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Here are the few, the proud, the UFA defensemen

Washington Capitals v Boston Bruins - Game Two

BOSTON, MA - APRIL 14: Dennis Wideman #6 of the Washington Capitals tries to keep the puck from Brad Marchand #63 of the Boston Bruins in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2012 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden on April 14, 2012 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

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As Halford mentioned earlier, the list of pending unrestricted free agent defensemen is getting pretty thin. Here are the few notables that could be available July 1.

Ryan Suter – But you already knew that, so let’s move on.

Dennis Wideman – The 29-year-old has said he wants to stay in Washington, but his contract demands could be steep given the 46 points he put up in 2011-12. The Caps might be better served spending their money elsewhere. Obviously they’ll be hoping Mike Green won’t miss as much time next season, and young John Carlson could take on more of an offensive role if Wideman moves on.

Jason Garrison – Talks between the Panthers and the 27-year-old have yet to produce a deal. Though he’s best known for the 16 goals he scored in 2011-12 playing alongside Brian Campbell, Garrison brings more to the table than a cannon from the point – he’s a big guy that can play in all situations and doesn’t mind getting his nose dirty.

Matt Carle – The 27-year-old logged 25:19 per game in the playoffs and wants to stay in Philadelphia. In fact, he might already have re-signed if not for the “tagging rule” that prevents teams from exceeding this year’s salary cap in commitments for next season.

Other pending UFA d-men below the age of 35 include Michal Rozsival, Bryan Allen and Shane O’Brien.

Elder statesmen include Hal Gill, Jaroslav Spacek, Sami Salo and Bryce Salvador.

Are we forgetting anyone?

Oh, Jeff Finger. His contract’s up, too.