2010 Capitals Free Agency Primer
by David Getz on Jun 30, 2010 11:30 AM EDT
Email
PrintAround the League general managers, agents, mainstream media pundits, bloggers, and, of course, fans are all getting ready for the opening of free agent season tomorrow at noon. With the Capitals having acknowledged there will be personnel changes and ownership willing to spend, there's good chance George McPhee and his staff will active in tomorrow's free agent frenzy. With that in mind, here's a quick look at where the Caps stand as of right now:
Pending UFAs: Eric Belanger, Joe Corvo, Alexandre Giroux, Milan Jurcina, Boyd Kane, Quintin Laing, Brendan Morrison, Shaone Morrisonn, Jose Theodore, Scott Walker
Pending RFAs: Jay Beagle, Chris Bourque, Eric Fehr, Tomas Fleischmann, Andrew Gordon, Boyd Gordon, Patrick McNeill, Zach Miskovic, Jeff Schultz
Salary cap space: About $15 million
Projected budget: $59.8 million. The Capitals have the financial means to spend up to the salary cap, but given that the front office staff is smart enough to plan more than one season down the road and that they're likely to want some wiggle room to make moves during the season, the team's actual cap number should come in lower.
Key needs: The biggest concern has to be the hole the Capitals have at second line center. None of the options within the organization - Brooks Laich, Marcus Johansson, Eric Belanger, and Tomas Fleischmann - are particularly appealing, and the team needs someone who, working with Alexander Semin, can give the Capitals a second elite scoring line.
A lesser, but still valid concern, is the team's defense. Five of the team's six nightly defensive spots should be spoken for, and although the Caps will probably hold on to John Erskine and Tyler Sloan for depth purposes, neither is a good option for a sweater on a regular basis. An NHL defenseman of any ilk, from top-pairing quality to third-pairing depth guy, would help and the team has enough flexibility to fashion a capable defense with just about any addition. Who the team ultimately winds up with, be it via trade or free agency, will depend as much on the player's cap hit and the length of his contract as anything else.
Potential free agent targets include:
Forwards: Matt Cullen, Olli Jokinen, Saku Koivu, Matthew Lombardi, Mike Modano, Vinny Prospal
Defesemen: Mark Eaton, Dan Hamhuis, Pavel Kubina, Toni Lydman, Zbynek Michalek, Willie Mitchell, Derek Morris, Henrik Tallinder, Anton Volchenkov
So there's a snapshot of what the Caps' situation is heading into free agency. Let us know what you think in the comments section, and be sure to check in on what the other teams around the League are thinking via the SB Nation NHL Free Agency Hub.
409 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
JP/DMG
The SBN free agency hub is a bad link.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Twitter/Cycle Like the Sedins
sort of on topic, but
Atlanta wasn’t too far out of the playoff race this year. I wonder what would have happened if Kovalchuck stayed at the end of the season. They might have squeaked in.. only to face US first round :P
I actually thought Atlanta improved after the Kovalchuk trade. I can’t see any reason why they would’ve squeaked in with Kovy, considering they were playing some of their best hockey without him.
Kovalchuk is another Hossa. He can’t be relied to carry a team. No, he wouldn’t have to carry this one, but he’d still probably want to get paid like it.
Although one year at $8M and bye bye Flash…that would at least make the regular season a little entertaining.
Choking since 1985.
As I said in another post. Lets just blow the 15 mil on Malkin for 1 year. Malkin’s worth 8 mil for one year. And the extra 7 million is worth watching Pittsburg not make it to the playoffs :)
The second line would never play. If Malkin wasn’t out there getting a penalty Semin would be.
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
by zephyr on Jun 30, 2010 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Agreed. As uncomfortable as I am with the 2C/3C situation, I’m even more uncomfortable with Erskine/Sloan playing every night.
It’s only one, not both. And if teams can roll five defensemen + a powerplay specialist (like Montreal did with the itty-bitty-slapshot-committee) then we can roll five defensemen and protect the sixth to play against weaker competition.
"Ovechkin, what is good in life?"
"To crush your enemies. To see them driven before you. And to hear the lamentations of their captain."
Erskine and Sloan won’t be playing every night.
