Nine Names, Nine No Thank Yous
by J.P. on Jul 3, 2009 10:32 PM EDT
54 comments
On the eve of the madness that was (and continues to be) NHL free agency 2009, we asked you what the Caps' greatest roster need was. Forty-seven percent of you answered "second-line center."
That need still exists as much as it did three days ago, and Caps bench boss Bruce Boudreau seemed to acknowledge as much this afternoon:
I asked Boudreau whether he felt Brooks Laich could fill the role of second-line center. To my surprise, he sidestepped the issue.
"I think we have a good team, even if there are no more moves," Boudreau said. "I don't know if Brooks would be the second-line center, but we've got July and August before we have to finalize it. I'm not worried about it."
So if not Brooks, then who?"I don't know yet," he said. "I can move people around a lot. But we've got two months to fill that position. If we find somebody [outside of the Caps] who is the right fit, great. If not, we'll go with what we have."
Sounds to me Boudreau is still hopeful that GM George McPhee will find a way to add another center, perhaps through a trade. - Capitals Insider
Barring a trade (or walking away from arbitration decisions), the Caps don't have much room left under the salary ceiling, so the free agent route is likely a non-starter here. But, for purely informational purposes, here (per the NYT's SlapShot blog) are the top nine uncommitted free agent centers still available, with their ages, 2008-09 teams, and 2008-09 salaries:
- Saku Koivu, 34, Mtl, $4.75m
- Mike Comrie, 28, Ott, $4m
- Robert Lang, 38, Mtl, $4m
- Brendan Morrison, 33, Dal, $2.75m
- Todd Marchant, 35, Ana, $2.66m
- Mike Sillinger, 38, NYI, $2.3m
- Jason Williams, 28, Clm, $2.2m
- Rob Niedermayer, 34, Ana, $2m
- Derek Armstrong, 36, LA $1.6m
One interesting name on that list is Morrison's. Mo (can we call him that?) is coming off the worst season of his NHL career and is (and plays) small, but he's going to be cheap, is finally healthy again, and was a teammate of Mike Knuble's for two years at Michigan and then again during the lockout.
Hey, I said "interesting," not "desirable."
Time to get tradin', GMGM.
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Agreed- I was glad to see someone (sort of) acknowledge that Laich at 2C will not work for what we truly need.
Marleau and Savard for me, are still the best options ( as unlikely as they might)
For some reason I really like Comrie. He’s coming off a pretty bad season but I think he’s capable of playing at a much higher level then he has in recent seasons. Put him with a guy like Semin, who knows. I wouldn’t cry if we signed him for 2 years at 2.5.
Or maybe it’s just the thought of seeing Hillary Duff at the phone booth 41 times a year that makes me like Comrie.
" 60 percent of the time...it works everytime"
by shwedy on Jul 3, 2009 10:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Comrie has 31 goals, 45 assists, 119 PIMs and a -36 rating over the past two seasons. Those are atrocious numbers (granted, his teams have been awful, but still). He’s exactly what this team doesn’t need, imo (though, in keeping with the sub-theme of this post, he’s another UofM guy).
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by J.P. on Jul 3, 2009 10:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Even though he played the majority of that time for NYI his point production is very similar to Fed’s 22g-52a- (-1)-88 PIMS. The MAJOR difference of course being Plus/Minus…but again- Islanders.
The concern for him would be the high PIMs since we already have problems with that. Also, does he not play well in his own end or is his Plus/Minus a product of being on the Islanders?
In the end I would still take him ( at the right price and term) over Laich at 2C.
But agreed, let’s hope GMGM can pull off something.
" 60 percent of the time...it works everytime"
by shwedy on Jul 3, 2009 11:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Comrie’s not a “character guy” from all accounts I can seem to remember. He sounds like a primadonna that wouldn’t necessarily fit-in with the locker room. But we all also know AO, he’ll find some way to bring him in (seriously, how can AO not be the next captain?). I like Morrison personally, mostly because I remember the numbers he used to put up with Bertuzzi and Naslund in Vancouver, but I know that that was a long time ago.
