Mike Ribeiro looks like he'll be heading for unrestricted free agency. The Washington Capitals plan to speak with him once more, but they don't appear to be close to coming to terms on a new deal. Ribeiro would like to get a four- or five-year contract.

Mike Ribeiro and the Washington Capitals don't appear to be heading toward agreeing to a new deal. Agent Don Meehan said Tuesday that there "aren't any updates" on contract talks with unrestricted free agency drawing closer. The two sides have expressed their interest in staying together, but it doesn't look like they've made any ground since Ribeiro rejected a three-year, $14 million offer in March. It may be tough for the Capitals to fit what he wants into their salary cap, so he might be allowed to test the open market on July 5.

Mike Ribeiro reiterated that he's seeking a four- or five-year contract this offseason. The 33-year-old center is coming off a five-year, $25 million deal, and says that the length of the contract is more important to him than the money. "If I can stay in the city and retire here. It's more about the kids. If I could stay in the city until they go to college," Ribeiro said. Ribeiro doesn't necessarily expect to make a decision before July 5, the start of free agency, though the Capitals will be in the mix if he hits the market. He had 13 goals and 36 assists this season.

Mike Ribeiro scored the game-winning goal in Washington's 2-1 overtime victory. Joel Ward scored a power-play goal at 7:44 minutes of the second period. Marcus Johansson, Nicklas Backstrom, Troy Brouwer, and Karl Alzner each registered an assist for the Capitals. Alex Ovechkin had a team-high nine shots on goal, but he ended up with no points and a minus-one rating. Matt Hendricks led the team with seven blocked shots. Jason Chimera delivered a team-high seven hits and spent two minutes in the sin bin.

Mike Ribeiro will be back in the postseason for the first time since 2008 when Washington begins their first-round series against the New York Rangers Thursday. "It's just going to be exciting. It's been a few years," said Ribeiro. "The first time you don't make the playoffs, you're kind of happy. You have a longer summer. But like four times in a row now, four times, four summers, it's long. You're out for like seven months; it's pretty long. And obviously this year was even longer for me, from April to all the way now. I'm just anxious to go and play and bring some emotions up." The playmaking center registered 36 assists and 49 points in 48 games with the Capitals this season and he's eligible to be an unrestricted free agent this summer. A good showing in the playoffs could land him that long-term deal he is seeking.

Mike Ribeiro recorded two assists in Washington's season finale. Ribeiro had 13 goals and 49 points in 48 games this season. Of the players currently scheduled to become unrestricted free agents this summer, he's the clear scoring leader. Of course, before that he'll try to win the Stanley Cup with the Capitals.

Mike Ribeiro was the only goal scorer for Washington in Thursday's 3-1 loss to the Senators. Ribeiro's goal briefly tied the score in the second period, but Ottawa broke the draw later in the period before adding an empty-netter in the third. Martin Erat and Jack Hillen drew assists on the marker.

Mike Ribeiro had an assist on Sunday. Ribeiro has 12 goals and 38 points in 39 games this season. He has a comfortable lead in the points race among players that are scheduled to become unrestricted free agents this summer. That gives him plenty of leverage as he talks with the Capitals about a possible extension.

Mike Ribeiro doesn't expect the Washington Capitals to deal him or re-sign him before the trade deadline. The Washington Capitals and Ribeiro will probably continue to talk, but Ribeiro would be one of the top unrestricted free agents this summer if he makes it that far. With that in mind, his annual salary will likely tick a bit above it's current $5 million per season.

Mike Ribeiro reiterated after Thursday's practice that he wants to stay with the Washington Capitals on a long-term contract. "I think I've said that from the get-go. I don't want to move all the time," he said. "If I get traded before the end of this year and then move again at the beginning of the next year - So we'll see. It's part of the business and we'll see where that goes." According to Renaud Lavoie of RDS, Ribeiro turned down a three-year, $14 million offer on Wednesday night. He is seeking a four- or five-year deal and could be dealt prior to the trade deadline next week.