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"Forward Mike Knuble is heading to his fifth NHL team.

The 36-year-old has signed an two-year contract with the Washington Capitals worth $2.8 million a season.

The 6-3, 230 pound forward has played for the Detroit Red Wings, New York Rangers, Boston Bruins and the Flyers."

7 months ago Witt_tiny David M. Getz 135 comments 0 recs  | 

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\O/

Now that makes me feel much better, if only because it should stop some of the kvetching.

"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri

by gotsparkly on Jul 1, 2009 2:59 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

George McPhee, the stealth bomber.

by b.orr4 on Jul 1, 2009 3:01 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

$2.8 per or $2.8 total?

by CVDTerp on Jul 1, 2009 3:01 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Thanks...

Got confused from the other thread.

by CVDTerp on Jul 1, 2009 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

So did I ;-)

by David M. Getz on Jul 1, 2009 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Kozlov + .3 million. I love this signing!

by Killer_Carlson on Jul 1, 2009 3:02 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

This was the only FA that was an obvious fit for the Caps plans. I’m glad GMGM didn’t waste any time and went out and locked him in to a reasonable deal.

by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 1, 2009 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions   1 recs

A little pricey but not insaneterms – gives us some added PP presence and cojones in front of the net. Nicely done , GMGM.

by S h a g g y on Jul 1, 2009 3:03 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

You don’t often get a 25+ goal scorer for under $3M. I tthink this is a very reasonable and well-placed deal. GMGM really does know what he’s doing.

"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri

by gotsparkly on Jul 1, 2009 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

You do when he’s going to turn 38 and he’s not really better than a second liner on most teams. Too much money for this deal.

I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.

by Whiter Mage on Jul 1, 2009 6:39 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

How would you have preferred the cap space be spent?

by David M. Getz on Jul 1, 2009 8:53 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

37 actually, but my only concern is his age insomuch that it’s dicer coming back from injuries when you are that old and you are more injury prone. (yeah, yeah, iron man for the last two years, but that doesn’t stop my worries.)

terms of the deal seemed fair market value.

Russian Machine Never Breaks

by macvechkin on Jul 1, 2009 9:43 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Definitely more money than I thought it would take, but Knuble was the one reasonable UFA out there that seemed to fit all our needs.

Now if we can find a second-line center and offload one of our ugly cap-eater contracts (Nylander or Theo) that’d be stupendous. We can keep the powder dry for a deadline deal for further defensive help depending on how the young kids develop this year.

by Tromni on Jul 1, 2009 3:05 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

HAIL TO THE VICTORS! Loved this guy since he played for UM. I can’t wait to see him go to the net.

by zambonirider on Jul 1, 2009 3:07 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Knuble has been healthy for the last two years as well.

by SA-Town on Jul 1, 2009 3:07 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Semin – Backstrom – Knuble

Ovie – Green

Ohhhhhh that is a nice #1 power play

by SA-Town on Jul 1, 2009 3:08 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

that’s a pretty terrifying PP if you are any other team.

And its not like last year’s with Feds was anything to sneeze at, either.

by RedBirdie on Jul 1, 2009 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think the Caps just shot their wad and this means Laich at 2C. Still, all things considered a very solid UFA signing.

by CaliCapsFan on Jul 1, 2009 3:09 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I would agree – unless the team moves Theo to Edmonton.

by David M. Getz on Jul 1, 2009 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I dunno if I like that one unless Johnny really is totally healthy and has not already signed elsewhere.

by CaliCapsFan on Jul 1, 2009 3:12 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

With Neuvirth developing quickly in Hershey, I’d rather take my chances with Johnson than a grumpy and mechanics-poor Theo as a mentor to Varly.

Rumors are that Edmonton is also looking at Josh Harding (RFA) and Scott Clemmensen as well as talking to the Caps about Theo.

by Forsch31 on Jul 1, 2009 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Agreed. I just think that having Theo stay is ok. Not ideal, but ok. Having Varly and Neuvy w/o a veteran is absolutely not ok. I don’t know how long Johnson will wait around for Theo to be traded before signing elsewhere.

by CaliCapsFan on Jul 1, 2009 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Knuble on the roster makes Laich a much better 2C

by Gould Old Days on Jul 1, 2009 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

how so? do you see Knuble on the second line?

by CaliCapsFan on Jul 1, 2009 3:36 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I see better players for Brooks to play with. It eases some of the pressure.

by Gould Old Days on Jul 1, 2009 6:33 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I hope to god Knuble is the second line. I like Ovechkin-Backstrom-Semin and Laich-Nylander-Knuble. TOTALLY different dynamic between lines.

