Well, here we go again.
Now the Caps, with their good recent play, are on the edge of the playoffs again. We're going into January, so if the team hangs on for another couple of months it is likely that they will try to add talent at the trade deadline, especially if Backstrom won't be able to play until the playoffs (if ever again), since his huge LTIR cap exemption would still be in play. This franchise is now in limbo -- good enough to make the playoffs or threaten for it, but not good enough to be a serious Cup contender -- that will keep them chasing after what really isn't a realistic goal and putting off the inevitable rebuild.
It's the irony of the current salary cap structure: The larger Backstrom's contract is and the worse it looks as an investment in a playing asset, the BETTER it is for the team if he ISN'T able to play.
