Report: Elite young goaltender forgoes arbitration rights

Washington Capitals goaltender Philipp Grubauer made a surprising decision yesterday by choosing to forgo his right to salary arbitration as part of his ongoing contract negotiations. Typically un-signed restricted free-agents exercise the right as a way of putting leverage on management in negotiations. In Gubauer’s case, maybe an agreement is close enough as to not warrant a hearing? Until a deal is signed, we can only speculate.

What is clear however is that Grubauer will be in line for a considerable raise on the $750,000 he earned annually the past two seasons. The 25 year-old played 23 games with the Capitals last season and posted a stellar 2.05 GAA and .926 Sv%. He’s shown himself to be a capable NHL goaltender and should receive even more playing time next season behind Caps starter Braden Holtby.