The Capitals began the current free agency frenzy by signing their top priority on Sunday. John Carlson and the Capitals agreed to an eight year, $64 Million dollar deal Sunday evening. The next priority on the list is Michal Kempny, who is an unrestricted free agent, then Tom Wilson, who is a restricted free agent. 

Kempny, who was a trade deadline acquisition for the Capitals, was key in solidifying the Capitals defense down the home stretch, ultimately helping the team hoist the cup in early June. That success has led to high-demand for the defenseman.

Michal Kempny’s strong playoffs with the Cup champions translating into lots of interest, 7-8 teams have already called for the UFA blue-liner. The Capitals also remain in the mix and are the only team, of course, who can sign him now before the market opens Sunday

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 25, 2018

Today's Michal Kempny update: MacLellan and his agent had good discussions today. Caps have a multiyear offer in and continue to negotiate. But understandably, there are other suitors. He's an affordable, mobile defenseman.

— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) June 25, 2018

Kempny made $900,000 last season, but is assureadly going to see a significant bump during this free agency period.

Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan has publicly stated that Kempny is a high priorty for the Capitals. Kempny has also stated he would like to stay in DC. It will be interesting to see how much his run with the Capitals will ultimately earn him.

In other free agency news, the Capitals have decided not to tender an offer to Devante Smith-Pelly, thus letting him become an unrestricted free agent on July 1st.

News: Capitals aren’t expected to qualify right wing Devante Smith-Pelly by the 5 p.m. deadline, meaning he’ll be a UFA on July 1. Team will continue negotiating with him, but it’s a somewhat surprising move after his seven playoff goals https://t.co/f1WC2nZzIj

— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) June 25, 2018

It was likely that Smith-Pelly and the Capitals we’re heading to arbitration hearing where it’s believed Smith-Pelly would have done well. DSP had just seven goals during the regular season, but exploded for seven goals in the postseason.

The move by the Capitals may have been to avoid having to agree to terms defined by an arbitrator.

By Jon Sorensen