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Capitals' Philipp Grubauer: Secures one-year deal

Grubauer's name was swirling through the rumor mill leading up to the 2017 NHL Expansion Draft as the Golden Knights' potential selection from Washington. Instead, the netminder will continue to serve as the backup to Braden Holtby for at least one more year. When called upon last season, the 25-year-old delivered a 13-6-2 record, including three shutouts and a 2.04 GAA. The fact that he figures to see fewer than 30 appearances during the 2017-18 campaign is pretty much the only thing limiting Grubauer's fantasy value.

Capitals' Philipp Grubauer: Exposed for expansion draft

First things first, if Vegas doesn't pick up Grubauer, there's no guarantee he stays with the Caps. He's a restricted free agent this offseason, meaning he could sign with another team if Washington fails to match an offer. The 25-year-old backstop is on a lot of mock draft boards after playing 24 games this season, posting an impressive .926 save percentage and a 2.04 GAA. At a measly $750,000 cap hit, Grubauer could be the young goaltender Vegas sees its future with.

Capitals' Philipp Grubauer: Extended qualifying offer

Grubauer's name has been linked to Vegas for quite some time, given his solid numbers -- 13-6-2 with three shutouts and a 2.04 GAA -- in relief of Braden Holtby this year. The 25-year-old Grubauer will be a restricted free agent heading into the offseason, which made the qualifying offer a requirement to satisfy the exposure rules for the expansion draft. If the Golden Knights opt to select somebody else off the Caps' roster, there is no guarantee the German will still be playing for Washington, as several teams might give him a look for more money than general manager Brian MacLellan would be willing to pay for a backup.

Capitals' Philipp Grubauer: Headed to Worlds Friday

The 24-year-old netminder is expected to back up Islanders goaltender Thomas Greiss, who has started most of the tournament, and it's not clear whether Grubauer will see any game action. However, given his tidy 2.04 GAA and .926 save percentage in 24 regular-season NHL games, Grubauer should thrive if given the chance to play at Worlds.

Capitals' Philipp Grubauer: Struggles in relief

The Caps needed a spark, but Grubauer wasn't up to the challenge. He allowed a goal just 2:19 into the third period, and then after Washington made it a two-goal game again, the German netminder allowed another tally less than two minutes later. Expect Braden Holtby has already been confirmed to start Game 3 on Monday.