Backstrom, Semin on docket

While the Washington Capitals may do some bargain shopping once free agent season begins Wednesday, the long-term health of the franchise is more dependent on the contract situations of Nicklas Backstrom and Alexander Semin. Because of a lack of salary cap room, general manager George McPhee doesn't expect to be involved in the bidding for the high-priced talent set to hit the open market. The cap is set at $56.8 million for next season, but the Caps can go up to 10 percent past the ceiling during the offseason. "We'll be prudent tomorrow and see if there is anything that ... Email </a