from Alex Prewitt of Capitals Insider,

It looks increasingly likely that forward Joel Ward will reach unrestricted free agency on July 1. Both his camp and the Capitals have interest in staying together, but the 34-year-old is looking for a four-year contract, which MacLellan has already identified as an issue. The sides haven’t discussed much beyond expressing their disparate desires and, at least between now and July 1, it’s unlikely the Capitals would change their intent to re-sign Ward for one or two years rather than agreeing to a contract that will take the winger into his late 30s.

Unrestricted free agents – or at least their representation — and potential suitors are eligible to begin meeting at noon on Thursday, down along the beachside row of hotels in Fort Lauderdale. In addition to Ward, forward Jay Beagle, forward Eric Fehr, defenseman Mike Green, defenseman Tim Gleason and forward Curtis Glencross will all hit unrestricted free agency on July 1. After taking care of their restricted free agents, the Capitals are expected to focus on bringing back Beagle and Fehr.

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