Koivu’s my unlikely #2 from that list, but I fear that contract, and Niedermayer’s my #3.
We desperately need Bourque or Perrault to earn their spots this training camp.
by DrinkingPartner on Jul 4, 2009 12:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bourque isn’t a center, but I’d like to see him make the team and contribute.
by Gould Old Days on Jul 4, 2009 1:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, from what I know of watching how the Capitals work and from watching Comrie with the Islanders, I just would not go there. Style-wise, I have visions of Nylander, Part II.
He had hip surgery last summer, rehab for which likely hurt his performance this past season. But I can only envision fan frustration if he were placed in that role with the Caps. Quite a bit of talent there, but somehow several teams haven’t found the secret to using it in a way that motivates them to keep him around…
Lighthouse Hockey: Side effects may include Weight gain and frequent game loss.
by Dominik on Jul 4, 2009 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
savard would be the best fit, and caps could get him through a trade. but, he takes up 5 mil and boston is up against the cap too, so its not like they will take someone off our hands. they dont need a goalie in theo and certainly dont need circles. so, if the caps wanted him, they would need to find a buyer for 92.
i still think jason williams would be a good fit. mo and williams would probably be around the same neighborhood in price, but saying the caps sign most ufas and rfas, this doesnt fit well. maybe getting rid of our mo could squeeze one of them in there.
comrie might be out of our price range (again assuming we cant move anyone) but looking at those stats he doesnt seem so appealing. caps must be looking for a quick fix, preferably a 1 year deal. the oldies here could go for that, but they also would prob want more money. tough decision. im with GMGM, in for a trade.
by hockeyman33 on Jul 3, 2009 10:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why in holy heck would Boston trade Savard?
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by James Mirtle on Jul 4, 2009 2:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I asked the same question about 5 days ago, they are up against the cap and have several holes in their lineup. Savard has an easy contract to move.
by JSchon on Jul 4, 2009 7:09 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
FWIW (to answer the “holy heck” question), the Boston Globe (KPD) reported just over a week ago that: “Rumors persist around the league that Chiarelli will deal veteran pivot Marc Savard, who has one year left (at $5 milion) on his deal. Savard would have to waive his no-trade clause, which is something he likely would consider if it brought him closer to his children in Ontario.”
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by J.P. on Jul 4, 2009 9:18 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
(Of course, that doesn’t actually answer the “why,” but it does validate that, per a respected hockey scribe, the rumors are out there.)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 4, 2009 9:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
because with Tim Thomas’s extension and raise, along with Krejci’s resigning they are tight against the cap. Cap Geekhas them with 1.9 million left to round out the roster (20 under contract), and they still have to re-sign Kessel.
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 4, 2009 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
re-signing, not resigning.
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 4, 2009 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
re-signing, not resigning
This, along with the lack of a second person plural tense, is one of the major failings of the English language.
by Gould Old Days on Jul 4, 2009 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
well that and typing first thing in the morning with a raging hangover.
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 4, 2009 10:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I really, really think that us moving Nylander or Theodore right now is a nice dream, but a dream nonetheless. There are still too many goalies out there in free agency for teams to be looking to trade goalies, and Nylander would have to consent to any move, something that I think is unlikely to happen.
If it happens, great, though I’m still a little edgy about relying on Johnny to back Varlamov. But I’m not placing any money on it happening, and if we go into training camp with what we’ve got, okay, and so be it.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Jul 4, 2009 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So the current center options on the roster are Backstrom, Laich, Nylander, Aucoin, Steckel and Gordon. That’s six players. With the addition of Knuble, I’m kind of okay with the team going into training camp like this. It makes sense to see where all of these guys are after the offseason.
