Semin wants to go Bye Bye

Alexander Semin wants to be the number one guy. It's about minutes for him. That's what he said. So what does it mean?

Few thoughts on this. I for one won't cry for Alexander Semin. First and foremost, his inconsistency is to blame for his limited minutes. No one will question Semin's ability. That's not the problem. He is as skilled as anyone on the Caps roster, that includes Alexander Ovechkin. His problem is, Semin shows at times the great scorer he can be. However, he also follows that up with infamous disappearing acts on ice. The caps don't need that. His inconsistency, a trait some call lazy, and his penchant for taking stupid penalties at the most inopportune times, doesn't justify the kind of dollars he will be seeking. Not here in Washington.

Furthermore, the fact he came out and said it makes you wonder About Semin's business ability. Why say it,even if you think it. Sure, you begin looking at interest elsewhere. However, you also take a bargaining chip,off the table, the chip,of returning to the Caps. Just an odd move in my mind.

I can't see the Caps ever coming near the money that Semin himself believes he is worth. He has been costly at times for this franchise and big dollars to be a number one guy should, go to someone who consistently plays like a number one guy. So I say, good riddance Alex. Enjoy elsewhere.

Besides Semin,the Caps have the following unrestricted free agents.

G Tomas Vokoun F Jeff Halpern F Keith Aucoin F Mike Knuble D Dennis Wideman

Of all those, Mike Knuble is the one I would like to see return. No one gives the effort Knuble gives every single play, every single game. The question is, does Knuble want to return? Tomas Vokoun has said he won't return. Why would he? The Caps are set with Braden Holtby and Michal Neuvirth. I don't want Vokoun back at all, but it is not surprising he wishes to move on as well.

Restricted free agents are:

D Mike Green F Mathieu Perreault F Jay Beagle D John Carlson

I expect all four to return. Interesting thing will be the money for Green, especially given his fragileness and the fact he can be a defensive liability.

The offseason has begun in earnest folks.

Other news ... GM George McPhee said he does not expect first round pick EvgenymKuznetsov to join the Caps this coming season. Now that is a disaster.