Regarding UFAs, the first guy I want us talking to is Soderberg...but if he ends up "out of range"...which may very well be the case...I think we should keep our eye on Eric Fehr's situation with the Capitals.
Fehr's contract is up...where he had made 1.5 mil per year over the last 2 seasons.
- 6'4" 214lbs and 29 years old.
- Right Handed shot that can play Center or RW.
- 19G & 14A & +8 playing Center last year on Caps' 3rd line.
- Goal Scoring Sniper with a hard, accurate shot. Deadly wrister. Strong on the puck, solid 2-way play. Skates OK for his size. Not overly physical, but uses his size well. Also adept at the PK.
- Missed much of the Playoffs & just had elbow surgery last week, but that doesn't concern me. All indications are that Fehr's surgery was routine.
Fehr does enjoy being a Cap and wants to remain in Washington, but has been quoted as saying the following:
“Obviously, I have a lot of friends here and I’ve been here a lot of years,†Fehr told CSN Washington. “I think this is a special group. Obviously, I’d love to be back here, but looking at the amount of guys we have unsigned right now you just don’t know what’s going to happen.â€
Also take this into consideration:
""Fehr is one of seven Capitals scheduled to go UFA, along with Mike Green, Joel Ward, Jay Beagle, John Erskine, Curtis Glencross and Tim Gleason. GM Brian MacLellan also needs to strike new deals with important RFAs Marcus Johansson, Evgeny Kuznetsov and goalie Braden Holtby.""
All in all, Fehr could be an "odd man out" in Washington. If so...if he is not re-signed by the Caps...and if there is no hope for Soderberg (or if he is too expensive)...we need to book an appointment with Fehr.