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Oct 23, 2009
Washington Unhappy with Center Nylander's Performance After Being Benched
The NHL's Washington Capitals have assigned veteran center Michael Nylander to Grand Rapids of the AHL to give him an opportunity to improve his conditioning so that he may return to the ice in the NHL some time in the near future. The 37 year old veteran center has been riding the bench all season after falling out of favor with the coaching staff and the Capitals' front office. Although Nylander will still count against the team's 23 man roster, he has been sent down to Grand Rapids in hopes that he will be able to get back to the playing level that is expected of him. Nylander has become somewhat of a liability to the Capitals at this point because of his $5.5 million salary and the no- movement clause in his contract.
Washington has been playing fairly well so far this season, and according to the sportsbooks' betting odds they have a legitimate chance of competing for first place in their division, as well as being a good bet to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs this season. Whether or not Nylander ends up back on the ice for the Capitals remains to be seen, but they haven't suffered so far in his absence, and chances are that they probably won't be significantly affected regardless of how long it takes for him to return to action. At this point in his career, there are several younger players that have shown that they have the ability to play as good if not better than him and at a fraction of the cost. Perhaps the only reason he is still around is that the franchise doesn't want to pay him $5.5 million this year and get nothing in return. It is a dilemma for both the Capitals and Nylander, and one that may not be resolved for quite some time.
By Bryan Jackson
Staff Writer
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