Capitals Assign Michael Nylander to Grand Rapids
by J.P. on Dec 13, 2009 8:29 PM EST
388 comments
Per the team, "The Washington Capitals have assigned center Michael Nylander to the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League (AHL), vice president and general manager George McPhee announced today."
And like that, he - and more importantly his $4.875 million cap hit - is gone for the rest of the season.
It's hard to overstate how important this move is to the team. Want to call up Karl Alzner now? No problem. Need an enforcer? Sure, there's room. And so on. A handcuffed George McPhee is now unshackled and free to wheel and deal as he sees fit (though, to be sure, there's no rush to make a major splash), essentially getting the mulligan of the year as Christmas has come early to hockey D.C.
One would think this is but the first domino to fall, albeit the biggest, and can only make the team sitting atop the NHL's standings better. Grand Rapids indeed.
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FREEEEEEEDOMMMMMMMMMM
#NeedsMoreBradley
by Addison H. on Dec 13, 2009 8:30 PM EST reply actions 20 recs
I so was wanting to post this whenever this happened, TY GMGM!!!
Promote the game, it's the NHL, not SCHL
Our long Capital nightmare is over!
"Oh, the usual. I bowl. Drive around. The occasional acid flashback."
by The Ghost of Bebop on Dec 13, 2009 8:31 PM EST reply actions
King Kong...the wicked witch is dead!!!
In his own unique way…Nyls aka circles might have just moved us a step closer to the cup!!!
The old "It's always the last place you look" comment makes sense because once I find it, I stop looking!
Baruch Hashem!
Batallamos hasta la victoria para la Stanley Cup, siempre!
by Viva el Ovechkinistas! on Dec 13, 2009 8:33 PM EST reply actions
And a very merry Christmas to GMGM! Best. Present. EVER.
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
by RedBirdie on Dec 13, 2009 8:33 PM EST reply actions 3 recs
And all of God’s people said…“AMEN!”
The old "It's always the last place you look" comment makes sense because once I find it, I stop looking!
Dear hockey gods, who are in hockey heaven, we give our thanks for your hockey heavenly blessing, this gift. You are wise and your wisdom infinite, and in your name we say
WHAT TOOK SO DAMN LONG?!
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
by RedBirdie on Dec 13, 2009 8:47 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
He can send Alzner back down if he needs a cushion…bring the boy up!
The old "It's always the last place you look" comment makes sense because once I find it, I stop looking!
He’ll be subject to waivers before long, but yes. BRING HIM UP.
by sixsevenfiftysix on Dec 13, 2009 8:36 PM EST up reply actions
what is it…35 games for Alzner before waivers must happen?!?
The old "It's always the last place you look" comment makes sense because once I find it, I stop looking!
Not sure…that’s why I ask? I thought I heard 35 total…and he played 2 or 3
The old "It's always the last place you look" comment makes sense because once I find it, I stop looking!
I’m not sure if it varies on a per-player basis, but with everyone else, it’s been 10 games of being waiver exempt, and he’s played five.
by sixsevenfiftysix on Dec 13, 2009 8:53 PM EST up reply actions
Aren’t they exempt until their fourth or fifth year pro?
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
Someone else will have to answer this.
by sixsevenfiftysix on Dec 13, 2009 8:58 PM EST up reply actions
Alzner will not be subject to waivers any time soon. Here is a great primer on waiver rules.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I read the waiver article but don’t know enough about Alzner’s situation to see exactly where he stands w/r/t waiver. Care to break it down?
He is on his entry level contract so he doesn’t have to clear waivers.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 13, 2009 11:19 PM EST up reply actions
Not true. There are players on entry level contracts that have played in enough NHL games that they have to clear waivers. See the waiver tables in the CBA or see Nicklas Backstrom as Exhibit A.
You’re killing me sk8.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 14, 2009 12:16 PM EST up reply actions
I am not trying to, lol, but people repeating incorrect info. on the web is part of the problem with people misunderstanding the rules. If this stuff interests you at all, I suggest that a next step would be to take some time and read a few sections of the CBA :)
It’s all good. I really thought the ELC thing was absolute. I’ll figure it out at some point.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 14, 2009 1:18 PM EST up reply actions
Hey F&B, by the time you’ve practiced for 5 years like me, you’ll know to add “I think the way it works is” or “If I remember right” to the beginning of anything about the CBA. That way you don’t feel like a maroon every time sk8 talks from actual knowledge.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 14, 2009 11:31 PM EST up reply actions
(this also works with junior associates you’re managing)
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 14, 2009 11:31 PM EST up reply actions
Good tip, but if I’m really doing it right I won’t be a lawyer in 5 years. Aaaaahhh dreams…
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 15, 2009 4:25 PM EST up reply actions
I have one big issue with bringing Alzner up – 9 D. We can only have 23 players on the active roster and 9 D means we don’t have room for any spare forwards unless you want to count Sloan as a swingman. If you bring up Alzner, that means someone else has got to go, realistically.
I’m not against bringing up Alzner – just not yet. Let’s see which D get the message and right the ship and which ones want a plane ticket come March.
Unleash the Alex!
Laing coming off LTIR soon would presumably negate Sloan.
"After the Cold War, the AK-47 became Russia's biggest export. After that came vodka, caviar, and suicidal novelists (and a couple good hockey players)."
by Bald Pollack on Dec 13, 2009 8:51 PM EST up reply actions
Sloan – or Erskine – but then you need to deal with Pothier when he comes off IR. Who knows when that will be.
Unleash the Alex!
So then waive 4 or take an undervalued offer for 23. Either way, Alzner should be part of the everyday 6 by the break (at the latest).
"After the Cold War, the AK-47 became Russia's biggest export. After that came vodka, caviar, and suicidal novelists (and a couple good hockey players)."
by Bald Pollack on Dec 13, 2009 9:02 PM EST up reply actions 4 recs
I’ve felt like 27 is the 3rd best D in the organization since day one last season (well, day one when he got called up) and I still stand by that.
For the record:
52
55
27
2
23
and 6th best is up for grabs from here. Actually, if given time to fight with the big dogs Carlson could overtake Jurcina and maybe Pothier. That’s exactly why the salary cap mess was so frustrating. It’s like being really hungry, and seeing the most delicious candy bar in the world on the other side of the glass in a vending machine, but being one nickel short. Or in this case, having $4.875 million too much to cram into the machine. Also, for the record, I am a reformed Schultz-hater.
I’ll give you by the break, but I don’t think it’s necessary or wise to bring him up tomorrow, is all I’m saying. Let’s not base the decision of who to move by who the whipping boy of the week is.
Unleash the Alex!
Erskine is not the whipping boy of the week, and the fact is that it doesn’t matter who sits – what matters is who plays, and that’s gotta be Alzner soon because it’s going to be Alzner in the spring.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 13, 2009 9:09 PM EST up reply actions 4 recs
But deals take time to do, especially now. (Exhibit A: Nylander.) Bringing him up before a deal is in place can actually hurt the deal (because the player may not have played) or will hurt Alzner (no ice time). I think it won’t kill anything to wait some games and see which of the D get the message.
Unleash the Alex!
Exhibit A is totally irrelevant, as the reason why that took so long was because of his salary, NMC, and perceived worthlessness to other teams, none of which are factors with other players (well, maybe the last one). I wouldn’t be surprised if GMGM has had a deal to move someone once we got rid of Nyls in place for months.
by sixsevenfiftysix on Dec 13, 2009 9:22 PM EST up reply actions
GMGM has said in the past that many GM’s are reluctant to make deals before the deadline, or did you miss that last season? That can be a showstopper right there.
Depending on who you move, salary is definitely a factor. Perceived worthlessness is too :) It’s possible that he did, but I wouldn’t bet the house on it.
Unleash the Alex!
Reluctant, but they’re not unheard of. We’ve obviously already seen a few this year. And none of the players we’re talking about moving are as expensive as Nyls was. I’m not betting the house either — just saying I wouldn’t be surprised.
by sixsevenfiftysix on Dec 13, 2009 9:27 PM EST up reply actions
Sure, but it also makes sense to see who answers the bell and who does not, because this is most definitely a bell.