"Now wait a minute. This is just purely a social call. You know, just two adults getting a stew on, man."
by The Ghost of Bebop on Jun 30, 2010 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions
barring injury, of course
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 Jun 30, 2010 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions
No way. 2C is the much more pressing need. Defense can remain somewhat untouched with Alzner and Carlson coming up full time.
We need a 2C much more. I don’t want Flash putting up bad numbers and losing faceoffs at 2C whereas we could have a stopgap for one year while giving time for Mackan/Matty P (if he’s not already at 3C) to get more seasoning.
If my answers frighten you then you should cease asking scary questions.
"It's not fair. He's just a pitcher." - Dave Jageler
Sprechen sie Englisch?
by Steck It Out on Jun 30, 2010 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Heh, my fault there.
Opinion wars! Chaaaarge!
If my answers frighten you then you should cease asking scary questions.
"It's not fair. He's just a pitcher." - Dave Jageler
Sprechen sie Englisch?
by Steck It Out on Jun 30, 2010 4:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Center. We already have five NHL-caliber defensemen, and while Sloan and Erskine are not top candidates for a sweater each night, I’m sure BB can find a way to get them out there for only a few minutes a night.
At center, however, here’s who we have under contract come July 1:
Nicklas Backstrom
David Steckel
Mathieu Perreault
Marcus Johansson
Steve Pinnizzotto
If we resign Gordon and Fleischmann (and operate under the assumption that Flash can improve his faceoff skills to the point where, yeah, he can play as a center), then we look a little better. But that assumption is a big one. We could really use a 3-C who could step into the 2C role for a period of time if needs be.
"Ovechkin, what is good in life?"
"To crush your enemies. To see them driven before you. And to hear the lamentations of their captain."
What makes either Johansson or Pinizzotto “NHL-caliber?” Not to say they can’t be, but what evidence is there that they are?
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Jun 30, 2010 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t think there is evidence that Johansson or Pinnizzotto are NHL caliber, but they are under contract. I guess I should add Keith Aucoin and Anton Gustafsson, too, but they’re even longer shots than the guys named up there.
My point is more that center is a more pressing need on our depth chart than is defense.
"Ovechkin, what is good in life?"
"To crush your enemies. To see them driven before you. And to hear the lamentations of their captain."
How many of these guys have 2C upside? Mackan and maybe MP. Steckel is 4th line at best, Pinnizzotto is not really a prospect.
Choking since 1985.
…and that’s why we need a center. The pickings may be slim, but if we’re going to address one need through free agency, I’d rather it be at center than at defense where we have seven guys with NHL experience.
"Ovechkin, what is good in life?"
"To crush your enemies. To see them driven before you. And to hear the lamentations of their captain."
It’s a total cop-out, but it depends about whom we’re talking. At a theoretical level, I think 2C is a greater need. But given the depth of available guys at each of the positions, I think that D might make more sense right now.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
An upgrade on D does seem more attainable than one at center, doesn’t it? I’m asking myself whether any of those centers is a significant upgrade over what we have now.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
According to GM GM...
“Defense was not our problem in the playoffs… [offense was].” Scary point of view.
No, realistic. Green/Schultz were awful but overall the problem was up front, not on the blue line. Going forward, who knows? But in that series the team couldn’t score. Period.
Disagree (partially). A better team capitalizes in a big way on the way the Caps defended in that series. There were a ton of good chances that didn’t find a home in the net.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Right – but while it wasn’t pretty, and like I said, our top guys were awful, that’s not why they lost. GMGM’s not wrong.
Had they gotten past the Habs and faced anyone good, with no change to how they defended, than yes – defense would have been a problem. And I don’t buy for a second that they’re not looking for an upgrade on D.
Fair enough, but I wouldn’t let “Defense was not our problem in the playoffs” give anyone a false sense of assurance with regards to how the defense performed.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Well, yeah. I’m just saying that, taken at face value, that is not a false statement – GMGM’s a smart guy, I doubt he looked at that defensive performance and thought “wow, that rocked”.
Of course, if the offense is working, little defensive breakdowns become less of a big deal…
By the post-season, the defense ended up being a unit heavily dependent on the success of the 12 guys upfront. Not only in picking up their assignments; but also, like you said, working.
