With the signing of winger Troy Brouwer to a two-year contract worth $2.35 million per season, the Washington Capitals officially went over the salary cap. They have until opening night to get back under it, and a trade will likely be necessary to make it happen. Therefore, it's only natural that Alexander Semin trade rumors have begun.
Semin's name popped up in one on Wednesday. Ed Tait of the Winnipeg Free Press is reporting that the Capitals are "shopping" Semin, with several teams interested.
The Washington Capitals are said to be shopping Alex Semin with Montreal, Nashville, Toronto, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and San Jose, all said to be interested in the right-winger, who has 166 goals in the last five years. Jets defenceman Zach Bogosian has also had his name linked to Semin in various trade rumours.
Semin will make $6.7 million next year on a one-year contract, so if the Capitals need to clear salary, the talented, but inconsistent winger is an obvious candidate. That said, the Capitals probably don't have to trade Semin to get back under the cap. If the team puts Tom Poti and his $2.875 million salary on long-term injured reserve and signs defensemen Karl Alzner to a reasonable contract, they could probably get back under by dealing Eric Fehr or Jason Chimera instead.
For more on Semin and the Capitals, visit Japers Rink.