The Washington Capitals have acknowledged that Alexander Semin, their second best goal scorer, might leave as an unrestricted free agent this summer. They've publicly accepted the fact. They've taken a "wait and see approach." But they've also made all the right moves to make Washington the most attractive destination in the league for any free agent goal scorers who might be looking. In the last week, the Caps have replaced the defense-first coach who drove Semin to say he's leaving with one of the best offensive minds in the business and upgraded their team to finally provide a second-line center who can get Semin the puck.
In hiring Adam Oates, the Capitals have picked up a coach who understands offense and understands how to run a power play. As a player, Oates turned Brett Hull, Joe Juneau and Peter Bondra into the best goal scorers they could be. As an assistant coach coach, Oates just helped New Jersey take advantage of Ilya Kovalchuk and Zach Parise on their power play and reach the Stanley Cup Finals. Peter Bondra has been quick to praise Oates' defensive understanding as well, but Semin should recognize old friends just being nice to each other.
On the second line, the Caps finally have second center who can dish the puck effectively. He's only coming for one year, perhaps, but Mike Ribeiro is good for forty to fifty assists per season. That means Semin will finally have as many chances at even strength as Alex Ovechkin, without having to leave Washington.
Now, whether the Caps choose to match the offers other teams will make for talented winger is up to them. They've certainly shown that if he wants to stay, he will get the opportunity to play his game and help make a good team into a great one.