I’m not much of a fan of any of these UFAs for the price. Sounds like Koivu is demanding a long contract, and his injury history is scary. And I think most of the rest of the guys will be greatly overpaid. So the best option is, as JP’s last line indicates, a trade.
Well, there’s no reason to rush a trade. If something that makes sense comes up now, fantastic. But the Caps can get through much of the season with their current group of forwards. So if there aren’t any great trade options right now, why not see if any of the guys currently under contract can do the job. Who knows — Nylander might come back rejuvenated or Laich might develop some fantastic chemistry with two wings.
I was a big proponent of getting a second line center, but that was before I knew that the right wing hole would be filled quite as well as it has been. I’m much more comfortable with the roster as it is now, and it wouldn’t worry me too much if nothing else changes before October.
by Gould Old Days on Jul 4, 2009 1:40 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Agreed on all counts, with heavy emphasis on Nylander. If he returns to pre-injury form, the rest is gravy.
by Bald Pollack on Jul 4, 2009 8:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with this as well. I think it makes more sense to go into the season with the center lineup we’ve got if it leaves us more flexibility to make a deal at the deadline. What we’ve got is probably good enough to get us to the playoffs, and come later in the season, we’ll know what we really need as opposed to what we think we need from this vantage point.
Besides, I have an idea that Theo will be easier to deal at the deadline, when there are fewer goalie options out there, he comes cheaper, and some team that will otherwise contend is desperate for even acceptable goaltending.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Jul 4, 2009 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
For curiosity’s sake, here’s the list of pending UFAs in net next year.
by Bald Pollack on Jul 4, 2009 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Interesting information, thanks for that. I expect Hiller, Chris Mason, Nabby, and Bobby Lou to sign extensions during the year. The rest … what a crew :)
Hmmm.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Jul 4, 2009 11:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tell me why a one year signing of Lang at last year’s rate or less would be a bad idea. He left here on decent terms as I remember – no burnt bridges with management. Unless he really hasn’t recovered from his injury, he might fit pretty well. I can imagine a decent skill line with him centering Semin and Fleishmann.
by rule56 on Jul 4, 2009 4:05 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Cost + age. The Caps simply can’t afford him at last year’s contract ($4M), or at anything even remotely close. I’m not sure they can afford him at $2M, were they so inclined.
by TylerG on Jul 4, 2009 7:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They’d have to move Theodore to sign him. I think I’d rather have Theo right now.
by Gould Old Days on Jul 4, 2009 9:18 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Also, at Lang’s age, he’s not signing any one-year deal – this is probably his last chance to sign a big deal, so you can bet he’ll go for it.
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by J.P. on Jul 4, 2009 9:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cost + age, plus he’s coming off a torn Achilles tendon that ended his season last year (anyone remember that)? I’d be concerned about him not recovering fully, plus what others have said regarding cost.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Jul 4, 2009 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Todd White – ATL – 22G 51A -9
Cap hit – $2.375M – UFA 2011/12 – Age 34
He had a great year last year, so you don’t want to overpay him, but he has also had 1 60 point and 1 50 point campaign as well. With the addition of Antropov, the Thrashers might take a young defensemen and a pick or two for him. Jeff Schultz + 3rd rounder.
Ryan Kesler – VAN – 26G 33A +8
Cap hit – $1.75M – RFA 2010/11 – Age 24
The Canucks look like the same team last season, they need to make changes to improve their offense. Kesler isn’t likely to be moved, but every player is available for the right price. For Kesler to be moved it would take a top prospect and probably Flash. Flash + Osala.
Matt Stajan – TOR – 15G 40A -4
Cap hit – $1.75M – RFA 2010/11 – Age 25
I have no idea why the Maple Leafs would trade this guy, they aren’t particularly strong down the middle, but who knows? Again the Leafs are strong defensively and weak offensively, they would want scoring punch. They are also trying to trade Kaberle for scoring punch as well. Lets say the move Kaberle for a top flight C, maybe Stajan would become more easily movable. Flash + Bourque.
