New Holtby deal headlines Capitals GM's in-house offseason checklist

After a breakout season, Washington Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan is set on hanging onto Braden Holtby.

MacLellan identified some of his priorities among the team's free agents at the Capitals' end-of-year press conference Monday, including the goaltender, who's a restricted free agent.

MacLellan told reporters that he's willing to offer Holtby a bridge deal or a long-term contract, suggesting Holtby is part of the team's long-term plans.

MacLellan also said the team would like to welcome back restricted free-agent forwards Marcus Johansson and Evgeny Kuznetsov, as well as Jay Beagle, who's an unrestricted free agent.

Holtby recorded 41 wins and nine shutouts in the regular season, tied for second in the league in both categories.