CAPITALS EXTEND QUALIFYING OFFERS TO EIGHT PLAYERS

The Washington Capitals have though qualifying offers extended their rights for the 2009-10 NHL season to eight players -- Chris Bourque, Eric Fehr, Boyd Gordon, Milan Jurcina, Shaone Morrisonn, Steve Pinizzotto, Jeff Schultz and Kyle Wilson.

While these players are now restricted free agents and an able to negotiate with other teams, the Capitals can either match any offer or collect compensation if they sign with another team.

The Capitals report that among the group, Fehr, Gordon, Jurcina, Morrisonn and Wilson have arbitration rights. They can choose to have their salary for the coming season determined by salary arbitration, in which case hearings would reportedly be scheduled for late next month or early in August. Players and clubs have the option to elect arbitration by July 5th or 6th respectively, the team detailed.

Also, the Capitals did not extend qualifying offers to Andrew Joudrey, Daren Machesney, Travis Morin and Sasha Pokulok. These players will become unrestricted free agents on Wednesday and are free to sign with any team, including the Capitals.

Caps Extend Qualifying Offers to Eight Players Sphere: Related Content