The Washington Capitals and Restricted Free Agent goaltender Braden Holtby agreed to a five-year deal worth $30.5 million dollars. The 25 year old will average $6.1 million a season.
On July 4, a source told Sports Journey that the Capitals and Holtby were close to getting a new deal done. Washington was offering the fan-favorite between four and five million dollars a year while Holtby and his agent, David Kaye, were asking for close to six.
Just a day later, news broke that Holtby and the Caps would prepare to head to arbitration.
The arbitration filings revealed that going into the deal mediation, Holtby was now asking for eight million dollars. However, the team and the player worked out a deal this afternoon before the ruling was scheduled to come tomorrow early afternoon.
“Braden emerged as a top NHL goaltender and we are pleased to sign him to a long-term contract,” General Manager Brian MacLellan stated in a press release. “We feel Braden is just entering his prime and in his young career has already established himself as one of the best goaltenders in the history of our franchise.”
The Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, native recorded a franchise record 1,887 saves and tied a franchise record in wins (41), shutouts (9), and games played (73) in 2014-2015.
Last season Holtby became just the third goaltender in franchise history to reach 100 wins. He joined Olaf Kolzig and Don Beaupres in that category.