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Caps waive Kundratek

Tomas Kundratek, David Clarkson

Washington Capitals defenseman Tomas Kundratek (36), of the Czech Republic, skates with the puck as New Jersey Devils center David Clarkson (23) watches in the first period of an NHL hockey game, Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

AP

The Washington Capitals have placed defenseman Tomas Kundratek on waivers, according to the Washington Post.

Kundratek, 23, was caught up in a numbers game. The Caps have a glut of defensemen in the system -- 10 remain on the active roster -- and head coach Adam Oates suggested the team’s financial situation played a role.

From the Post:

“We’ve got a lot of guys. Obviously it’s a salary cap era, so there are factors involved,” Oates said. “Talked to him this morning, he’s a good hockey player. If he gets picked up, I hope he does well. If he doesn’t, I hope we see him again.”

Kundratek’s departure removes his $550,000 salary cap hit from the Capitals cap equation, giving them a little more room to maneuver with now $1,215,705 in space, according to Capgeek, before accounting for the possibility of adding Tom Wilson or any other prospect.

A former third-round pick of the Rangers in 2008, Kundratek was acquired by Washington in 2011 and played a decent role for the Caps last year, scoring seven points in 25 games while averaging over 16 minutes a night.

Given he’s only 23, has some good NHL experience and carries a pretty cheap contract, it’s very possible Kundratek doesn’t clear waivers and is scooped up by another team.