HOLTBY HEADING TO FREE AGENCY

EDMONTON, AB -- Braden Holtby’s tenure with the Washington Capitals appears to be coming to an end, as the veteran goaltender will be exploring his options once the free agent market opens Oct. 9 at noon ET.

Barring a last-minute change by both the organization and player, sources have told TFP that Holtby is not expected to re-sign with the Capitals this off-season. While he is undoubtedly disappointed he cannot continue his NHL career with the Caps, he and his family are now focused on battling for another championship with a new team next season.

Holtby, who turned 31 two weeks ago, is coming off a five-year, $30.5 million contract. It was originally believed the two sides might be willing to work out a one-year agreement, but that is not the case.

Several teams are believed to be eyeing Holtby as an option to become their No.1 goaltender, including the Calgary Flames, Vancouver Canucks and Colorado Avalanche – the Ottawa Senators, Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings, Toronto Maple Leafs and Edmonton Oilers are among the teams also looking for a change between the pipes.

The Avs, Flames and Canucks are an interesting trio, as they appear to be focused on both Holtby and Jacob Markstrom as options heading into free agency.

The Canucks and Markstrom have not yet been able to come to terms on an extension, and sources suggest a new offer was pitched last week by the team. Markstrom is looking for expansion protection as part of a new contract with limited no-trade protection, as well, and wants around $6 million per season on a new deal.

It is unclear what type of contract Holtby is looking for, but a deal in the three-to-five-year range worth north of $6 million per season is likely in the cards – it’s just a matter of where.

Holtby helped guide the Capitals to the 2018 Stanley Cup, the first championship in franchise history. He was a glue-guy in Washington’s locker room and his intangibles off the ice are as important as his great play between the pipes. He also plays a mean guitar.

He won the 2016 Vezina Trophy as the NHL’s top goaltender, was runner-up for the award in 2017, and captured the 2017 Willing Jennings Trophy for boasting the best save percentage that season.

Drafted by the Capitals in the fourth-round, 93rd overall, of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, Holtby played 468 career NHL regular-season games with the Capitals, he has compiled a 282-122-46 record with a 2.53 GAA, a .916 save percentage and 35 shutouts. He shares the NHL record with Martin Brodeur for most wins in a season with 48 (2015-16).

LAINE TRADE TALKS PICKING UP

The Winnipeg Jets are fully engaged in trade conversations involving right wing Patrik Laine, who has one-year left on his contract.

Multiple sources have indicated that Laine would welcome a change of scenery, though a formal trade request has not been made.

The Jets are looking for address multiple areas of their roster this off-season, including the blueline and the centre position, and moving Laine could certainly fill one of those needs.

Several teams have spoken with Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff, and talks are expected to pick up more steam over the next week. The Carolina Hurricanes, Montreal Canadiens, Los Angeles Kings, Columbus Blue Jackets, Philadelphia Flyers and Anaheim Ducks are among the teams with varying degrees of interest in Laine.

COULD THE OILERS MOVE THE NUGE?

Here in Edmonton (I head back to Toronto on Thursday), the Oilers have multiple balls in the air. As they continue to kick the tires on Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Darcy Kuemper in Arizona, explore the goalie markets (trade and UFA) and weight their options up front, there is talk GM Ken Holland would consider moving Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.

The Oilers need two top-six forwards, a legit third-line centre, a top-pair defenceman, a stay-at-home rearguard and a goaltender. But that’s it. Oh, their first-round pick is in play, they’d like to re-sign Tyler Ennis and they are contemplating what to do with RFA-to-be Andreas Athanasiou.

So, why not add exploring the trade market for Nugent-Hopkins on Holland’s plate, while we’re at it?

Well, Nugent-Hopkins has one-year left on his contract and there is some belief signing him to an extension in Edmonton might be difficult. Whether he wants a change or is simply willing to explore his options next off-season is unclear, but there’s chatter over his future in Edmonton.

Moving Nugent-Hopkins could certainly help address some of Edmonton’s needs, but also leaves a void on Connor McDavid’s left side. It is something to keep an eye on.