Unleash the Alex!
I’m not sure what you’re getting at with this answering the bell riff. It is been patently obvious for quite some time now that the top 6 d on the Caps are: 52, 55, 3. 23, 2, 27. If the offer out there is for 23, then we plug in 26 and move on. Or carry 7 d and waive Erskine, like BP said. But at this point it’s way too late for #4 to answer any bells. He’s clearly expendable.
by mechanicsville on Dec 13, 2009 10:41 PM EST up reply actions
Caught that. I also know that we wanted Pronger…weren’t gonna give up too much…but we DID want him! Pothier being a UFA might be a positive with no one knowing about the cap next year! Sha Mo too
The old "It's always the last place you look" comment makes sense because once I find it, I stop looking!
Another thought on why it won’t be immediate – GMGM needs to be careful and examine his options. This is very public, and the Caps just became a potential dumping ground for everybody’s overpaid problem child. If I’m GMGM, I look, scout, think, and examine all the offers on the table lest I get Bob Gainey’d.
Unleash the Alex!
I agree that patience is in order for external deals, but see no reason to wait on an intra-organizational move.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
This is very public, and the Caps just became a potential dumping ground for everybody’s overpaid problem child.
Can you elaborate on this? I’m not following.
"After the Cold War, the AK-47 became Russia's biggest export. After that came vodka, caviar, and suicidal novelists (and a couple good hockey players)."
by Bald Pollack on Dec 13, 2009 9:37 PM EST up reply actions
Sure. When you’ve got someone who’s overpaid and underperforming, and you’re up against the salary cap, you’d like to clear some deadwood, right? The Caps are known to be a potential contender and may be in the market for an enforcer, a veteran D, or both, and overpaid lead weights exist in both classes around the league. And they just had a huge chunk of cap space open up. Maybe I can sell them my problem.
Unleash the Alex!
Gotcha. That said, I think that the last two deadlines (picking up bench help for little, not overpaying for Pronger) may go against that.
"After the Cold War, the AK-47 became Russia's biggest export. After that came vodka, caviar, and suicidal novelists (and a couple good hockey players)."
by Bald Pollack on Dec 13, 2009 9:42 PM EST up reply actions
GMGM’s definitely not stupid, but it doesn’t hurt to try it, right? It’ll just take a little longer to make sure any deal is a good one, especially if there are multiple potential ones on the table. That’s all I’m saying.
Unleash the Alex!
Got it.
But within the scope of the “get Karl up” discussion, I think that at some point, if an attractive offer isn’t out there, you’re going to have to bite the bullet and consider taking an undervalued deal if it means getting him up here.
I’m not saying he should be shoved in the plane tonight either, but for the 2 months and beyond future of the team, he needs to be with the parent club.
"After the Cold War, the AK-47 became Russia's biggest export. After that came vodka, caviar, and suicidal novelists (and a couple good hockey players)."
by Bald Pollack on Dec 13, 2009 9:54 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Other GMs might think that, but I’m pretty sure our guy is too smart for that.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
I’d say that GMGM doesn’t seem like the type to make mistakes, but… you know…
"And next year it will be ours."
No, but it takes time to make sure that doesn’t happen, too. GMGM isn’t going to accept the first deal he gets like with Nylander.
Unleash the Alex!
There won’t be nearly as many restrictions because having that cushion means that he can take on a little bit of salary in a potential deal, which opens TONS of doors to tons of players.
He won’t have to accept the first deal because there are now 15 other potential deals open.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 13, 2009 10:47 PM EST up reply actions
It’s true, he doesn’t lose trades. It might sometimes hurt the team in the long run, but he definitely does not lose trades.
Err, don’t you lose trades by definition if it hurts the team in the long run? Unless it gets a you over the top on the ultimate goal, that is.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Dec 13, 2009 10:17 PM EST up reply actions
That’s kind of my point. Avoiding a trade because you’re afraid to lose it gets you nowhere (assuming “losing” is taken to an extreme extent).
Even a “lost” trade can accomplish a great deal for the team. Inaction can have a price even if from an asset perspective it’s the right move.
And I don’t exactly have anything specific in mind, it’s more an “I hope GMGM doesn’t avoid anything because his win/loss standard is too high.”
He just got rid of dead weight, why would he take some back on? I’m not buying it. Sell Mo or Juice for a random pick and get Alzner up here. Now.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 13, 2009 11:22 PM EST up reply actions
Let’s not base the decision of who to move by who the whipping boy of the week is.
I’m basing my decision on seeing two defensemen, one’s a 29-year old who watches guys go by him when he’s at their blue line, and another guy who, much as I’d like, is an affordable defensemen who can be resigned to a multi-year deal by a team who’s willing to look for size.
"After the Cold War, the AK-47 became Russia's biggest export. After that came vodka, caviar, and suicidal novelists (and a couple good hockey players)."
by Bald Pollack on Dec 13, 2009 9:14 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Was referring more to Erskine than Sloan on that. I like Sloan but I see why you’d trade him. A lot of people liked Erskine until this most recent stretch.
Unleash the Alex!
Sure, we loved him in the playoffs.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 13, 2009 10:48 PM EST up reply actions
Most recent stretch being the entirety of the 2009-2010 season? He’s been horribly bad this entire year.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Dec 13, 2009 9:31 PM EST up reply actions
Nobody has been fans of Erskine this year. He played well down the stretch last year, and earned some good will.
But he did his best to successfully destroy all that good will this year. He’s had his good games. But the Caps should not be paying 1+ million in salary and cap hit for a player that plays a decent game as a 6 D man once out of every 8 games.
Now drink with me deeply of the bourbon, scotch, and rye until such time as we are fighting drunk.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Dec 13, 2009 9:33 PM EST up reply actions
Agreed . I only liked Erskine in a couple of playoff games last year. Seems oh so long ago….
I lived with a blind guy for a while, then he figured it out and demanded back rent.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 13, 2009 9:34 PM EST up reply actions
Um, I’ve seen a lot of positive comments from the beginning of the season about his nasty play and him looking serviceable. But whatever you want to sell me, dude.
Unleash the Alex!
And I see far more cursing his lack of foot speed, hockey sense, and just general ability to play the game of hockey at an NHL level.
If you didn’t understand that I was using hyperbole when I said nobody is a fan, I don’t know what to say.
Now drink with me deeply of the bourbon, scotch, and rye until such time as we are fighting drunk.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Dec 13, 2009 9:36 PM EST up reply actions
*inability to play the game of hockey at an NHL level.
Now drink with me deeply of the bourbon, scotch, and rye until such time as we are fighting drunk.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Dec 13, 2009 9:37 PM EST up reply actions
No body understands me! I’m going to run into my room and cry in my pillow and write in my Kirk Cameron fan club diary.
Now drink with me deeply of the bourbon, scotch, and rye until such time as we are fighting drunk.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Dec 13, 2009 9:39 PM EST up reply actions
I am a fan of John Erskine, the only defenseman who doesn’t tolerate any shit around our goaltenders.
But Brawndo's got what plants crave. It's got electrolytes.
And sitting in the press box every night would be a positive contribution for Erskine, to be sure.
But if we’re looking at that bottom group, Juice and Erskine would appear to be the odd men out. ShaMo’s play and recent health, combined with his contract, make him harder to move.
"After the Cold War, the AK-47 became Russia's biggest export. After that came vodka, caviar, and suicidal novelists (and a couple good hockey players)."
by Bald Pollack on Dec 13, 2009 9:34 PM EST up reply actions
Juice becomes a decent defender with Alzner as his partner. Assuming we recall Alzner, I’d take him over ShaMo.
"And next year it will be ours."
Yeah, but by doing that, Juice becomes ShaMo lite, with the exception that Juice has played well (sporadically) with other people.
