Semin and Moulson Receive New Contracts

Yesterday, the Washington Capitals made a move to retain one of their star scorers Alexander Semin.  Both parties agreed to a 1 year extension on Semin's contract that will retain him through next season.  The contract was for $6.7 million dollars.

To me, this move makes a lot of sense for both sides, but the situation plays out especially well for Semin.  This is his second consecutive 1 year extension as he was set to become an unrestricted free agent last season as well.  George McPhee seems set on pleasing Semin as he claims that, "We can do one-year deals for the next 10 years if he wishes. It gives us a lot of flexibility and it gives the player a lot of flexibility."  McPhee is right.  If both parties are happy with each other 1 year deals will work fine.  If the Capitals see something they don't like they aren't tied down to a long term deal, and if Semin isn't happy with the direction the team is headed he can walk as well.  


In addition, it would seem that with this type of contract, Semin will make more money than if he signed a long-term deal.  With all the talent that Washington has it would be extremely difficult to sign Semin to a multi-year deal where he would make upwards of $7 million.


Washington is also hopeful that Semin can stay healthy as that has been a huge concern throughout his entire career.  Semin has never played a full 82 game season with the most games ever played at 77 in 2006. He has 18 goals and 35 points in 39 games this season.

Over on Long Island, the New York Islanders resigned forward Matt Moulson to a 3 year extension worth $9.4 million dollars.  

Moulson led the Islanders in goals last year with 30 and is on pace for a 28 goal season.  There was much speculation that he would have been dealt at this years trade deadline, but that rumor has now been put to rest with the extension of his contract.


Moulson appears to be very excited to remain an Islander and rightfully so.  Despite their record, the Islanders are threatening to break out and contend for playoffs within the next few years.  They have plenty of young talent in John Tavares, Kyle Okposo, and Michael Grabner, as well as a solid core of veterans in Mark Streit, Mark Eaton, Doug Weight, and goalie Rick DiPietro. Not to mention they have Nino Niederreiter waiting in the wing. 


Thus concludes a post I never thought I would write.  One talking up the New York Islanders.