I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.

by Whiter Mage on Jul 1, 2009 6:40 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

you know, I’d like to see if Knuble can get some value out of Nylander. If that happens, it’ll be a frikkin’ miracle.

by Gould Old Days on Jul 1, 2009 6:41 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

different dynamic – yes. one of those lines would score and the other would probably suck.

Russian Machine Never Breaks

by macvechkin on Jul 1, 2009 9:44 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think it means that Nyls is the 2C.

by Sct112 on Jul 1, 2009 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Oh, Nyls will get his shot. But I doubt he’ll be the 2C by the end of the year

by Gould Old Days on Jul 1, 2009 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Like I said, I think our top two lines become:

Ovi-Backstrom-Knuble
Laich-Nylander-Semin

Putting Laich on the wing gives each of these lines a net-crasher, and as SA-Town said, Ovi, Backstrom, Semin, Knuble, and Green is a sick, sick power play.

"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri

by gotsparkly on Jul 1, 2009 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

superb signing, maximum possible upgrade at the same payscale.

Now, make a trade and get us a bad ass pivot and we are set.

from the house that Red Jesus built

by bigonetimer on Jul 1, 2009 3:10 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Assuming we can fill the C position, I like this pick up. We guessed we were going to lose Brash, so this is a nice physical presence in the RW that will park himself infront of the net.

Agree with SA-Town… wicked PP.

by DarkHorseCards on Jul 1, 2009 3:10 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Have to rec that :)

by Sct112 on Jul 1, 2009 3:43 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Popular move

I saw this signing being announced on TSN. Everybody loved the move. Pang, McGuire and Jay Meester were oohing and ahhing at this signing.

Let’s hope Boudreau can teach the the PP to put the puck into the middle of the ice as opposed to the perimeter.

Now let’s get Theo shipped to Deadmonton and we are set.

by CleartheTrackherecomesShack on Jul 1, 2009 3:12 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I’m not so sure on that one. Can Johnny take enough starts to keep Varlamov fresh and sharp for the playoffs? I know Neuvirth is close, but I hesitate there, I think we need Theodore for another year, like it or not.

"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri

by gotsparkly on Jul 1, 2009 3:38 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

It’s all conditional. If they use that space to pick up a quality player (say Marleau, for the sake of discussion), I do it in a heartbeat because what Marleau adds to the team is worth a lot more than the drop off between Theo and Johnny.

by David M. Getz on Jul 1, 2009 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

It’d have to be a pretty good player to take that kind of risk in goal, IMO. I guess we’ll see, but it leaves me edgy.

"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri

by gotsparkly on Jul 1, 2009 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Didn’t we learn last year that we aren’t winning in the playoffs with Theodore? I don’t see any risk in this at all. Let Johnson, Varly and Neuvy rotate or sign an inexpensive goalie as insurance. Theodore should be moved if the opportunity arises – no question. IMO anyway.

Russian Machine Never Breaks

by macvechkin on Jul 1, 2009 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I’m talking regular season — I don’t like the idea of Varly going down in the regular season or losing all confidence because he’s overworked. We know he’s got those issues.

"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri

by gotsparkly on Jul 1, 2009 3:46 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Isn’t that what resigning Johnny would be for???

by wittcap79 on Jul 1, 2009 3:50 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Johnny’s got as many injury issues as Varly does and hasn’t had more than 30 starts in years.

"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri

by gotsparkly on Jul 1, 2009 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ideally: Varly and BJ split 40 games in the regular season, Neuvy plays 60 games in Hershey.

Or Varly/BJ/some random goalie for $1.5 per season cover the regular season (to keep Neuvy’s workload in Hershey).

