A source familiar with the situation tells RMNB that restricted free agent Braden Holtby and the Capitals are close to agreeing to a new contract that will keep the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan goaltender in Washington for a long time. We’re told that the Caps and Holtby’s camp are about $1 million apart in yearly salary, but term is not an issue. The Caps want him closer to $5 million per year, while Holtby wants around $6 million.

According to the Capitals’ Mike Vogel, Sunday is the deadline for NHL players to file for arbitration. That date will likely encourage a deal as both sides want to get this done.

Over the last month, both Braden Holtby’s agent David Kaye and Caps’ General Manager Brian MacLellan have told The Washington Post’s Alex Prewitt that there have been “no major issues” in the contract negotiations.

“Yeah, we made Holtby a good offer,” MacLellan told Prewitt at the NHL Draft. “I think it’s competitive and I think it’s a fair offer and I think we’ll get something resolved.”

On Wednesday afternoon (the first day of free agency), Holtby’s agent also was optimistic.

“In Braden’s case, I think it’s going to get done,” David Kaye also said to Prewitt. “They’ve always been pretty fair with all their players. They both get along, Braden’s a great guy, he’d love to stay too. Washington’s a good team to deal with. Honestly I can’t see any major issues.”