Washington re-signs Eric Fehr
Jeff Angus
2010-07-08
These articles are usually reserved for players headed to new teams/situations, but Fehr has long been a favourite of mine so I feel obligated to share my thoughts on his new contract (two years, $2.2 million per).
The Capitals retain:
Fehr is an offensive winger who was able to score 20 goals last season with limited minutes. He is big, boasts a hell of a shot, and is very good at finding open ice in the offensive zone. The two-year deal is great for both sides. For the Capitals, it allows them to retain Fehr as a restricted free agent, and for Fehr it provides some security, but also motivation to continue to improve.
Fantasy Players impacted:
Fehr's minutes will be increased in 2010-11. He averaged only 12:07 per game (and only 1:26 of that on the power play). He will play on the second or third line at even strength, depending on which side Alex Semin lines up on. The key with Fehr's production will be power play minutes. He has good hands and great size – if he can use it on a more consistent basis (net presence), he could see some time on the top unit with the big dogs.
Fehr's development coming out of junior was a bit slow due to nagging back issues. He seems to be fully healthy and past those problems now.
Fantasy Players this helps, in order:
1. Fehr
2. Mathieu Perreault
3. Tomas Fleischmann
Fantasy Players this hurts, in order:
This signing doesn't impact anyone in the Washington organization negatively. If Fehr had been traded, Washington would have signed a veteran to replace him. They are already leaning heavily on rookies in goal (Varlamov and Neuvirth), on defense (Alzner and Carlson), and potentially up front (Johansson, Perreault) as well. Francois Bouchard is the best right wing prospect but he isn't ready for the NHL yet.