This much I know, the regular season ain’t shit. If we qualify 8th, I don’t care, as long as we are in full gear by April. We’ve lost two game 7’s at home in the last two seasons. The Pens just won two road game 7’s to win the Cup. 1st, 4th, 8th…just so long as we are healthy and ready when the playoffs start.

Russian Machine Never Breaks

by macvechkin on Jul 1, 2009 3:51 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

See what DMG said. I hesitate on moving Theo for those reasons. It better be good to take that risk.

"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri

by gotsparkly on Jul 1, 2009 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Veteran goalies come out of nowhere and play near Theodore level all the time. You cold get Gerber/Fernandez/Biron on a 1 year deal and gain cap space for the trade deadline. Not sure if those 3 in particular are available, but just using them as an example.

Russian Machine Never Breaks

by macvechkin on Jul 1, 2009 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

If that’s the case, why would anyone trade for Theodore rather than sign one of those guys?

by David M. Getz on Jul 1, 2009 3:58 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Therein lies the rub. I was just saying if the opportunity arises. I mean, why would Montreal take on the Gomez contract. :-)

Russian Machine Never Breaks

by macvechkin on Jul 1, 2009 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Throw in the fact that Johnson’s got injury issues and Neuvirth might not be NHL ready yet and you have to know you’re getting something valuable with that extra cap space you gain by moving Theo.

by David M. Getz on Jul 1, 2009 3:51 PM EDT up reply actions   1 recs

This, exactly, said better than I did. Rec’d.

"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri

by gotsparkly on Jul 1, 2009 3:52 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Meh. If he’s healthy Johnny is likely a more consistent and downright better goaltender than Theodore. Even if he can’t play 40+ games, the extras can be made up by Neuvirth (he needs to get some spot duty anyways).

I’m not averse to keeping Theo obviously, because as you say there is risk involved. But if the team trusts that Johnny is healthy (and they’d probably have to to make a move such as this) I think you need to take the chance if it’s given to you and shed the salary, use it to better the team either now or at the deadline.

by brs03 on Jul 1, 2009 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Why would they trust that he’s healthy? Given past performance ….

"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri

by gotsparkly on Jul 1, 2009 4:32 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I hope you never run into Gaborik’s agent. He would not appreciate such sentiment.

by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 1, 2009 5:21 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Because he’s had something repaired that was injured for 5 years. If that was the cause of all his troubles, and it’s been repaired…

It’ll all moot anyways, there’s nobody left to take Theo.

by brs03 on Jul 1, 2009 5:43 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I’m loving how much this is freaking out philly fans.

Bricks are being Sh*t.

"And next year it will be ours."

by Ovechwin on Jul 1, 2009 3:16 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I’ve lurked a few boards and the majority says it was a great move.

"And next year it will be ours."

by Ovechwin on Jul 1, 2009 3:38 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Now that is a vote of confidence.

"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri

by gotsparkly on Jul 1, 2009 3:44 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Eh, I’m just getting a kick out of the other team’s reactions.

"And next year it will be ours."

by Ovechwin on Jul 1, 2009 3:46 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Not a horrendous loss, but not a good one either.

by Ben Rothenberg on Jul 1, 2009 7:01 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Eh, some among you act like it’s the end of the world, when really that was June 12 last month.

"And next year it will be ours."

by Ovechwin on Jul 1, 2009 10:27 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Only thing is his body is getting a bit off-warranty for pro-athletes, but definitely the kind of player the Caps need at a price they can live with

by Icebat on Jul 1, 2009 3:16 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Any time you 35+ is it a rink, but he has been healthy the last 2 years. That’s always a plus.

by SA-Town on Jul 1, 2009 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I’ll whisper very quietly that Feds was a shockingly healthy guy, right up until that high ankle sprain last year……

by RedBirdie on Jul 1, 2009 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

excellent! Great move GMGM!

NOW, can the CIA accost Circles and give him a magical serum that is undetectable where he will say yes to a trade to any team we can work a deal with? :)

not that there would be any interested, lol

Promote the game, it's the NHL, not SCHL

by kurlNdrag on Jul 1, 2009 3:21 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Chris Chelios is interest in Washington, and said he will take Rib-Eye Steak as payment.

by SA-Town on Jul 1, 2009 3:24 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

will he take a fruit basket?

by RedBirdie on Jul 1, 2009 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's official

Signed, sealed and delivered according to Vogel! Very nice.

by b.orr4 on Jul 1, 2009 3:24 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I DON'T love this

I don’t necessarily hate it, either, but this guy turns 37 in 3 days. I would have been content to roll with what we had, explored trades, or picked up cheap pending UFAs at the deadline.

