-year-old could provide some much needed stability at the No. 2 goalie spot… or even potentially challenge Holtby down the road if he struggles.
The numbers don’t look all that sexy when reviewing Peters’ last campaign or his career in general – his only winning record was during his rookie year in 2009-2010 (6-3-0, 2.83 GAA, .905 SV%). In 2013-14, Peters went 7-9-4 with a 2.50 GAA and a .919 SV%. But when looking at his statistics against the Capitals, snagging the free agent netminder could be beneficial not only to have his on the roster for his skills, but to prevent opponents from having an advantage against Washington.
In seven career games against the Capitals, Peters has gone 4-3-0, with a 1.67 GAA, .938 SV% and has blanked Washington twice. Put this in perspective: two of his three career shutouts has come against the Capitals.
Washington will have roughly $13 million of salary cap space to play around with come the start of free agency and since Peters is looking for an opportunity right now as a backup, he likely won’t command a high salary.
Bringing in a guy like Peters could light a fire under Holtby, but Grubauer as well. Holtby struggled with confidence last season as it seemed as if his starts came in spots at times and then for long streaks. A lack of consistency likely messed with his and Grubauer’s mentality and instability on the defensive pairs didn’t help either.
Peters could be the first free agent arriving in D.C. and will address a need if the price is right.
