3 Washington Capitals Not Expected Back Next Season

The Washington Capitals couldn't win a game against the New York Rangers and were swept by the president's trophy winners. Needless to say there's going to be some major changes coming in D.C.

The Caps clawed their way back into the Stanley Cup Playoffs picture but unfortunately ran out of gas in the first round. After making several moves in season, including letting Evgeny Kuznetsov go after a long tenure in Washington, look for several other Caps to have played their last game. Here's three players who aren't expected back next season:

Darcy Kuemper

After signing a five-year $26.2 million contract in 2022, Kuemper hasn't reached expectations in Washington and will surely hit the trade market this summer. His no trade clause changes this summer as the full protection disappears and now Kuemper holds a modified no-trade clause which protects him from 15 teams. This actually goes down to 10 teams in June, which is a weird aspect of his latest contract. Kuemper's .890 Sv.% in 33 games may be protecting him even more. Look for the Capitals to call the LA Kings and see if they can work something out this summer.

TJ Oshie

It does sound, unfortunately, that Oshie's injuries are catching up to him and this could be all she wrote on his amazing NHL career. Oshie does have one season left on his deal, however we'll have to wait and see how the summer and next season's prep pans out for the veteran winger. Oshie appeared in 52 games this season, posting 25 points and another four Stanley Cup Playoff games brought only one assist. 1010 career NHL games have taken a toll on Oshie's back and this could be it. 

Nick Jensen

Jensen was talked about a lot at this season's trade deadline and look for interested teams to circle back at the NHL draft and into the summer months. Jensen, 33, has two seasons left on his current contract, at $4.05 AAV. He's a righty, which continue to be hard to come by and Jensen can log big minutes. This season he appeared in 78 games and recorded 14 points and ended up only playing in the one playoff game this spring. Jensen does not hold any trade protection and can be moved at will.

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