Russian Machine Never Breaks

by macvechkin on Jul 1, 2009 3:30 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

This is the type of grit we need come playoff time. I love it.

by SA-Town on Jul 1, 2009 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

It’s pretty easy to add grit at the trade deadline, if you have a little money to spend.

Russian Machine Never Breaks

by macvechkin on Jul 1, 2009 3:36 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Not top six grit

by David M. Getz on Jul 1, 2009 3:36 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Unless you are the Penguins, looking for Guerin, who’s on the Islanders.Then you get top 3, get yourself a Cup grit :)

by Sct112 on Jul 1, 2009 3:38 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

THANKS.

for that reminder. ugh.

Russian Machine Never Breaks

by macvechkin on Jul 1, 2009 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Money, first round picks, and high end prospects. Salary may be cheap at the deadline, but the total cost damn sure is not.

by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 1, 2009 4:18 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

We’re not talking Pronger here, we’re talking a Knuble/Guerin type. And for comparison sake, that was a whopping 5th round pick. Granted, you can’t always be the ones fleecing the Isles…

Russian Machine Never Breaks

by macvechkin on Jul 1, 2009 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Third round pick

by David M. Getz on Jul 1, 2009 4:56 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

third round pick only because they won the Cup, i believe. anyone here object to swapping a 3rd round pick for a Cup?

Russian Machine Never Breaks

by macvechkin on Jul 1, 2009 9:46 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

self-correction: 4th round because they made the playoffs and 3rd round because they won a round and he played in 50%+ of the playoff games.

Russian Machine Never Breaks

by macvechkin on Jul 1, 2009 11:05 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Guerin is the one everyone points to but almost every other deadline deal you can think of ends up being overpaid. Morris was terrible. Carcillo was terrible. Obviously Zhitnik for Coburn goes down in history. Tkachuk has been sold for too much.

by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 1, 2009 5:04 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

It’s always an overpayment if you don’t win.

by gfcaps fan on Jul 1, 2009 6:26 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Not true. Ruth for Fedorov was not overpayment. Neither was Huet for the 2nd. Neither was the deal for Cooke.

by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 1, 2009 8:12 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Not technically. I guess it depends on your definition of “win” when you make the deal. If you’re just looking to make the playoffs, the threshold is lower. If you’re expecting to win the Cup and you don’t, maybe you traded away something useful in the future (prospect or draft pick).

by gfcaps fan on Jul 1, 2009 10:28 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Did you love Feds at 1 year, 4+?

by Sct112 on Jul 1, 2009 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

For about 2 months. :-) Thus my trepidation.

Russian Machine Never Breaks

by macvechkin on Jul 1, 2009 3:38 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Right man at the right price

McPhee is a lying liar who lies. And I’m thrilled about it.

by Gould Old Days on Jul 1, 2009 3:34 PM EDT reply actions   1 recs

How dare you call him a fibber ;)

by Sct112 on Jul 1, 2009 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Try to imagine him in that celebrity poker tournament…

by CapitalCentre on Jul 1, 2009 3:38 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't think he lied.

He said that if something came along that made sense for the Caps, he’d definitely be interested. He saw something that made sense that fit within the Caps’ budget, and he jumped, pretty fast.

I just hope this shuts the bashers up.

"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri

by gotsparkly on Jul 1, 2009 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

This “did he lie? or dissemble? or mislead? or play poker?” conversation is a conversation that would only take place in DC. What is the definition of is?

by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 1, 2009 4:20 PM EDT up reply actions   2 recs

Would only take place here? In this town, it’s normal conversation.

by gfcaps fan on Jul 1, 2009 4:32 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

bold. i like it.

by Natty Bumppo on Jul 1, 2009 5:41 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hah!