If all things were equal and Juice/Mo couldn’t be moved, I’d resign Juice, but if we’re talking about a more viable asset to move, Mo’s at the bottom of the “go” list until after the break, if he hasn’t scrambled his brains again.
"After the Cold War, the AK-47 became Russia's biggest export. After that came vodka, caviar, and suicidal novelists (and a couple good hockey players)."
by Bald Pollack on Dec 13, 2009 9:40 PM EST up reply actions
Out of curiousity, what do you see Sloan fetching in the trade market? Remember that Bill Guerin was had for a 3rd or 4th round pick at the deadline when prices are higher and he was a 20g guy and the leading scorer for the Isles last year.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Dec 13, 2009 9:43 PM EST up reply actions
And if others are reading the tea leaves the way we do, why would you trade for a guy you can claim off waivers? I like the the guy, too, but them’s the breaks.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
Depends on the club. Sloan’s main asset is that he’s versatile and can be a minute-muncher if he has to be, both of which are good for clubs with injury problems. I’m thinking a 4th or 5th round draft pick.
Unleash the Alex!
He’s also got some speed. He’s a shit-ton faster than Q.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 13, 2009 10:52 PM EST up reply actions
you don’t get a fourth for a guy that you could potentially pick up on waivers. Guerin was had for a third… and teams in cap-world like their picks. I’m thinking realistically a sixth, perhaps a fifth depending on the team (if it’s a high pick or a low pick).
Lepisto fetched what, a 7th? A sixth sounds reasonable for sure.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Lepisto was a younger player who put up much better AHL statistics. He underwhelmed during his time in DC, but he’s playing decently getting regular time in PHX.
I’d be shocked if we could pawn Sloan off for a pick in any round.
"We’re still working on some things over in Europe, and we’ve been close in the last week or so. Some things get in the way, but we’re just trying to work that out, and hopefully it can be worked out soon."
Ohhh Sloan
Sorry, reading comprehension failed me. I was talking about Erskine.
I agree that we won’t get shit for Sloan.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
PHX is kicking ass and taking names, btw. He was a good pick. It’s just too bad he got lost in the number scuffle here.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 13, 2009 11:19 PM EST up reply actions
Lepisto, that is. Let’s make sure our antecedents are present, people :-)!
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 13, 2009 11:19 PM EST up reply actions
Agreed. I have a Sami Bears jersey. He was one of my favorite players in the organization. I’m glad he’s doing well elsewhere.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
It’s a classic case of “nowhere to go.” Sami didn’t impress in his time up here (he looked really slow, which I found odd), but even if he had, he was getting surpassed by guys like Schultz, Green, Alzner, and Carlson.
"We’re still working on some things over in Europe, and we’ve been close in the last week or so. Some things get in the way, but we’re just trying to work that out, and hopefully it can be worked out soon."
He’d have literally been Pothier in role and pairing in about 3 or 4 years.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 13, 2009 11:43 PM EST up reply actions
A lot of people liked Erskine until this most recent stretch.
You sure about that?
by mechanicsville on Dec 13, 2009 10:45 PM EST up reply actions
I’ve always been a fan, and I still am. You guys are way too over critical of guys who aren’t superb. He’s a 6-7 guy, and you guys talk about him like he’s expected to be more. That’s unfair and irrelevant. As long as Clymer and Cullimore can be d-men on a team that wins a cup, i think erskine and juice can be too.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
by Whiter Mage on Dec 13, 2009 10:49 PM EST up reply actions
We talk about him like there are better guys in the minors.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
I’ll argue Alzner. I won’t argue Carlson (yet). Regardless, I’ll take Erskine over Morrisonn right now, hands down.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
by Whiter Mage on Dec 13, 2009 10:51 PM EST up reply actions
My problem with that is that they fill different roles, and that no one else on the team fills Mo’s nearly as well as he plays it. Schultz is coming along (and clearly his first or second choice for a partner in the future), but isn’t there quite yet.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 13, 2009 10:53 PM EST up reply actions
“his” being Green. SOrry about that :-).
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 13, 2009 10:54 PM EST up reply actions
Schultz would be fine on Green’s d-pairing. My ideal d-pairings:
52-55
27-3
2-23(4 as needed)
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
by Whiter Mage on Dec 13, 2009 10:55 PM EST up reply actions
I’d probably pair 23 with 27. (This would mean 2 and 3 would go together.) But otherwise, your pairings are great.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Thought about that, but don’t really want pothier getting poti minutes.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
by Whiter Mage on Dec 13, 2009 10:59 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t want Poti getting Poti minutes. Make the Po-Po the third pair, or something.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 13, 2009 11:30 PM EST up reply actions
Poti’s pairing is always going to get Poti minutes. Sorry.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
by Whiter Mage on Dec 13, 2009 11:31 PM EST up reply actions
Thus starts the vicious cycle.
Now drink with me deeply of the bourbon, scotch, and rye until such time as we are fighting drunk.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Dec 13, 2009 11:32 PM EST up reply actions
I was thinking that Poti could be traded. He’s getting a bit old. He’s not that old so he has some value. But he has a high cap hit.
Rocking the Red since 1975
What kind of return are you thinking? I can’t imagine that he’d bring a whole lot back.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 13, 2009 11:54 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, I was about to say. I’d much prefer Jurcina have the best chance at being a solid D than not.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 13, 2009 10:59 PM EST up reply actions
I’d agree, if only because Erskine has a willingness to stand up for guys (even if it’s not as much as we’d like) that ShaMo hasn’t shown to the same extent.
Neither of the are all that dependable defensively, and I’d rather not see either of them try to play the puck anymore, so I guess Erskine’s extra physicality (and his smaller contract) are a plus here.
Carlson’s AHL line: 1/19/20 +15, 2 PIMs.
I wouldn’t mind if he came up and displaced either Mo or Erskine.
"We’re still working on some things over in Europe, and we’ve been close in the last week or so. Some things get in the way, but we’re just trying to work that out, and hopefully it can be worked out soon."
Doubt he’s getting 10 games this year. A contract that slides is too good to pass up for a guy who’s impact isn’t going to be huge.
Contract that slides?
"We’re still working on some things over in Europe, and we’ve been close in the last week or so. Some things get in the way, but we’re just trying to work that out, and hopefully it can be worked out soon."
To next year. ’Twill still be 3 years and not 2.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 13, 2009 11:20 PM EST up reply actions
How do you figure? Maybe I misunderstand the CBA, but the only thing that slides is his time until arb rights and UFA status. The contract length is still the contract length.
"We’re still working on some things over in Europe, and we’ve been close in the last week or so. Some things get in the way, but we’re just trying to work that out, and hopefully it can be worked out soon."
Perhaps I misunderstand, too, but I believe that, unless he hits a certain number of games in Washington, his 3 years actually starts the sophomore year, as he’d still be considered an NHL rookie.
Or something.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 13, 2009 11:24 PM EST up reply actions
He’s a jr. eligible player playing in a league other than the NHL. If he plays less than 10 NHL games, his contract slides a year (just as it would if he’d been sent back to London).
He should be a #7 guy. As a #7 guy, he’s OK, although a bit overpaid. The problem is, unless he’s injured, he gets around 17 minutes a night when we’ve got better players available.
"We’re still working on some things over in Europe, and we’ve been close in the last week or so. Some things get in the way, but we’re just trying to work that out, and hopefully it can be worked out soon."
I can’t disagree with it, I just think we’re overcritical of a guy who’s obviously playing above his head. We know the mistakes are going to come, and it’s unfair for us to jump on him for that alone.
I’d love to see Alzner and Carlson up here, to be truthful, if it meant Sloan and Morrisonn were gone. I think you save Erskine for when he’s going to be needed.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
by Whiter Mage on Dec 13, 2009 10:54 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, but I think DP, myself and others bitch about Erskine and ShaMo because we clearly have a superior option(s) in Hershey.
I probably get more annoyed with ShaMo than Erskine, simply because ShaMo ought to be better than he is – he’s regressed over the last couple years in my opinion.
