Report: Capitals goalie Braden Holtby is looking for big money.

The Washington Capitals have taken their sweet time getting a deal done with restricted free agent goaltender Braden Holtby and we now know why. The two sides are reportedly $1 million dollars apart in negotiations, with Holtby seeking over $6 million dollars annually while Washington is only offering something closer to $5 million. The question now becomes is Holtby worth over $6 million a season, and as far as we're concerned that answer is unequivocally a yes. Holtby played more games than any other goaltender in the NHL last season(73), and over that iron-man stretch he posted a very respectable 2.22 GAA and 9.23 SV% both of which were career bests for the 25 year old netminder. However impressive his regular season stats are, it's in the post-season that Holtby's really demonstrates just how valuable he is and can be in the future for the Washington Capitals. Holtby has the rare ability to take his game to an extra-ordinary level in the playoffs, and he did so once again this season. Despite Washington losing in 7 games to the New York Rangers, Holtby was outstanding, recording a rock solid 1.71 GAA and .944 SV% over the course of 13 playoff games. If Washington doesn't come to terms on a deal soon an arbitrator is likely to side with Holtby on a short two year deal, and if he continues to perform the Capitals could be forced to pay him much more down the road or risk losing him to free agency.