Via The Washington Post's Katie Carrera, Washington Capitals forward Jason Arnott will enter free agency, which begins around the NHL Friday at noon:
Arnott's agent, who is also his brother Wade, said in an e-mail that "although we maintain an open line of communication with the Caps, Jason will test free agency at this point."
The Caps acquired Arnott February 28 from the New Jersey Devils in exchange for David Steckel and a 2012 second-round draft pick. In 11 regular season games for Washington, Arnott scored four goals and added three assists, but only had six points in nine playoff games. Arnott missed time in late March with what was ultimately known as a knee injury that required minor surgery.
If Arnott leaves, the Caps will once again be in need of a second line center. Last season, Tomas Fleischmann, Mathieu Perreault and Marcus Johansson all saw time at that position until Arnott arrived.
With Brooks Laich re-signed, Semyon Varlamov's status uncertain and Arnott testing free agency, seven Caps (Troy Brouwer, Marco Sturm, Matt Bradley, Boyd Gordon, Karl Alzner, Scott Hannan and Sean Collins) now remain to be re-signed or let go.