Ranking the Capitals: #48

by J.P. on Sep 19, 2009 10:45 PM EDT

In an effort to beat the summer doldrums, we're undertaking to rank - with your help - the Washington Capitals, from Ovechkin to, well, we'll see (only players under contract will be considered). The criteria is simple: who at this moment is the most valuable player in the organization who hasn't already been ranked? Put another way, if you could only keep one of the remaining players - because of what he brings on the ice or off it, his upside, what he could fetch in trade, and so on - who would it be? Consider age, potential, contract status, organizational depth, etc. - it's your call. And after you vote and defend your selection in the comments, help us out and suggest a name to add to the next poll. [Note: previous "Ranking the Capitals" posts can be found here."]

Welcome Patrick McNeill to the list...

Poll

Who's the next most valuable Cap?

Boyd Kane

65 votes

Michael Nylander

33 votes

98 votes | Poll has closed

If this FanPost is written by someone other than one of the blog's editors, the opinions expressed in it do not necessarily reflect those of this blog or SB Nation.

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Comments

"And next year it will be ours."

by Ovechwin on Sep 19, 2009 11:06 PM EDT reply actions

The other kane…

"And next year it will be ours."

by Ovechwin on Sep 19, 2009 11:14 PM EDT up reply actions

There can be only one…

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Sep 19, 2009 11:08 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

“I get the job done. I work”

by Carl Putnam on Sep 20, 2009 1:31 AM EDT up reply actions

Atta dinnin stick a who!

by Gould Old Days on Sep 19, 2009 11:21 PM EDT reply actions

Great movie!

by Moonage Daydream on Sep 20, 2009 7:23 AM EDT up reply actions

Boyd Kane was brought into Hershey this year as a response to Graham Mink’s departure. Kane’s career high in goals and points (20 and 49) came with the Bears the last time they won the Calder Cup, in 05-06, but he’s more of a 15 goal, 25 assist kind of guy. So he probably ain’t going to replace Mink’s production.

What Kane will replace is Mink’s leadership. Hopefully, another prospect (COUGHOSALACOUGH) is ready to step into the top line with Giroux and Aucoin (assuming they’re both in Hershey, at least when Flash and Fehr return). And that’s really where Kane excels. He should be like the Brian Helmer of the forwards corps there. A locker room leader who’s done everything, seen everything, and can help the younger prospects to adjust to whatever comes.

Kane’s played 23 NHL games, including one last year for the Flyers. He won’t embarrass an NHL team as an injury replacement, but he won’t add much either. He’s 31, so this is who he is: a solid career AHLer. And it’s plenty — the Hershey guys are thrilled to have him back.

Thinking it through, I probably would have voted for him above some of the last few prospects. Anyone who follows the Bears closely knows what Graham Mink meant to the team. Maybe Osala is ready to step up and provide that missing scoring, but they needed someone to fill the empty place in the locker room just as much. Kane may quietly end up being very important to the development of guys like Osala and Perrault.

Atta dinnin stick a who!

by Gould Old Days on Sep 20, 2009 9:32 AM EDT reply actions

I share your thoughts on Kane, and I’d probably have had him higher as well (see my comments on the value of Giroux). I think one thing that you didn’t really address is the continuity he is going to bring. If you have a team that relies on prospects to score then you’re in trouble when the Caps start bringing guys up for their cup o’ coffee for the season. Kane means you have at least one top line player that’s there throughout and will continue to be an important player when Osala/Perreault/Aucoin/Giroux get called up to the Caps.

A man must have a code.

by Rob Parker on Sep 20, 2009 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions

by thehoagster07 on Sep 20, 2009 2:43 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

Well, Nylander is (Rinkrat) officially the least valuable player under a Capitals contract.

by hockeyman33 on Sep 20, 2009 3:14 PM EDT reply actions

and i saw that Broad Street Hockey is doing the rankings too. Is this something other sites have done before or are they copying off us?

by hockeyman33 on Sep 20, 2009 3:19 PM EDT reply actions

BSH is copying J.P.

A man must have a code.

by Rob Parker on Sep 20, 2009 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions

Borrowing. And crediting. It’s all good.

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Sep 20, 2009 5:43 PM EDT up reply actions

I wasn’t trying to be judgmental about it; just using the language of the original comment.

A man must have a code.

by Rob Parker on Sep 20, 2009 6:01 PM EDT up reply actions

Per the cuts, the Caps view Nylander as a more valuable asset than Kane

by Moonage Daydream on Sep 20, 2009 5:53 PM EDT reply actions

’fraid that sun has set, MD.

May he drop 50 points in someone’s lap this year.

from the house that Red Jesus built

by bigonetimer on Sep 20, 2009 5:57 PM EDT up reply actions

No, Nyls can’t be moved. Him staying means nothing.

A man must have a code.

by Rob Parker on Sep 20, 2009 6:02 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

man, how manytimes does this have to be defined.

If you have to askkk, you’ll never know, funky motherfucker, will not be told to go

Comment first, think second, read third.

by zephyr on Sep 20, 2009 6:53 PM EDT up reply actions

Exactly.

by David Getz on Sep 20, 2009 8:34 PM EDT up reply actions

I think we need a poll for the 49th spot. It would do wonders for Nylander’s self esteem if he could win one of these things. Just don’t include an “other” option…

by Killer_Carlson on Sep 20, 2009 11:15 PM EDT reply actions

Should we have J.P. print out a “You have value!” certificate and put a gold star on it and mail it to Nyls so he can hang it on his fridge with all his kids’ school work too? You’re probably the guy that wants to give kids trophies for last place, too.

A man must have a code.

by Rob Parker on Sep 21, 2009 12:49 AM EDT up reply actions