Had the offense worked through the trap and played even a few steps above mediocrity, the defense would’ve followed.
The biggest problem in the play-offs, in my opinion, was something beyong a particular position not being filled. Sure, a better 2nd line pivot would’ve helped, so to would a great stay at home defender; however, a first line LW or a 2nd line RW not giving the puck up in the offensive zone so often would’ve done more for the team.
It's The Wait for Red October. Except rather than Sean Connery, Alex Baldwin, and Sam Neill, it's George McPhee, Bruce Boudreau, and Alex Ovechkin.
Not Tom Clancy, but Gary Bettman. Not the Soviet Kremlin, but. . .well. . . .yeah, the Soviet Kremlin
"our top guys were awful"
If you’re extending that “top guys” to include our second liners, then you only partially have a valid point. If you’re talking about our top three, then I definitely disagree. Ovie’s line included two of the top eight Points-per-Game contributors in the entire playoffs, with Alex and Nicklas going 1.43 and 1.29 PpG, respectively. Heck, even old man Knubes still picked up .86 PpG. You can’t ask much more from your top guys than that.
I’m sorry – I don’t count Flash or Laich as part of our “top guys,” especially not in the playoffs. The later had two defenceman and a third liner with better playoff PpG’s. And don’t even get me started on Tomas “Plekanec” Fleischmann.
I agree with JP on this one, the “defense wasn’t our problem” won’t take us anywhere next year when 75% of our defenders had a plus/minus of 1 or fewer, with the vast majority being zero or negative. That’s not going to win any kind of Cup… ever. Just because one side our game was more awful than the other doesn’t mean both don’t need to be addressed.
The Caps defense and goaltending performed just about where I thought it would (although I was not especially excited about Varlamov’s performance overall). The power play was the single most important element that killed the Caps. If they scored on 20 percent of their opportunities — not extraordinary for the playoffs and well below their season success rate — they don’t lose that series.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Jun 30, 2010 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions
I think this is a point that follows along with what GMGM is thinking.
Although we do now need to fill the 2C positon from a roster point of view, from a ‘post-season wish list’ point of view, a 1st line LW and a 2nd line RW scoring goals every once and awhile instead of giving the puck over, would’ve done more than any 2C or defender we could’ve gotten at the deadline or could get in this offseason
It's The Wait for Red October. Except rather than Sean Connery, Alex Baldwin, and Sam Neill, it's George McPhee, Bruce Boudreau, and Alex Ovechkin.
Not Tom Clancy, but Gary Bettman. Not the Soviet Kremlin, but. . .well. . . .yeah, the Soviet Kremlin
This was true in the one playoff series the Caps played against a not-very-good offensive team. The Caps’ D still was not particularly good, apart from the Carlson/Poti pairing. Had the Caps played a series against a team with more offensive punch, we might have a different point of view.
True. I never expected the Caps to win the Cup last year, partly because of their defensive woes and goaltending. I knew that would be a problem. The fact that the PP and offense was beyond awful in that series was something that was unexpected. If the Caps could’ve got their offense going, we might have a different point of view of this as well.
Very true, and I considered mentioning that. I just think it’s folly to think that Carlson and Alzner – great young defenseman though they are – are going to make the difference in giving the Caps a solid D corps. If anything, the group seems to lack a steady veteran influence (other than Poti, maybe). A guy who can provide that and be even a 5/6 pairing guy would do the team a lot of good.
Wow. I was all set to answer “2C!” but you have convinced me of the opposite.
by CapitalCentre on Jun 30, 2010 6:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Maybe we were just meant to just keep swapping Backstrom between 1st and 2nd lines for as long as Semin is around :)
Just throw Flash on the first line for a good month ;) Like a parent teaching their kid to swim by kicking him in the deep end… he’ll get the hang of it or just drown :) Besides… Flash doesn’t need to win that many faceoffs. Any time he loses one.. Knuble and Ovie can just play “SMOOSH THE GUY WITH THE PUCK RIGHT OFF THE FACE OFF”
:)
“Nick?”
“Yeah, coach?”
“We expect big things from you this year.”