Mike Modano – DAL – 15G 31A -13
Cap hit $3.45M – RFA 2010/11 – Age (He was the maitre d’ at the last supper, table for how many Jesus?)
Dallas is old, very old. Richards and Ribeiro are their top 2 C. Modano is expendable. Dallas could use the infusion of youth. Modano’s contract expires next season, does he have 1 more 50 to 60 point campaign left in him? I say yes. Poti + Flash.
by JSchon on Jul 4, 2009 7:44 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Jeff Schultz for Todd White? That sounds like an OFB thread. Go discuss it there and you’ll make lots of friends.
The ‘Nucks aren’t trading Kesler. Period.
Matt Stajan, 55 well-priced points, for a minor-leaguer and Flash? Why on earth would Brian Burke do that?!
And if that wasn’t wacky enough, why would Dallas take Tom Poti’s contract and super-soft Flash for the Face of the Franchise?
Just because certain Caps are certain people’s least-favorite players doesn’t mean that they make sense in trades.
by TylerG on Jul 4, 2009 8:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think JSchon has been a big Schultz supporter.
by Moonage Daydream on Jul 4, 2009 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Regardless, giving up an already-solid 23 year old defenseman for a 34 year old borderline second line center is a trade you lose 95% of the time.
by David M. Getz on Jul 4, 2009 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would put the odds closer to 100%
by Moonage Daydream on Jul 4, 2009 11:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, Yes (but no way it happens), Yes (but no way it happens), No, imo
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by J.P. on Jul 4, 2009 9:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Remember that Brian Burke also looks for toughness, grit, and size in his scoring. I don’t think he’d care for Flash – he’d be too soft for Burke’s taste. He’d have more interest in Osala, or even possibly in Bourque, but I don’t see there being much on the Caps that he’d want given his preferences?
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Jul 4, 2009 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good thoughts, but these bodies ain't movin...
Some good thoughts here, but I don’t see a lot of movement here:
1) Atlanta won’t make this move, because it helps a divisional rival get stronger.
2) It would take more than Flash and Osala to get Kesler. The Canucks have been hard-over to keep him because he’s a heart-and-soul team guy, who also scores AND knows what his own end of the rink looks like. They matched an offer sheet from Philly to keep him a couple of years back and he’s about the only guy not named Sedin whom they won’t move, unless the Caps offer something preposterous.
3) I’d love to see Stajan, but as you mentioned, unless the Leafs get stronger down the middle some other way, they have to keep him.
4) Modano playing outside of Dallas? It’s kind of tantalizing to move Flash for that kind of skill, but I think someone else pointed out that you might have to throw in another prospect like Bourque to get it done. Even then, I don’t know if Dallas would take Poti, because of age, salary and lack of production. They might take Juice or Mo in a sign-and-trade, but you’d have to swalow hard and hope either Alzer or Carlson or both are ready to play at the NHL level.
by NHL Observer on Jul 4, 2009 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
After last season, I’d say we’ve got a couple of D-men in Hershey who can handle the NHL level – Lord knows we had to find out the hard way. :P I’d worry less about them being ready than about Dallas wanting Juice or Mo.
I don’t think Mo is a Cap next year – he just wants too much and doesn’t post the stats to justify his salary. Last year, his stats / game were about the same as Tyler Sloan’s, and Tyler Sloan costs 1/3 as much. Yeah, they gave him a QO, but that’s likely just to retain his rights. Both sides know that ShaMo will probably go to arbitration again, and McPhee doesn’t have the cap space to give him much more than his QO. If the award is much more than that, I expect McPhee to let him walk this time.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Jul 5, 2009 8:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
FWIW, we should make a pitch for Tood White for no other reason than to keep him from killing the Caps like he did last season. Every time we played Atlanta, he would just sink the dagger into us, maybe those were the games where the guys took the night off? It was horrid that a good team like ours suffered so much at Mr. White’s wrists…
by war_capitals on Jul 6, 2009 9:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with JP in that Brendan Morrison is interesting. Yes, he’s coming off of a couple of horrendous years statiscally and health-wise, but he’s a proven scorer and prior to the injuries played in all 82 games six straight years.
