Sergei Fedorov

'07-08 Stats                      Age (on October 1): 38                  Contract: UFA

'07-08 Season Report

Without Fedorov, the Capitals would have likely written the season off long ago. His veteran leadership fit in perfectly with the cast of Russian-born players on the team.

Acquired to fill the void left by Michael Nylander's season ending injury, Fedorov anchored both the first and second lines, the top power play unit, the second penalty killing group, and even played defense for half a game during the playoffs. You could say he did it all.

After missing the playoffs for each of the past five seasons, Fedorov was certainly elated with being able to participate in the Caps' postseason run. He was second among Caps forwards in ice time during the playoffs, averaging 21:38 per game and also led the team in faceoffs at 54.6 percent.

Intangibles

Leadership exudes out of Fedorov. Prior to this season, Fedorov played more playoff games and scored more points than the rest of the Capitals skaters combined. Being the elder statesman among the Russians that have formed the core of the Capitals roster, he fit in perfectly during the stretch run.

A veteran of many TV commercials in the past, Fedorov should soon be getting a call from MasterCard. The commerical ought to go this way.

• Viktor Kozlov:  $2.5 million
• Alexander Semin:  $9.2 million
• Alex Ovechkin:  $124 million
• Sergei Fedorov's experience:  PRICELESS

Future Fit

As an unrestricted free agent, Fedorov has a multitude of options to consider. One, of course is to return to Washington with a short-term deal -- likely for one year, no more than two. But Michael Nylander will be back for next year and he has three years remaining on his deal. With Nicklas Backstrom also in the fold, Fedorov would likely be a third line center because of his defensive ability. But the Capitals also have Boyd Gordon, David Steckel, and Brooks Laich who can play that position so it will be tough making the decision to bring him back.

One full year with the team could be enough to carry these youngsters a long, long way in the years to come, so it would absolutely be worth bringing him back for that reason alone. But a new Russian league is forming and there's been talk he may head back to the Motherland to finish his career.