Washington Capitals: Semyon Varlamov Saga Ends with Trade to Colorado Avalanche

According to the Washington Post, and ending speculation surrounding goaltender Semyon Varlamov, the Washington Capitals announced today that they have traded the 23-year-old Russian to the Colorado Avalanche.

In return for Varlamov, Washington acquired Colorado’s first-round pick in the 2012 NHL entry draft along with a second-round selection in either 2012 or 2013.

Varlamov spent three seasons in D.C. and was 30-13-12 with four shutouts in 59 regular-season games.

Varly posted a very impressive 2.39 goals against with a .917 save percentage over the 59 games and after battling injuries during the 2010-11 campaign, lost the starting job to 22-year-old Michael Neuvirth.

He was not expected to be the No. 1 goalie headed into the season or possibly the No. 2. With Braden Holtby knocking on the door, Varlamov knew his playing days might have been finished in D.C.

In 19 playoff games with the Capitals, Varlamov was 10-9 with 2.49 goals against and a .915 save percentage. He posted two career postseason shutouts.

Many believed it was a matter of time before Varlamov's time was up this offseason. Varlamov seemed to be headed back to his native Russia to play in the Kontinental Hockey League.

As expected, the Capitals did extend a contract offer to Varlamov this past week. He was a restricted free agent and the Caps' offer was more to protect them against offers from other teams.

The Capitals have pulled off a nice deal with the Avs in making this trade. Varly was still an unrestricted free agent and if he had departed for the KHL, the Caps would have received nothing in return for him.

The Avalanche still need to sign him but speaking on an assumption, Colorado would not have agreed to such a trade if they were not assured they could sign Varlamov. This assurance would have had to come from Varlamov or his agent.

Besides getting out of a sticky situation with Varlamov, what makes this deal great for Washington is the Avs are still in the rebuilding stage with their franchise. Colorado drafted the highly touted Swede, Gabriel Landeskog, with the No. 2 overall selection.

While the Avs are expected to improve this upcoming season, it is not out of the question that the Caps could end up with a top-five selection in next year's draft. This while still having young stars Michael Neuvirth and Braden Holtby to choose as a starter in net next season.

Not bad for the first three hours of free agency for Washington, not bad at all.