Maxime Daigneault Among 8 RFA Non-Tendered

Of the players let go today goaltender Maxime Daigneault is the only one I question. The Capitals' second round pick from 2002, Daigneault won 23 games for the Hershey Bears last year in his first full season in the AHL. He is also only 23 years old and plays a position that usually takes the longest to develop.

Jiri Novotny was also a notable player not tendered a qualifying offer. He was acquired in the Danius Zubrus trade with Buffalo at the trading deadline this past season. In 18 games with the Capitals, the 23 year old Novotny registered six assists.



His departure should give center Dave Steckel an even bigger chance of securing a spot with the big club this fall. Steckel, 25, tallied 30 goals and 61 points for while leading the Hershey Bears back to the Calder Cup Finals for the second straight season. A 6'5" 220 pound center, Steckel is known for his excellent defensive ability to go along with his outstanding faceoff skills.

Players tendered contracts:
Steve Eminger, John Erskine, Tomas Fleischmann, Jamie Hunt, Milan Jurcina, Jakub Klepis, Brooks Laich, Dave Steckel and Brian Sutherby.

Players non-tendered:
Kris Beech, Trevor Byrne, Maxime Daigneault, Jonas Johansson, Jiri Novotny, Louis Robitaille, Matt Stefanishion and Joey Tenute.