Despite a solid season as Washington's starter and an adequate playoff performance, Washington would demote Neuvirth to backup goaltender status to make way for Tomáš Vokoun, trading away incumbent backup Varlamov to the Colorado Avalanche in the process.
Washington decided to downgrade Neuvirth from his starting role despite a strong season and decent playoff performance. This move made way for Tomáš Vokoun, who was brought in, and allowed them to trade away their existing backup, Varlamov, to the Colorado Avalanche.