“Of course.”
“We are gonna be asking a lot of you.”
“Of course.”
“You’ll be centering the first and second lines.”
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jun 30, 2010 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions 8 recs
“Nick?”
“Yes?”
“You know how you wanted more ice time in the playoffs?”
“Yes. I want to help team win.”
“I want you to play the entire game.”
“Uhhh…”
“It’ll be just like that young stars game a few years ago.”
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
матовая Клими, Михал нуивирт ваш папа теперь
Red Line Station: for Capitals fans who can bear reading something less intelligent than a story at Japers' Rink
Follow me on Twitter!
by red army line on Jun 30, 2010 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Just ask Mike Green…
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jun 30, 2010 2:40 PM EDT up reply actions
You can hide the last defenseman — play him 8-10 minutes against the other team’s fourth line if you have to — but getting some depth at center is a must.
8-10 min is for the #5 in the playoffs. #6 can get under 6 mins.
Regular season, I don’t really care. But if that #6 isn’t going to be particularly good then I hope BB improves his TOI and matchup management.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
матовая Клими, Михал нуивирт ваш папа теперь
Red Line Station: for Capitals fans who can bear reading something less intelligent than a story at Japers' Rink
Follow me on Twitter!
by red army line on Jun 30, 2010 2:29 PM EDT up reply actions
For the regular season sure. But if you don’t have 6 Dmen you can trust in the playoffs you are in trouble. Just ask Philly, and they had Pronger and a great top-4 to make up for the terrible 3rd pairing.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Jul 1, 2010 1:27 AM EDT up reply actions
I agree that D makes more sense and is more easily attainable. The PP debacle in the playoffs initially made me think a 2C was more important, but look at it this way – the Habs controlled that series with defense and Halak’s strong play. The Caps have a glaring need for a mobile, physical, low-maintenance shutdown defender. Volchenkov may be too expensive, but a guy like Zbynek Michalek could be a perfect fit. This team needs steady play from the blueline and a much-improved penalty kill. The Caps led the NHL in goals – we’re not starved for offense despite the rotation at 2C. But we are entering a season in which we’re Cup contenders with two young goalies and a very young blueline.
The Caps have a glaring need for a mobile, physical, low-maintenance shutdown defender.
This team needs steady play from the blueline and a much-improved penalty kill.
Wouldn’t it be awesome if we had someone young and cheap down on the farm? Wouldn’t it be even better if they had leadership skill and championship experience? Man, where could we find someone like that…?
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
by D'ohboy on Jun 30, 2010 5:52 PM EDT up reply actions 6 recs
You have to think that at some point championship experience matters. It doesn’t seem to have helped a whole lot from the first wave of HER players (Green, Schultz, Steckel, Laich, Gordon, Fehr, Flash), though it surely couldn’t have hurt. But the success of this second wave puts the first wave to shame, especially when you consider international experience. Carlson, Alzner, MP, Neuvirth, A-Gord, and anyone else you want to name from this current roster has 2 Calder Cup championships. Neuvirth has an OHL championship. Alzner and Carlson have WJC Gold. Alzner was a Captain for his team and (IIRC) was also the Captain of the Team Canada that had the Junior-Super-Series with Russia (and dominated). Particularly the nucleus of Carlznerson and Neuvirth seem to have ice water in their veins.
I waited all year for this?
Pulling anyone up from the Hershey Bears, with realistic NHL potential, would be a good idea in my book. Atleast give them the opportunity to prove themselves at this level, the Caps owe them that much
It's The Wait for Red October. Except rather than Sean Connery, Alex Baldwin, and Sam Neill, it's George McPhee, Bruce Boudreau, and Alex Ovechkin.
Not Tom Clancy, but Gary Bettman. Not the Soviet Kremlin, but. . .well. . . .yeah, the Soviet Kremlin
The Caps have a glaring need for a mobile, physical, low-maintenance shutdown defender
I don’t see this glaring need. They almost beat the Penguins when only AO, Backstrom, a couple of third liners, and Varly came out to play ready most every night. Their defense this past season IIRC was 5th at even strength—the penalty kill was the issue more than “defense” (and I think we all agree no personnel will change that since it’s a systemic issue).