"We’re still working on some things over in Europe, and we’ve been close in the last week or so. Some things get in the way, but we’re just trying to work that out, and hopefully it can be worked out soon."
I haven’t seen Sloan in a while. Hasn’t played since the 2nd period of the Buffalo game.
Rocking the Red since 1975
That doesn’t negate that he’s bad at D.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
by Whiter Mage on Dec 13, 2009 11:02 PM EST up reply actions
Do you mean Sloan or Mo? Or both them and Erskine? Hard to tell, there.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 13, 2009 11:03 PM EST up reply actions
Sloan.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
by Whiter Mage on Dec 13, 2009 11:06 PM EST up reply actions
I’d like to go with an “All of the Above” there, but also stipulate that Erskine and ShaMo fill roles no one else does, and are therefore more difficult (not hard) to get rid of.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 13, 2009 11:12 PM EST up reply actions
I just don’t see how Ersky can be rated any higher than 7th among the Caps D if you’re including Alzner.
by mechanicsville on Dec 13, 2009 11:09 PM EST up reply actions
Show me, don't tell me.
Unreal, this collective orgasm over Alzner.
But Brawndo's got what plants crave. It's got electrolytes.
Er, what?
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Dec 13, 2009 9:52 PM EST up reply actions
Cool it. People think he’s an upgrade over Erskine and/or others currently seeing minutes. Stop trolling.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
As far as I’m concerned, any of the bottom three could sit some games (4, 23, 89) as they’re all pretty much worth the same but Erskine brings an edge that I love to see.
I’m looking forward to seeing Karl up for an extended period of time, kids. I hope he’s the next coming of Scott Stevens but let’s see it.
So did I miss why Nylander could not be sent away earlier?
But Brawndo's got what plants crave. It's got electrolytes.
If you’re expecting Scott Stevens from Alzner, you’re going to be disappointed.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
by jordanDC on Dec 13, 2009 10:24 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Agreed that there’s not a ton of difference in overall contribution/skill level among those three blueliners, but I think Erskine has significantly less upside than Jurcina. If you forced me to answer “who would you rather have in the lineup on nightly basis, 4 or 89?” I’d probably grit my teeth and say 4, but he’s much more expensive, so that might impact my answer.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
OK…package Sloan with Poti or Pothier,,,even if we just get draft picks to reload Hershey!
The old "It's always the last place you look" comment makes sense because once I find it, I stop looking!
Oh please. You are not going to package a guy who can play either forward for defense and $3.5m in salary for draft picks. The NHL will never approve that, and I’d smack GMGM if he tried it because it’s not a fair trade for both sides.
I’m not against making a deal – just not yet. The D just got a calling card from the chopping block. Let’s take some games and find out who listened and who gets the boot.
Unleash the Alex!
3.5 mil? I said either or not !both
The old "It's always the last place you look" comment makes sense because once I find it, I stop looking!
Also leave us more cap room for a trade for D at deadline!
The old "It's always the last place you look" comment makes sense because once I find it, I stop looking!
If Alzner does what some here seem to think he will, we might not need to trade for D at the deadline.
Unleash the Alex!
Alz isn’t a punch first D, though, so unless Erskine gets his shit together, I think we’ll be buying.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 13, 2009 10:57 PM EST up reply actions
Pothier is $2.5m. Same applies, and I don’t think it’s a good idea to send Potsy anywhere right now. He needs to play a full season before he makes a good trade, since GM’s iwll want to make sure there are no lingering injury issues. He’s also been very, very solid this season.
Unleash the Alex!
Then Sha Mo maybe?
The old "It's always the last place you look" comment makes sense because once I find it, I stop looking!
ShaMo’s more likely. I think you could waive Erskine and move Sloan to a club dealing with a lot of injuries, since Sloan is versatile, and that would solve the issue. You could move Sloan for a high draft pick, probably.
Unleash the Alex!
Sloan for a high draft pick? I tend to doubt it.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
What’s your take on that? I don’t think they waive Sloan – at his price tag, they’re more likely to lose him to the waiver wire than someone like Erskine.
Unleash the Alex!
I don’t think they’d hesitate too much to waive him.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
You ludicrously overvalue Sloan. I’d be (mildly) surprised if he didn’t clear waivers. He has been a nice swingman-stopgap this year. Let’s not get carried away.
"We’re still working on some things over in Europe, and we’ve been close in the last week or so. Some things get in the way, but we’re just trying to work that out, and hopefully it can be worked out soon."
No, I didn’t. And he didn’t. Yeah, he made it to the Pens, but it was at a time of year when every team is trying to clear guys, rather than pick them up.
"We’re still working on some things over in Europe, and we’ve been close in the last week or so. Some things get in the way, but we’re just trying to work that out, and hopefully it can be worked out soon."
Hn. I thought you were. Nah, I’m not convinced he does when so many teams are struggling with injuries and that is Sloan’s best trade asset.
We’ll see. I think the loyalty thing’s in play here too, and that will have a hand in who goes and who doesn’t. I don’t think they waive someone lightly.
Unleash the Alex!
I reacted negatively to the Bourque waiving precisely because I thought he’d get snatched up. I think the only reason he made it all the way to the Pens was because another team couldn’t just stash him in the AHL.
"We’re still working on some things over in Europe, and we’ve been close in the last week or so. Some things get in the way, but we’re just trying to work that out, and hopefully it can be worked out soon."
I’m with you…I just think if you move Pothier…do we really need an offensive D-man with our forwards…and think of the cap space at the deadline for a solid stopper
The old "It's always the last place you look" comment makes sense because once I find it, I stop looking!
you gotta give up something to get something!
The old "It's always the last place you look" comment makes sense because once I find it, I stop looking!
The thing I like about Pothier is that he’s very clean on the breakout most of the time and he’s started to play with a little bit of nasty. That’s not something we’re glutted with – the breakout, I mean. I’m more inclined to look for a like-for-like upgrade if you want one of those.
Question is, who’s available on a club where the GM might be interested in what the Caps are offering?
Unleash the Alex!
I personally love Potts…but if you free up that room…I’d take a crease clearer…and if we get that tough d-man…does that make B. gordon expendable to keep up Matty?
The old "It's always the last place you look" comment makes sense because once I find it, I stop looking!
But what does that mean for the breakout, an area where the Caps struggle sometimes?
I think the issue with keeping Matty up is going to be one of roster space more than cap space. Who knows how long Gordon’s going to be out, though – he’s not tradeable or moveable while he’s on LTIR. I don’t expect Gordon back anytime soon.
Unleash the Alex!
Boyd’s on LTIR with no presumable end in sight; I wouldn’t bother bringing him up.
"After the Cold War, the AK-47 became Russia's biggest export. After that came vodka, caviar, and suicidal novelists (and a couple good hockey players)."
by Bald Pollack on Dec 13, 2009 9:23 PM EST up reply actions
We don’t even know where he is these days. I’m assuming this is a lost season for him. Bummer.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
Reports are that he hasn’t even been at Kettler lately. He’s been traveling around the country to see doctors about his back.
Rocking the Red since 1975
SlavaKM caught him practicing at the Rockville ice rink…. in Rangers gear…
“@dchesnokov I just saw M.Nylander practice alone at Rockville rink wearing full NYR gear and Jagr jersey. 3:06 PM Dec 4th from Twitterrific”
#NeedsMoreBradley
You don’t necessarily need offensive D, but you need D that can skate and make that first pass out of the zone. As of now Green is the only one that can do that with real consistency. If they are going to get rid of a D (it best be a “when” and not an “if”) it should be one of Jurcina, Erskine, or ShaMo.
And as useful as Sloan has been, he should be gone.
Now drink with me deeply of the bourbon, scotch, and rye until such time as we are fighting drunk.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Dec 13, 2009 9:19 PM EST up reply actions
Don’t worry, they’re not moving Poti. Sloan, on the other hand, is either movable or waiveable.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I like him too, but with Laing back and more flexibility on the $ side of things, Sloan’s best asset – his versatility – becomes less important.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Speaking of Sloan, I notice that he hasn’t played since Period 2 of the Buffalo game, not even moving to defense in the absence of Pothier (not to mention a temporary absence of ShaMo and a stint in the penalty box for Green).
