The Washington Capitals want to get center Nicklas Backstrom locked up to a new long-term contract extension, but both parties aren't rushing into a decision.
According to sources, the two sides have touched on the subject, but negotiations have not heated up.
"Backstrom is comfortable with his status and is focused on helping the team win now," said a league executive. "The contract will come. Nobody's rushing into it."
The Capitals recently signed Alexander Semin to a one-year extension worth $6 million, and it's believed Backstrom will command a similar salary over a seven-year, or more, contract.
Backstrom, 22, is making a base salary of $850,000, but has a cap hit of $2.4 million.
Meanwhile, the Capitals are believed to be entering into several trade discussions and are reportedly in the market for a top-four physical defenseman and a second-line center.
According to one source, the St. Louis Blues are one of the teams the Capitals are speaking with.