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
матовая Клими, Михал нуивирт ваш папа теперь
Red Line Station: for Capitals fans who can bear reading something less intelligent than a story at Japers' Rink
Follow me on Twitter!
by red army line on Jun 30, 2010 5:55 PM EDT up reply actions
They almost beat the Pens. And the series was not as close as the 7 games would indicate. Without heroic efforts from AO and Varlamov that series is a blowout for the Pens, and a big reason of that was the inability of the D to clear the zone or cover the front of the net.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Jul 1, 2010 1:30 AM EDT up reply actions
I can’t see 17 of the 20 players crapping the bed for 7 games straight again.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
матовая Клими, Михал нуивирт ваш папа теперь
Red Line Station: for Capitals fans who can bear reading something less intelligent than a story at Japers' Rink
Follow me on Twitter!
by red army line on Jul 1, 2010 4:27 AM EDT up reply actions
Not all of them crapped the bed for 7 straight games against the Pens. Most of them were just overmatched, hence the need for better D.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Jul 1, 2010 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions
I’d like a defenseman that can mentor our young guys. I’ve been beating my chest about that for months.
Granted, there’s not much out there, but I think we can find someone.
Every bursted bubble has a glory! Each abysmal failure makes a point! Every glowing path that goes astray,shows you how to find a better way. So every time you stumble never grumble. Next time you'll bumble even less!
There’s more out there than at center. I’m leaning towards Willie Mitchell, myself.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Is Mitchell what you would consider a “mentor?”
Every bursted bubble has a glory! Each abysmal failure makes a point! Every glowing path that goes astray,shows you how to find a better way. So every time you stumble never grumble. Next time you'll bumble even less!
I think he'd be a fun guy to have in the locker room.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
Holy cow. I’d heard he uses a long stick, but that thing is gigantic.
"Ovechkin, what is good in life?"
"To crush your enemies. To see them driven before you. And to hear the lamentations of their captain."
Are we sure that shot is not doctored? I have never, ever seen a stick remotely as long.
Every bursted bubble has a glory! Each abysmal failure makes a point! Every glowing path that goes astray,shows you how to find a better way. So every time you stumble never grumble. Next time you'll bumble even less!
That’s what she said.
"Now wait a minute. This is just purely a social call. You know, just two adults getting a stew on, man."
by The Ghost of Bebop on Jun 30, 2010 12:02 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
I was debating on whether or not that line was worthy to waste our ONE “thats what she said” on it.
You son of a bitch
Mitchell made the double stick to taunt Mike Keenan, who had made some sort of comment about the player using a stick of illegal length. Willie skated around with it during warm-ups.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
by jordanDC on Jun 30, 2010 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
It looks like he has a pair of bunny ears floating above his head.
"Now wait a minute. This is just purely a social call. You know, just two adults getting a stew on, man."
by The Ghost of Bebop on Jun 30, 2010 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions
There are rules. In the picture Mitchell’s spoofing someone complaining his was too long. He attached the shaft of a broken stick to one fully intact and came out with that in warm ups.
There are. It was a joke (and a funny one) – PD has the details. http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Willie-Mitchell-speaks-softly-carries-an-80-inc?urn=nhl,142236
I love...
…how there’s an ad for “VIAG…” behind him as well. Ironic, no?
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jun 30, 2010 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Tom Poti is jealous.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
матовая Клими, Михал нуивирт ваш папа теперь
Red Line Station: for Capitals fans who can bear reading something less intelligent than a story at Japers' Rink
Follow me on Twitter!
by red army line on Jun 30, 2010 2:31 PM EDT up reply actions
exactly!!
give me a Mark Tinordi
by Mikko Leinonen's opposite on Jun 30, 2010 10:05 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
More valuable is probably 2C because we don’t want to count on MP or Mackan there. Of course that only holds if the 2C is affordable and productive.
Also imagine a D corps with Green-Schultz / Poti-FA / and then Carlson-Alzner as your “5-6”. Nice.
Choking since 1985.
That’s why I think picking up a really cap space efficiant 2nd line defender to pair with Poti on the 3rd would be a great move.