He didn’t play against either Carolina or Toronto.
What’s up with that?
Rocking the Red since 1975
Oh please. You are not going to package a guy who can play either forward for defense and $3.5m in salary for draft picks. The NHL will never approve that
Why not?
by David M. Getz on Dec 14, 2009 9:23 AM EST up reply actions
Poti is not going anywhere, he’s one of the Caps top 4 d-men (along with Green, Schultz and soon-to-be Alzner). Pothier, when he’s healthy is also a top 4 d-man, but his trade value is nearly nothing. Remember, he’s coming off a major injury and is a UFA at the end of the year. Sure he is effective, but most clubs believe (including the Caps I suspect) that one more concussion and Pothier’s career is over.
Personally, if I were McPhee, I’d be talking to Pothier now about a 2 year extension, as I’m sure they can land him for about 90% of what he is making this year for the next 2. I don’t think he’s going to get $2.5M/yr from anyone else out there. If the Caps can land him at $4.5M/2years, then they’ll have something. And of course, if God forbid he gets hurt again, he goes on LTIR, collects his $$ and the Caps don’t have to deal with the Cap hit.
ShaMo is an interesting prospect as he is playing pretty well now (well, other than last night..) and he might fetch something on the trade market. Would love to see them package something together to add another power forward type…hard to find, but quality defensemen are also in short supply, and the Caps seem to have a surplus….
Let's go Caps!
I think you’re probably right about Pothier and interest in an extension. The family has moved to DC full-time, rather than do the usual spend summers elsewhere routine. I can’t imagine doing that with only a year left on the contract unless you really really want to stay with the club, or intend to make the area your off-season home. And as much as I love DC, really, voluntarily spending August here? U-G-H!
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
I’d love to keep Pothier as a bottom pairing.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 13, 2009 11:03 PM EST up reply actions
Agreed, though it’s really 8 D (Green, Poti, Schultz, Erskine, Morrisonn, Jurcina, Alzner, Sloan) with Pothier on IR.
I’d love to see Erskine hit waivers.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Maybe it’s just me…but Erskine seems like our only tough guy right now…although I would say when does his speed (or lack thereof) negate the toughness he brings!
The old "It's always the last place you look" comment makes sense because once I find it, I stop looking!
by caps crew on Dec 13, 2009 8:53 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
He’s worthless. Dump him and pick up a real enforcer at half the price if you feel the team’s lacking that element.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 13, 2009 9:02 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
agreed…but who is available?…and btw…it sure is fun to speculate with this early gift!
The old "It's always the last place you look" comment makes sense because once I find it, I stop looking!
Thugden. Mirasty. Go out and get some fat dude playing beer league fer Chrissakes.
"We’re still working on some things over in Europe, and we’ve been close in the last week or so. Some things get in the way, but we’re just trying to work that out, and hopefully it can be worked out soon."
Ok, but it doesn’t matter. There are soooo many guys out there who can skate 4 minutes a night and scrap.
"We’re still working on some things over in Europe, and we’ve been close in the last week or so. Some things get in the way, but we’re just trying to work that out, and hopefully it can be worked out soon."
The nucks blog would never talk to us again if we did lol
I lived with a blind guy for a while, then he figured it out and demanded back rent.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 13, 2009 10:00 PM EST up reply actions
you say that like it would be a bad thing :P
They laughed at Columbus, they laughed at Fulton, they laughed at the Wright brothers. But they also laughed at Bozo the Clown.
It was a response to the hypothetical question of which enforcer to get. I’m not totally convinced the Caps need an enforcer, but that idea is somewhat dependent on the notion that the referees will make the kinds of calls that they made against guys like Duco and Carcillo. When they ignore things like Alberts giving Green a flying elbow to the face, I begin to think we might need that element.
Ideally, the Caps could find someone who can throw and play equally well. The problem is, those guys usually aren’t cheap unless they’re young (and if they’re young, can fight and play, they’re likely unavailable through trade). The Caps also don’t have a ton of ice time left up front. When legitimately talented guys like Perrault can only merit <10 minutes a night, I can’t see too many guys coming on board who’ll get “regular” shifts.
What is clearly wrong is keeping around a mediocre defenseman who never really fights anymore (and shouldn’t given his injury history), just so he can theoretically provide a deterrent against thuggery. Defensemen in general make terrible goons – defensemen who can’t skate and can’t fight really, really make terrible goons.
"We’re still working on some things over in Europe, and we’ve been close in the last week or so. Some things get in the way, but we’re just trying to work that out, and hopefully it can be worked out soon."
agreed – cap space does not equal roster space. IMO, at least 2 d need to go for Karl to get regular playing time up here.
loosely related – anyone think GMGM has a deal in mind / in place / previosuly discussed with another GM that would have us take on one player and a contract to give up a few of our d?
Once Alzner is here, he gets regular PT no problem.
by sixsevenfiftysix on Dec 13, 2009 8:55 PM EST up reply actions
"After the Cold War, the AK-47 became Russia's biggest export. After that came vodka, caviar, and suicidal novelists (and a couple good hockey players)."
by Bald Pollack on Dec 13, 2009 8:35 PM EST reply actions 8 recs
Eyes. Goggles. Nothing.
"After the Cold War, the AK-47 became Russia's biggest export. After that came vodka, caviar, and suicidal novelists (and a couple good hockey players)."
by Bald Pollack on Dec 13, 2009 8:43 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Grand Rapids Zamboni driver just quit…doesn’t like the thought of Nylanders strange circular pattern on the ice and the extra work it creates for him!
The old "It's always the last place you look" comment makes sense because once I find it, I stop looking!
This totally makes up for some disappointing play this weekend. Now get King Karl to DC!
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
I think I agree…but let’s give Johnny a little more time…after the olympic break maybe?!?
The old "It's always the last place you look" comment makes sense because once I find it, I stop looking!
Carlson that is…Alzner right away!
The old "It's always the last place you look" comment makes sense because once I find it, I stop looking!
No, for the reasons I stated above. 9 D means no room for a spare forward at all. I’m in favor of bringing up Alzner, but not immediately. Take some games and shake the existing D out with the kick in the shorts they just got. Right now, they all have to know it’s fish or cut bait.
Unleash the Alex!
Waive Sloan if you have to. Even if he does get claimed, getting Alzner in DC more than makes up for the loss.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 14, 2009 2:13 AM EST up reply actions
I think Carlson isn’t quite ready, and in any case it makes more financial sense to wait a season to let his NHL level contract kick in.
by sixsevenfiftysix on Dec 13, 2009 8:56 PM EST up reply actions
I’ve argued this before, but I do think he could, could be ready for this season’s playoffs. Longshot, but a possibility, nonetheless.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 13, 2009 11:07 PM EST up reply actions
Well, to be fair, I think we guessed a while ago that it would take some time for that deadl to be completed, wherever he went.
I’m honestly just happy he’s got somewhere to play again, and somewhere where he’s got a shot at playing in the NHL again when he’s done. He’s not going to play for the Caps again – that much has been made clear – so he’s gone somewhere where he can play, and to me that’s the best Christmas present of all. Him being off the Caps’ salary cap is just icing AFAIC, though it may mean much more in March and April.
For the Caps, it means two things: (1) injury replacements with the best person available, not just who they can afford, and (2) a dogfight on defense. Having that room means that the Caps can afford to replace any player who isn’t performing, whether it be on D or at forward (though I’m thinking of D right now). Therefore, the existing D had better right the ship if they want to be with the team in the spring.
For the record, I’m not in favor of making any immediate moves with the cap space that Nylander’s loan opens up. We’ve still got some injuries to deal with, and while it’d be nice to have Alzner up here, that means we’ve got nine D. You thought 8 was bad, that’s just a mess all the way around and someone’s going to get shafted. I’d rather let the D dogfight it out from now until the Olympics, and then see who’s the odd man out come the deadline.
