Now let me put this out here first, I'm somewhat of a new hockey fan, compared to most on this site. I started watching the caps near the end of the Bondra days, and have no way grasped the complexities of the Cap. With that being said, I'm aware of the impending free agencies of the likes of players such as Semin and Backstrom. Now seeing as we need a number one center, I'm sure we will lock up Backy. Now that leaves Mr. Alex Semin.

My question is, realistically, what are the chances of the team retaining Semin at the end of the year, or possibly trading him before the deadline. Do we have the money to keep him? And is he worth the money he's likely to be asking for?

Don't be too harsh on my lack of knowledge.