He’s got little bargaining leverage, so maybe he would be willing to take a one year deal at around 2 million to beef up his stats with the offensive-minded Caps, and then go for a long-term deal next summer when the Caps say sayonara.
by Cluster on Jul 4, 2009 9:58 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I asked Boudreau whether he felt Brooks Laich could fill the role of second-line center. To my surprise, he sidestepped the issue.
I’m not sure why this would come as a surprise. The team knows Laich is better as a wing and better as a third line option. They just don’t want to come out and say it because (1) it puts them in a weak bargaining position and (2) you want to at least tell Brooks you have faith in him.
In other news, I hear Kris Versteeg might be becoming available….
by David M. Getz on Jul 4, 2009 10:33 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
No way the league lets that happen. Chicago will get a slap on the wrist for sending out notices in an idiotic way, and the players will remain with the Hawks. What an embarrassment. For the cost of courier delivery to a few guys…
by Gould Old Days on Jul 4, 2009 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh I know. I should have included a /snark at the end of that post.
by David M. Getz on Jul 4, 2009 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, I figured. I’m just venting. The rules are the rules and it’s just unprofessional for Chicago not to follow them.
NHL has got to be pissed. If it lets the players walk, it faces a guaranteed lawsuit from Chicago. And if it rules the players are qualified and are still Hawks, there’s a better than 1 in 3 chance that at least one of the players sues for his free agency (a lawsuit I’m betting the player(s) would lose, but one that I think could happen anyway, just because the potential rewards of being granted free agency are so good). That’s hundreds of thousands of dollars of legal fees at risk for the league, all because someone was too cheap to pay the $40 or so it takes to have stuff hand-delivered by courier.
by Gould Old Days on Jul 4, 2009 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That’s hundreds of thousands of dollars of legal fees at risk for the league, all because someone was too cheap to pay the $40 or so it takes to have stuff hand-delivered by courier.
….or it’s the NHL’s way of trying to stimulate the economy!
by David M. Getz on Jul 4, 2009 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
A stimulus only Gary Bettman could love.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Jul 4, 2009 11:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
but it would be hilarious if it did happen.
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 4, 2009 10:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
but it would behilariousa clusterfuck if it did happen.
Fixed that for you.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Jul 4, 2009 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Have we heard about anyone in Chicago getting fired yet?
by gfcaps fan on Jul 4, 2009 2:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nope, it’s the weekend. I expect anything of that nature to go down on Monday.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Jul 5, 2009 8:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey, I had nothing to do with this. Leave me out of it.
by Cluster on Jul 4, 2009 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Feeling left out, are you? :D
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Jul 5, 2009 8:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I see a little more of Morrison down here in TX than some.
His scoring stats may extrapolate decently for his time in Dallas but he did not look very good out there. At all.
We probably are looking for age/maturity as part of the package but if we get him it’s because it was the best rabbit George could manage to pull out of his sleeve.
by Icebat on Jul 4, 2009 3:50 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
What do you all think of Niedermayer? I kind of like the guy and think he could add some veteran leadership to the club, which will be awash in youth for the next couple of years at least.
by jimmiebjr on Jul 5, 2009 9:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Fine enough player, but the Caps have checking centers coming out their ears.
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by J.P. on Jul 5, 2009 9:14 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Washington
|
59 | 41 | 12 | 6 | 88 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
57 | 25 | 21 | 11 | 61 |
|
Atlanta
|
57 | 25 | 24 | 8 | 58 |
|
Florida
|
58 | 24 | 25 | 9 | 57 |
|
Carolina
|
58 | 21 | 30 | 7 | 49 |
(updated 2.9.2010 at 4:15 AM EST)
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