Unleash the Alex!
I didnt know there was a Grand Rapids in Russia….
by bigity b on Dec 13, 2009 8:45 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Sorta joking:
I went to church today for the first time in years. I think god was listening…
"And next year it will be ours."
what do you mean? Like, why nylander would agree, why GR (and Detroit) would agree, how ts possible under the CBA?
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
What i find interesting is Detroit had to sign off on this since it is their affiliate, it doesn’t affect their cap or anything, but still interesting to help another contender like the caps off the hook for nylander’s contract.
Agreed, I find it somewhat curious and can’t imagine a similar loan would have gone through to, say, Wilkes-Barre Scranton.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Sorry, leave the mulligans on the golf course.
"After the Cold War, the AK-47 became Russia's biggest export. After that came vodka, caviar, and suicidal novelists (and a couple good hockey players)."
by Bald Pollack on Dec 13, 2009 9:00 PM EST up reply actions
I got plenty.
"And next year it will be ours."
by Ovechwin on Dec 13, 2009 9:02 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
…And still flamed out on the first.
"After the Cold War, the AK-47 became Russia's biggest export. After that came vodka, caviar, and suicidal novelists (and a couple good hockey players)."
by Bald Pollack on Dec 13, 2009 9:03 PM EST up reply actions
Maybe you should consider using this one…?
"After the Cold War, the AK-47 became Russia's biggest export. After that came vodka, caviar, and suicidal novelists (and a couple good hockey players)."
by Bald Pollack on Dec 13, 2009 9:07 PM EST up reply actions
Good grief, get over it. Want a cookie or something?
"After the Cold War, the AK-47 became Russia's biggest export. After that came vodka, caviar, and suicidal novelists (and a couple good hockey players)."
by Bald Pollack on Dec 13, 2009 9:24 PM EST up reply actions
Good lord, if you feel unappreciated for your sins, I’ll make sure a cross is under your tree this year, how bout that?
In the meantime, maybe you want to come higher up on the thread where things are being discussed?
"After the Cold War, the AK-47 became Russia's biggest export. After that came vodka, caviar, and suicidal novelists (and a couple good hockey players)."
by Bald Pollack on Dec 13, 2009 9:29 PM EST up reply actions
I sort of feel like I’m at a Caps game, what with all the random movie clips of people dancing.
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
by RedBirdie on Dec 13, 2009 9:03 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
All The Dude ever wanted was his cap space back.
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
by winterion on Dec 13, 2009 9:45 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
This calls for no pants.
Support your local bakery!
by bigonetimer on Dec 13, 2009 9:06 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Best News...
…I’ve heard in awhile.
Just wish my leg will heal up in time for the game on the 23rd…
Let's go Caps!
I celebrated this with a Ruination IPA. That’s how good this was.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Dec 13, 2009 9:28 PM EST reply actions
I like your style.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Dec 13, 2009 9:33 PM EST up reply actions
Fuck yeah!
I can finally pull the trigger on that #92 Griffins jersey
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
by jordanDC on Dec 13, 2009 9:29 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
ha ha ha! if it wasn’t so damn expensive, it would be the perfect gag gift for Mr. Bird. Last I saw, he was twitching in a corner….
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
You could always get him a Hossa Blackhawks T-Shirt.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Dec 13, 2009 9:35 PM EST up reply actions
his quite literal recurring nightmare is Nylander-to-Detroit. This is waaaaaaay too close for his liking. I’m laughing like a fool and loving every minute of it.
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
Hahaha, that’s an awesome present, then.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Dec 13, 2009 9:39 PM EST up reply actions
that sort of thing happens when 90% of your roster is on LTIR.
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
That’s a major depletion percentage. Except I didn’t think even Detroit had 90% of their guys on LTIR. I know they were hit hard in that department. Plus, their stars are getting older.
Rocking the Red since 1975
90% is clearly hyperbole. But they’ve been absolutely decimated by injuries. Franzen is out (and what I know of ACL reconstructions, he’s not going to be back to his 100% bad ass self until 2011), Cleary is out, Kronwall is out, Williams broke his leg, Lilja’s brain was still bleeding last I checked, Filppula broke his wrist, and on and on and on. Dats and Zetters both missed time. Yes, their stars are getting older, but to lose that many guys to LTIR in the same 2 month span is absolutely killer. if the Caps lost that many guys, particularly high-profile guys, to major injuries at one time, I’m be thrilled if they just managed to hang in there, like Detroit is doing.
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
and a lot of those guys are not just on IR, it’s LTIR. I don’t think Kronwall’s coming back in the next month or so. and didn’t Clearly just get hurt?
If anything, if their current trend of injury keeps up, I wouldn’t be completely surprised if Nylander got to play for the Wings.
yes, all the guys I mentioned are on LTIR. Kronwall sprained his knee (MCL, I think) at the end of November and is out 4 weeks, minimum. Clearly separated his shoulder in the past week. I’m pretty sure Brad May and Todd Bertuzzi are the only guys that haven’t had some sort of injury.
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
In honor of Nylander being assigned to Grand Rapids, here’s the following song by Billy Preston "Will it Go Round in Circles":
I’ve got a song, I ain’t got no melody
I’ma gonna sing it to my friends
I’ve got a song, I ain’t got no melody
I’ ma gonna sing it to my friends
Will it go round in circles
Will it fly high like a bird up in the sky
Will it go round in circles
Will it fly high like a bird up in the sky
I’ve got a story, ain’t got no moral
Let the bad guy win every once in a while
I’ve got a story, ain’t got no moral
Let the bad guy win every once in a while
Will it go round in circles
Will it fly high like a bird up in the sky
Will it go round in circles
Will it fly high like a bird up in the sky
I’ve got a dance, I ain’t got no steps, no
I’m gonna let the music move me around
I’ve got a dance, I ain’t got no steps
I’m gonna let the music move me around
Will it go round in circles
Will it fly high like a bird up in the sky
Will it go round in circles
Will it fly high like a bird up in the sky
[Instrumental Interlude]
Will it go round in circles
Will it fly high like a bird up in the sky
Will it go round in circles
Will it fly high like a bird up in the sky
I’ve got a song, I ain’t got no melody
I’ma gonna sing it to my friends
I’ve got a song, I ain’t got no melody
I’ ma gonna sing it to my friends
Will it go round in circles
Will it fly high like a bird up in the sky
Will it go round in circles
Will it fly high like a bird up in the sky
Rocking the Red since 1975
Couldn’t you have copied Ratt’s “Round and Round” instead? ;)
I lived with a blind guy for a while, then he figured it out and demanded back rent.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 13, 2009 9:45 PM EST up reply actions
Out on the streets, that’s where we’ll meet
You make the night, I always cross the line
Tightened our belts, abuse ourselves
Get in our way, we’ll put you on your shelf
Another day, some other way
We’re gonna go, but then we’ll see you again
I’ve had enough, we’ve had enough
Cold in vain, she said
I knew right from the beginning
That you would end up winnin’
I knew right from the start
You’d put an arrow through my heart
Round and round
With love we’ll find a way just give it time
Round and round
What comes around goes around
I’ll tell you why
Lookin’ at you, lookin’ at me
The way you move, you know it’s easy to see
The neon light’s on me tonight
I’ve got a way, we’re gonna prove it tonight
Like Romeo to Juliet
Time and time, I’m gonna make you mine
I’ve had enough, we’ve had enough
It’s all the same, she said
Yeah!
Out on the streets, that’s where we’ll meet
You make the night, I always cross the line
Tightened our belts, abuse ourselves
Get in our way, we’ll put you on your shelf
Round and round
With love we’ll find a way just give it time, time, time, time
Round and round
What comes around goes around
I’ll tell you why, why, why, why
Round and round
I lived with a blind guy for a while, then he figured it out and demanded back rent.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 13, 2009 9:53 PM EST up reply actions
Good post. (Now someone should post Joni Mitchell’s song about the circle game.)
