Washington Capitals reported not to be in talks with Jeff Halpern -NHL Update
Washington Capitals have reported on letting another one of their forwards go as the team mad an announcement not to be in negotiation talks with centre player, Jeff Halpern, in order to extend his contract for the upcoming National Hockey League (NHL) regular
season.
Due to a recent decline in his performance, the 36-year-old veteran has not managed to score a long term contract around the league as he was at one point earning $2 million a season with a four-year, $8 million contract.
Halpern was on a one-year, $825,000 contract which will be making him an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2012.
Washington Capitals’ general manager, George McPhee, made the phone call to Halpern about the team’s decision not to re-sign the player.
“I just think how the last 20 games went, it was there,” Halpern said in a phone interview Friday with the Washington Post. “You do your part and see where you fit in and I think I was able to do what I was brought in to do when I was given an opportunity
to play. I was happy with how I played this year and when I talked to George, he agreed, but going into next year that spot has kind of been filled.”
While some circles around the league have termed it to be Halpern’s final season, the player has confirmed his availability for the upcoming hockey year.
“I have every intention of playing next year,” Halpern said. “I think at this stage I fill a certain role on a team and when teams are planning for a year.”
Jeff Halpern kicked off his career with Washington Capitals by being an undrafted player and moved on to Dallas Stars, Tampa Bay Lightning, Los Angeles Kings and Montreal Canadiens before finally returning to the Capitals prior to last year.
He has played a total of 861 games in his career and has 358 points (146 goals, 212 assists) in total with multiple seasons in postseason games as well.
It is not sure which team is looking towards talking with Halpern or whether he has chosen one or not. Further developments should be expected in the upcoming weeks.
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