RealGM

http://allhockey.ru/news/99631/

Varlamov says he's gotten interest from the Kontinental Hockey League in Russia, and that Washington offered him a contract for next year. He would take less money to play in the NHL, but, um, erm, not too much less. Which is why he hasn't signed the contract with Washington yet.

"Am I really such a bad goalie? I don't think I'm a second string goalie. The timing of my injury was such that it makes sense what the Washington coaches did. Let me say this: everybody's chances are the same at the beginning of the year. Look at Tim Thomas, he was on the bench, and then this year he wins it all. This season is a new page."

Bottom line is he is getting better offers from the KHL and the offer from the Caps isn't overwhelming. His message to Caps fans: If you want to know if I'll be back next season, talk to the general manager. Negotiations are ongoing and the Caps are trying to sign him.

Here's the original article:
http://hockey.sport-express.ru/reviews/14688/

D'oh! And now the Post is reporting Varly is seriously considering bolting for Russia:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/cap ... _blog.html

Oh man....

I have a hunch this off season may be a bit turbulent.

I believe Varly will stay here this is more postering than anything else to get a better deal. I really think Holtby is the answer in the end, but I like Varly over Neuvi. If we are going to lose Varly we NEED to get something back for him.

Allegedly Caps are offering something similar to Neuvy's contract - $1.15 million per, while Varly's broke-a$$ home team Yaroslavl is offering him $2 million and there are other KHL teams that would pay $4 million.

If you give Varly something significantly bigger than Neuvirth, then it's a slap in the face to Neuvy, allegedly. So Varly saying fine, you know I can earn at least twice as much in the KHL...

I think we got good value back for Varly. We had to decide which young goaltenders were staying and which one was going. A 1st and a 2nd for Varly is good return on a commodity.

Well, we get a 1st in 2012, and either a 2nd in 2012 or a 2nd in 2013. I think that's pretty damn good value for a guy who can barely stay on the ice. And now that we have a capable guy in Vokun, I like our goaltending situation.

GMGM deserves credit here, I think we only had like 4 draft picks this year and he's already trying to stock up for next year.