I always hated that guy…Now he’ll be my best friend if he can put up another 25+…

Now Brash can make up with Betts for that hit…

"You will remember the night you were struck by the sight of [18] thousand fists in the air" -Disturbed

by snowburnt on Jul 1, 2009 4:14 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I don’t think they were going to be keeping Betts actually, regardless of this signing.

by brs03 on Jul 1, 2009 4:22 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I am excited about this, and it is a bit encouraging that the team and the geniuses here at the Rink identified the same guy as the need for pretty much the same price. Big upgrade over Kozlov.

by grapejoos on Jul 1, 2009 4:27 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Per TSN, Edmonton signed Khabi, so looks like we’re stuck with Theo.

Also, Cole got basically the same deal as Knuble to re-up in Carolina (+$200k/year). I’m still pleased but surprised he didn’t get more.

by grapejoos on Jul 1, 2009 4:31 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Not a bad move for Edmonton – I think they got an upgrade in goal out of Khabi.

"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri

by gotsparkly on Jul 1, 2009 4:34 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

What were the terms?

"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri

by gotsparkly on Jul 1, 2009 4:34 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

$15m over 4 years.

by grapejoos on Jul 1, 2009 4:42 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Oh man. That’s a STEAL.

"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri

by gotsparkly on Jul 1, 2009 5:04 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

but he’s so old!

www.wiseadvertising.com

Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.

by Sombrero Guy on Jul 1, 2009 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Except that he is 36. If he gets hurt at any time during the 4 YEARS then the cap hit stays on the EDM books.

by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 1, 2009 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Oh, I thought he was younger than that. Fair enough. But still, I think that’s a good signing for them.

"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri

by gotsparkly on Jul 1, 2009 5:07 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

We’ll only know if it’s good in retrospect. If he stays healthy then yeah, the dollar value is good. But if his body breaks down they are going to have a tough time resigning all the young talent they have in their system over the next few years.

by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 1, 2009 5:11 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

And, if I understand correctly, even if he retires it stays on their cap or something.

It’s a risky deal for EDM, but definitely the best goalie available. I would think Chicago would have been happy to pay Khabi that if not for their intrepid Huet signing.

by grapejoos on Jul 1, 2009 5:18 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah that’s what I was getting at. If he blows a hip and has to retire EDM gets no cap relief.

by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 1, 2009 5:19 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Think? It was a huge upgrade.

by zephyr on Jul 1, 2009 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wow – Erik Cole re-signed for 2.9 million for 2 seasons. Worth more than Knuble? I know he’s younger, but more injury-prone.

by Stephen Pepper on Jul 1, 2009 4:42 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

My gut reaction was that Cole should have gotten more, but I can’t help but see the guy before injuries took their toll when I look at him. Plus, he has Luc Robataille syndrome (only good with one team), so he was probably smart to perhaps take less and stay in Carolina.

by grapejoos on Jul 1, 2009 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

The thing is, I don’t know how much demand there was for him given that he’s got the rep of not being able to play outside Carolina

by David M. Getz on Jul 1, 2009 4:56 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

And the injuries and he’s coming off a woeful playoffs.

by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 1, 2009 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

From Corey’s Twitter, re Knuble:

GMGM: “Our scouting staff was unanimous – he was the guy we wanted.”

by cuqui on Jul 1, 2009 4:46 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

rec’amundo

by ns on Jul 1, 2009 4:56 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Agreed on the rec. The dumb, silly, rhetorical question — does that mean you all are terrific scouts, or he just responded to fan demands?

by gfcaps fan on Jul 1, 2009 6:28 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

There are folks on F Street who read the Rink, but I don’t think McPhee is one of them. I don’t think he cares one whit what we think.

by Gould Old Days on Jul 1, 2009 6:39 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Oh, and that too has me thrilled. He’s more experienced than us and he has access to better information than we have. Very dangerous when a GM starts listening to fans cough cough Gainey cough

by Gould Old Days on Jul 1, 2009 6:40 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

If he was listening to fans it would have been another giant salary he picked up… not Gomez.

by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 1, 2009 8:13 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

You did catch that I wasn’t expecting anyone to take that seriously, right?

by gfcaps fan on Jul 1, 2009 10:24 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, I was responding to the Gainey thing. Gainey isn’t even listening to the fans. I am completely perplexed as to what he’s thinking. Gomez, Gionta, and Cammalleri is the solution to size down the middle?

by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 1, 2009 10:39 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ah. It’s late, I missed the shift in the thread. Also, I think my head started spinning when I tried to catch up on the late day signings. Someone’s going to analyze if we need to worry about the competition, right? I’m just hoping that teams that made a lot of signings end up with a conglomeration of good players who can’t get it done as a team.

by gfcaps fan on Jul 1, 2009 10:57 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Try The Peerless for analysis of how these moves affect the Caps.

