Capitals Braden Holtby Demands $8 Million per Season

Goaltender Braden Holtby, a restricted free agent who is scheduled to go to arbitration Thursday, has submitted a demand for $8 million for one year. The Washington Capitals counter offered a one year, $5.1 million contract. Sources told the Washington Post that the Capitals previously offered Holtby a multi-year contract worth about $5.5 million per season but Holtby wants more than $6 million.

Holtby was 41-20-10 with a 2.22 goals-against average, a .923 save percentage and nine shutouts in 73 games last season, his first as the Capitals starter. The 25 year old led all goalies during the Stanley Cup Playoffs with a 1.71 Goals Against Average and .944 Save Percentage. The Capitals were defeated by the New York Rangers in seven games in the Eastern Conference Second Round.

Four goalies currently make $7 million or more: Henrik Lundqvist of the New York Rangers ($8.5 million), Sergei Bobrovsky of the Columbus Blue Jackets ($7.245 million), Pekka Rinne of the Nashville Predators and Tuukka Rask of the Boston Bruins ($7 million).

Is Braden Holtby worth $8 million per season?