"It's a great result for Milan"

So said Allan Walsh, agent for Caps defenseman Milan Jurcina, about the arbitration award given to Jurcina.

According to the Washington Times, a league source confirmed that the award is just under $1.4 million. As it is below the $1.57 million threshold that would permit the club from walking away from the deal, the result is binding.

So now, we have the defense more or less in place:

Mike Green
Brian Pothier
John Erskine
Tom Poti
Jeff Schultz
Shaone Morrisonn
Milan Jurcina

There is not room for both Karl Alzner and John Carlson in this mix. There might not be room for either, if the Caps carry seven defensemen...

...unless a move is made.

That would seem to be almost a betting certainty at this point.

Edit... The Jurcina award appears to put the Caps less than $150,000 under the 2009-2010 salary cap for 22 roster players most likely to appear on the opening night roster (absent any trades) and buyout money. One would have to think there will be more tinkering done.