Vokoun: "wasn't planning on being back" in Washington

Washington Capitals goalie Tomas Vokoun says he had no intentions of playing in Washington beyond this season when he signed a one-year deal with the team, according to CSN Washington.

"I wasn't planning on being back here anyway," Vokoun said.

Vokoun did not see a single minute of playoff hockey this year, as he was sidelined with a groin injury dating back to March 29. After leading the team in the regular season with 46 games played, and a 25-17-2 record, Vokoun's stock dropped due largely to the success of 22-year-old net minder Braden Holtby.

Holtby's success in the postseason, 1.95 goals against average and .935 save percentage, likely helped secure his role on the team as a regular starter beside Michael Neuvirth for the future. According to Vokoun, Holtby's success did not factor into his decision to move on from Washington.

"I'm happy for Holtby. He played well. But it was never my intention to be here more than a year," Vokoun said. "For me, it's more disappointing about how it went and obviously getting hurt and not having the chance to play in the playoffs."

Vokoun earned just $1.5 million this season. He will likely be a coveted asset by multiple teams heading into free agency.