Here’s my take. Tampa got a little better, but I don’t think it’s enough to pass both Florida and Carolina (much less DC). Florida got worse, but picked up some parts that will help them. Carolina didn’t get any better, and Atlanta ain’t a threat. The Atlantic and Northeast teams we care about are basically treading water for next year and some of them are selling out their futures just to accomplish that.

In the west, Detroit and San Jose aren’t any better or much worse (even with Hossa moving). Calgary got better — they’re a serious contender now with Iginla, Kipper, Bouwmeester, etc. More importantly, Keenan’s been replaced by more effective coaching. Chicago sold out some of their future to get better on paper now — but I don’t think today’s moves will actually help them much for next year and it’ll really hurt them after. Vancouver and Anaheim did what they needed to remain contenders. I don’t think anyone else in the west did enough to become a contender.

by Gould Old Days on Jul 2, 2009 12:05 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

PHI, MON and PIT all have a little bit of work to do so there is no point evaluating them now. It’s too soon to tell what the landscape is going to be like in October. I think Chicago got better (mostly because of the Madden signing, Hossa wasn’t a huge upgrade over Havlat), but again even in the West there is a lot of work to be done.

by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 2, 2009 2:42 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well, I don’t think we’re done yet either. I think our next step is to evaluate what’s down in Hershey (development camp) and to se who accepts their QO’s out of the RFA’s we qualified. I’m guessing most of them will, but we’ll see.

"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri

by gotsparkly on Jul 2, 2009 5:41 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Agreed. Most of the contenders have work left to do so we have to wait to see how it shakes out.

by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 2, 2009 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Excellent reference point; my headache has subsided now. :-) Thanks.

by gfcaps fan on Jul 2, 2009 7:25 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

so based on capgeek.com projections, giving our RFA’s a qualifying raise, and leavin off Mo, it looks like we’ll have about 1.5 million in cap room, give or take

www.wiseadvertising.com

Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.

by Sombrero Guy on Jul 1, 2009 5:04 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Leave it, IMO. That gives us injury call-up room and possibly room to wiggle at the deadline depending on fortunes.

"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri

by gotsparkly on Jul 1, 2009 5:06 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Just saw that Jared Bednar, coach of the ECHL champion South Carolina Sting Rays, accepted an assistant coaching position for the CGY AHL team. Guess he won’t be promoted to Hershey.

by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 1, 2009 5:15 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I think the Hershey job is Mark French’s to lose. But I’d have liked to have seen the club keep Bednar in the fold, maybe as an assistant in Hershey instead. Seems like a good guy and you can’t argue with the success.

by Gould Old Days on Jul 1, 2009 6:42 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

36 years old and accolades for GMGM. I’m not so sure. We shall see.

uhh...uhh...uhh...

by hotdog88gt on Jul 1, 2009 6:42 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

It’s the right amount of risk — 2.8 Million over 2 years. If he falls apart, the team isn’t totally hosed.

by Gould Old Days on Jul 1, 2009 6:43 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Who's the 2C ???
I think the Caps just shot their wad and this means Laich at 2C. Still, all things considered a very solid UFA signing.

by CaliCapsFan.

I think it means that Nyls is the 2C.

by Sct112.

The verdict…..according to this report by Yahoo! and quoting GMGM….

“With Washington creeping close to this season’s $56.8 million salary cap as a result of Knuble’s signing, McPhee said Knuble represented the team’s biggest offseason move and that the Capitals were comfortable going into the season with Brooks Laich(notes) as the second-line center instead of trading for an established pivot.”

Source

Laich is our man for the opening season drop…..

I love the Knuble signing. Brings toughness we need and a scoring touch. Almost like a Dale Hunter I think….

by RedskinFan4Life on Jul 1, 2009 7:37 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

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