Rocking the Red since 1975
Here it is: Joni Mitchell’s song “The Circle Game”:
Yesterday a child came out to wonder
Caught a dragonfly inside a jar
Fearful when the sky was full of thunder
And tearful at the falling of a star
Then the child moved ten times round the seasons
Skated over ten clear frozen streams
Words like when you’re older must appease him
And promises of someday make his dreams
And the seasons they go round and round
And the painted ponies go up and down
We’re captive on the carousel of time
We can’t return we can only look
Behind from where we came
And go round and round and round
In the circle game *
Sixteen springs and sixteen summers gone now
Cartwheels turn to car wheels thru the town
And they tell him take your time it won’t be long now
Till you drag your feet to slow the circles down
And the seasons they go round and round
And the painted ponies go up and down
We’re captive on the carousel of time
We can’t return we can only look
Behind from where we came
And go round and round and round
In the circle game
So the years spin by and now the boy is twenty
Though his dreams have lost some grandeur coming true
There’ll be new dreams maybe better dreams and plenty
Before the last revolving year is through
And the seasons they go round and round
And the painted ponies go up and down
We’re captive on the carousel of time
We can’t return we can only look
Behind from where we came
And go round and round and round
In the circle game
Rocking the Red since 1975
hey how about “Ring a Round the Rosie” ..err maybe not.
I lived with a blind guy for a while, then he figured it out and demanded back rent.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 13, 2009 10:04 PM EST up reply actions
turns around,,,yes you called?
I lived with a blind guy for a while, then he figured it out and demanded back rent.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 13, 2009 10:07 PM EST up reply actions
hehe could have been worse ;)
I lived with a blind guy for a while, then he figured it out and demanded back rent.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 13, 2009 10:20 PM EST up reply actions
hehe that was last night when i made aware to someone that they said “jizz on the backdoor” lol
I lived with a blind guy for a while, then he figured it out and demanded back rent.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 13, 2009 10:35 PM EST up reply actions
I’ll see your Billy Preston and raise you a Belinda Carlisle. The extended remix version, naturally.
Some things are forever.
ALEX, FЯEE
Those are pretty slick jerseys, actually. I like ’em!
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
by winterion on Dec 13, 2009 9:42 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Like sparkybelle said, here’s wishing 92 the best in GRG red, as long as it’s not against the Bears. Rough time of year to move, ESP. with family to worry about, but at least the cloud of uncertainty is gone and both sides can move on.
Also, how long before Zetts-Nyls-Datzy?
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
by winterion on Dec 13, 2009 9:41 PM EST via mobile reply actions
The Nylander family stayed in Sweden this year.
detroit would need to work out a trade of some sort for Zetts-Nyls-Dats to happen. I don’t know how many contracts they have on the books, or their cap situation off the top of my head. They have a lot of LTIR going on right now.
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
Has anyone gone to see if the Chief at Abel-to-Yzerman has an opinion? How ‘bout Kukla? (I think he’s a Wings guy…)
ALEX, FЯEE
So can the Caps stash him in HER next year if we can’t move him by then?
"And next year it will be ours."
Yes, they can stash him in Hershey or with the SC Stingrays. Or loan him to the Orensville Owls.
Rocking the Red since 1975
I’m pretty sure there’s a rule about not being able to stash NHL guys in the ECHL.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Dec 13, 2009 9:56 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, he’d have to consent to it AFAIK since it wouldn’t be spelled out in his contract as an option.
The Wash Post now says it’s official. And apparently his reassignment to Grand Rapids was the leading story on Comcast Sportsnight, even ahead of the Redskins’ victory today.
Rocking the Red since 1975
The team made their official announcement at 7:39 pm. Not that capital’s problem that the Post can’t drag themselves away from their weekly redskins orgasm to get something up in a timely manner.
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
Win-win.
I always liked Nylander, and am hugely relieved he’s found someplace else to play. Looking forward to some 27!
by redlineblue on Dec 13, 2009 10:23 PM EST up reply actions
Better than Nyls being in limbo all year, begin paid not to play.
I figure they’ll call Alzner up if Pothier goes on LTIR.
Next question. Why hasn’t Sloan played since the 2nd period of the Buffalo game? He didn’t even move to defense after Pothier went down that day. And did not play against Carolina or Toronto. Is he injured also?
Rocking the Red since 1975
Now that Nylander’s cap hit is gone for this year, the next order of business for the Caps is to sign up Backstrom and Semin.
(But we may still have a cap hit for Nyls for next year, depending on what they do with him then. Another loan to Grand Rapids for next year?)
Rocking the Red since 1975
Next year all we have to do is send him to Hershey.
by sixsevenfiftysix on Dec 13, 2009 10:47 PM EST up reply actions
Sure, but there isn’t really any pressure to do so. I mean, we’ll take that if we can get it, but we’re not going to sit around with that ugly contract on our cap when there’s an alternative.
by sixsevenfiftysix on Dec 13, 2009 11:14 PM EST up reply actions
Will Mike get a goodbye green arrow? A sayonara silver dash? Or, a previously unreleased icon?
Only JP knows for sure!
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
by winterion on Dec 13, 2009 10:43 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Say what you want, while he took his time, Nyls handled this whole situation with professionalism and without one ill word for the organization, when undoubtedly he could have uttered a lot.
I don’t even care who he plays against, I wish him the best of luck, because all he did was play fine until he got hurt.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
by Whiter Mage on Dec 13, 2009 10:43 PM EST reply actions 16 recs
This is the troof. I wish the guy luck.
by vt caps fan on Dec 13, 2009 10:50 PM EST up reply actions
Hold on a sec
Nyls didn’t nuke any bridges on his way out of town, and for this, he gets some credit. However, the NHL is a very small fraternity and any bad behavior on his part at this point in his career would essentially guarantee that he never gets another second of NHL ice time, and I’m sure that Nyls’ agent made him aware of that. I, for one, find it a sad commentary on the state of our society that someone gets congratulated simply for not behaving like a jackass, even when it’s in their own self-interest.
At the same time, the rumors floating around seem to suggest that Nyls waited around for deals that everyone except him realized were never going to materialize – thereby hamstringing the team for much of the season. Yes, it was his negotiated right, and he exercised it, but it’s not as though anyone was going to take his money away – they were simply trying to find a place for him to play.
As far as “playing well” prior to getting hurt – the guy was a team-worst -19 playing much of the 2007-8 on Ovechkin’s line. He played decently, but wasn’t worth what he was getting paid by any stretch.
"We’re still working on some things over in Europe, and we’ve been close in the last week or so. Some things get in the way, but we’re just trying to work that out, and hopefully it can be worked out soon."
by D'ohboy on Dec 13, 2009 11:11 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
When did he ever play with Ovechkin? On the PP, maybe? Ovie played with Kozlov and then Backstrom while Nyls was healthy.
He was Ovie’s center for the 1st half of Nicky’s rookie year (07-08). They played together quite a bit.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 13, 2009 11:18 PM EST up reply actions
He played with Backstrom most of the time. Until Bruce came in Nyls was our second line C with Backstrom as his LW. Kozlov was Ovie’s C for a good portion of Nyls’ healthy time here.
Who was 2C? I don’t remember Kozlov playing any C. And I certainly remember Nyls and Backs playing with AO towards the beginning.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 13, 2009 11:28 PM EST up reply actions
Lines were Ovechkin – Kozlov – Clark (I think)
Backstrom – Nylander – Pettinger or something weird like that.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
by Whiter Mage on Dec 13, 2009 11:31 PM EST up reply actions
I definitely don’t remember that, but whatever, I guess.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 13, 2009 11:32 PM EST up reply actions
They went back and forth for a bit, but you’re correct, Kozzy did spend a great deal of time as Ovie’s center. However, that often left Nyls playing with Backis and Semin – not to shabby.
Nyls still got TONS of PP time playing with very, very talented players.
"We’re still working on some things over in Europe, and we’ve been close in the last week or so. Some things get in the way, but we’re just trying to work that out, and hopefully it can be worked out soon."
http://japersrink.blogspot.com/2007/10/tuesday-roundup_23.html
Ovechkin – Kozlov – Clark
Backstrom – Nylander – Semin
Pettinger – Steckel – Gordon
Brashear – Laich – Motzko
Fleischmann – Sutherby – Bradley
And, yeah, he got tons of PP time.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
by Whiter Mage on Dec 13, 2009 11:36 PM EST up reply actions
Nah. There were a lot of things, I mean, we could say he wasn’t used well either.
In any case, he could have been a jackass about this (I mean, see Heatley?), but he wasn’t and he didn’t do or say anything that could even be misconstrued as being bad. And for that, I think, shows quite a bit of professionalism.
Anyhow, I do wish him the best of luck – the guy was clearly a good player before he came here, and he is clearly an NHL-caliber player, so, best of luck Nyls :)
I don’t wish him ill or anything, but I also don’t think he gets a cookie for being less of a jerk than Heatley – that’s a pretty low bar to clear.
As I recall, he actually did make some somewhat negative comments, but since those comments were in a publication like Aftonbladet (as opposed to The Hockey News or the Post), and since offseason hockey gets less press coverage than semi-pro basketweaving, nobody paid much attention.
"We’re still working on some things over in Europe, and we’ve been close in the last week or so. Some things get in the way, but we’re just trying to work that out, and hopefully it can be worked out soon."
Link
Here.
Tell me if he says this in Toronto, it doesn’t blow up into a shitstorm.
"We’re still working on some things over in Europe, and we’ve been close in the last week or so. Some things get in the way, but we’re just trying to work that out, and hopefully it can be worked out soon."
I don’t see what he said that is so awful. He said the coach told him he wasn’t good neough. That’s all I really got out of it.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
by Whiter Mage on Dec 13, 2009 11:41 PM EST up reply actions
I also don’t think what he said was that bad, but if ESPN had four talking heads screaming at each other over what he said and what it meant, it would probably look a lot different.
To put it in perspective, Heatley said nothing public during his trade fracas (link here).
True, he demanded a trade, but he did that through his agents in private. The difference in coverage is in no small part down to the relative talent level of the two players and the relative levels of attention paid to hockey in two different markets.
"We’re still working on some things over in Europe, and we’ve been close in the last week or so. Some things get in the way, but we’re just trying to work that out, and hopefully it can be worked out soon."
He may have been a -19, but he wasn’t with Ovechkin. He also averaged just shy of a point per game before his shoulder injury, and was cleared to return to action a day after we lost to the Flyers.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
by Whiter Mage on Dec 13, 2009 11:30 PM EST up reply actions
No
Freakin’ Way!? This is some kind of cruel joke right? Things aren’t over with Circles’s habit of circling even when he’s at the airport and about to depart DC. Suddenly my week, despite Saturday night’s disturbing letdown, is looking full of holiday cheer much earlier than usual!
"wanna go, pretty boy?" -Mr. Carl Racki
by UnleashFurry on Dec 13, 2009 11:31 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Someone wake me up … soon, please. Apologies for the “Doubting-Thomasian” nature of my posts right now …
"wanna go, pretty boy?" -Mr. Carl Racki
by UnleashFurry on Dec 13, 2009 11:35 PM EST via mobile reply actions
I figure he’s waiting until Stockholm has a KHL team, which will be in 2010. And, that’s when he’ll join the KHL. I wish him luck, and I do appreciate that he’s been closed mouthed during this awkward period. As Tarik said earlier, he’s a pretty fastidious guy, and he checks stuff out and tries to see how things will work for him. Don’t blame him in the least. Bonne chance, Monsieur Nylander.
If anyone's confused on why Bruce and Nylander Clashed...
Check out my Dry Erase Board Examples. I promise you’ll enjoy it.
But George, why did you give him a no-trade clause? Can you or someone in the organization please explain that?
Well, GMGM didn’t. He put in a no movement clause in the contract though. I think he did it because Nylander wanted it to come over to the Caps. I don’t think he just said, “oh hai, let’s just throw that in there for fun”
Hockey players aren't like other people. Witt after being hit by a car:
I’m okay. No big deal...I’ve got to go play some hockey. I’m a hockey player.
This
Let’s remember the context of Nyles’ contract. The team was not good at all the years before he signed. GMGM was looking for a veteran forward with scoring and passing skills to play in the top 2 lines. He, i’m sure, tried to get the best player available. Nyles had some very good years in NY before he got here IIRC. I don’t recall loads of talent beating down the door to be a Cap at that time. That is most likely why Nyles got the NMC and the money.
If you don't wanna get hit, KEEP YOUR HEAD UP!
also good to keep in mind: nylander’s deal was a steal compared to the other free agent C’s that summer. namely drury and gomez. thanking our lucky stars GMGM didn’t try to outbid the rangers on either of those players.
by Natty Bumppo on Dec 14, 2009 1:20 AM EST up reply actions
Agreed on both points.
I’m fairly sure though that the Caps were on Drury and Gomez’ “do not call” list. Therefore, it would have to have been an offer that knocked their socks off.
It was a time when few if any top flight NHL’ers wanted to come here.
Thank goodness GMGM didn’t do it
If you don't wanna get hit, KEEP YOUR HEAD UP!
And now everyone wants to play with AO
how the times change, for the much better
They laughed at Columbus, they laughed at Fulton, they laughed at the Wright brothers. But they also laughed at Bozo the Clown.
Hopefully Nyls (and his cap hit) will stay there next year too so we’ll have plenty of room to resign Sasha and Lars.
Resign Semin so I don't have to buy yet another new jersey.
If he’s not in Grand Rapids, he’s either loaned to the KHL or stashed in Hershey.
This is of course assuming nobody trades for him.
Now drink with me deeply of the bourbon, scotch, and rye until such time as we are fighting drunk.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Dec 14, 2009 12:11 AM EST up reply actions
Exactly. His NMC expires, so next year is not of concern to anyone.
by sixsevenfiftysix on Dec 14, 2009 12:16 AM EST up reply actions
Hooray Cap Space!
While this is great great news for a team stuggling to feild its players, I highly doubt mcphee is looking to go out and get a free agent before deadline. Especially with so many player’s contracts running out this year. If we keep him Sasha will want more than his already 4 million, and backstrom is still on his entry level contract so that’s going to be a huge hit to keep one of the top 10 centers in the league.
According to NHLnumbers.com Semin(4.6mil), Backstrom(2.4mil), Fehr(.750), Gordon(.750), Flash(.750), Shultz(.750) are all RFA’s after this year. All guys looking for more money especially with many posting career numbers on a winning team. Then there’s the UFA’s BMo(1.5mil), Steckel(.750), Laing(.500), Pothier(2.5mil), Mo(2mill), Juice(1.4mil), and lastly Theodore(4.5mil)
How many of those are going to be kept or released and how do you fill the rest of the roster. A trying year for management ahead with an estimated 10million against cap in RFA’s and another 13+ million in UFA’s. Looking at guys similiar to Backstrom, who finished 10th last year in points, ppg’s, 3rd in assists, he’s going to move up Big time. Guys posting number similiar to Backy range from 5mil to 7mil cap hits.
People are stupid, hockey fans even more so; a person is smart, a single hockey fan can be smart.
the glut of contracts and the need for cap room next summer are both good reasons TO MAKE a trade, IMO. bring in a high-priced rental who’s hit expires at the end of the season. ship out one or two of those D, and whatever else it takes.
by Natty Bumppo on Dec 14, 2009 5:01 PM EST up reply actions
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Washington
|
82 | 54 | 15 | 13 | 121 |
|
Atlanta
|
82 | 35 | 34 | 13 | 83 |
|
Carolina
|
82 | 35 | 37 | 10 | 80 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
82 | 34 | 36 | 12 | 80 |
|
Florida
|
82 | 32 | 37 | 13 | 77 |
(updated 4.12.2010 at 9:21 AM EDT)
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