If you want Carlzner to get less ice time, both Poti and this 2nd line to 3rd line FA convert can take up 2nd line ice time.
Or you can put Carlzner on PK duties and leave them on the 3rd tandem
It's The Wait for Red October. Except rather than Sean Connery, Alex Baldwin, and Sam Neill, it's George McPhee, Bruce Boudreau, and Alex Ovechkin.
Not Tom Clancy, but Gary Bettman. Not the Soviet Kremlin, but. . .well. . . .yeah, the Soviet Kremlin
2C. I guess if I were to limit myself to the actual UFAs available, and not consider trades, I would want Saku and Willie Mitchell.
In terms of need, easy answer
2C, and it’s not even close.
Why?
Four words: Nicklas Backstrom Injured Reserve.
If Baxter gets hurt, we’re unbelievably screwed right now.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
by D'ohboy on Jun 30, 2010 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions 6 recs
How much wood would a Caps fan knock if a Caps fan could knock wood?
A lot, in this case.
You know, I don’t think we’re screwed. I mean, our top line left winger is better than a guy who scored 52 goals with Dainus Zubrus as his center, and our superskilled second line winger won’t feel a difference at all.
In the playoffs yes. In the regular season…I think they can survive.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
матовая Клими, Михал нуивирт ваш папа теперь
Red Line Station: for Capitals fans who can bear reading something less intelligent than a story at Japers' Rink
Follow me on Twitter!
by red army line on Jun 30, 2010 4:14 PM EDT up reply actions
We essentially survived the second half of our season with no true second line center. Okay, we’re really screwed if Nicky is injured for the playoffs.
For the regular season this past year:
1) We had a winning record in the games sans Ovi
2) We had a winning records in the games sans Semin
3) We had a winning record in the games sans Green
We have depth at wing or even at defense — just not at center.
When thinking of rotating guys to sit out, there wasn’t necessarily a problem with sitting out Green or Knuble, but who would replace Nicky.
Rocking the Red since 1975
The Caps can still beat most teams I bet without Backstrom in the lineup because of the depth at the other positions. Pittsburgh of course they’ll lose to as well as CHI, SJS, and other stronger teams, but there are lots of weak teams out there. And all they need to do is make the playoffs, right?
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
матовая Клими, Михал нуивирт ваш папа теперь
Red Line Station: for Capitals fans who can bear reading something less intelligent than a story at Japers' Rink
Follow me on Twitter!
by red army line on Jul 1, 2010 4:28 AM EDT up reply actions
Olli Jokinen!?!?!?
From the main page:
Pending UFAs: Eric Belanger, Joe Corvo, Alexandre Giroux, Olli Jokinen, Milan Jurcina, Boyd Kane, Quintin Laing, Brendan Morrison, Shaone Morrisonn, Jose Theodore, Scott Walker
Please JP – for the love of all that is holy, tell me this was just an innocent mix-up and that you don’t know something I don’t know. Picking up Ollie’s potential $5.5 million worth of baggage for a measly 50 points scares the life out of me!
It still doesn’t take away the fear… Ollie’s like a bigger, dumber, more expensive version of Nylander. Just don’t even want to see his name anywhere in relation to the Caps.
alot alike but Ollie will never be called circles
"Do you smell that? It's napalm, son. Nothing else on the world smells like that. I love the smell of napalm in the morning. Y'know, once we had a hail bomb....12 hours....and when it was all over I walked up. We didn't find one of them, not one stinking dink body. The smell, y'know that gasoline smell, that whole hell. Smells like........ Victory. Some day this war's gonna end."
- Lieutenant Colonel Kilgore.
Feds91
I know he’s old as dirt (in NHL terms) – but just seeing the number 91 makes me happy. Why not lure Feds back from the KHL for one last hurrah with Semin…? They normally play great together in international play… as long as Bykov isn’t coaching ;o)
No Paul Martin on the D targets list? He’ll probably be too expensive, but Volchenkov and Hamhuis are too.
Now there’s an option, although how’s his skating?
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Is he an injury risk moving forward? Is that going to be a disincentive in giving him a long-term deal?
The disincentive to giving him a long term deal is that we have to re-sign Alzner next year and Green and Carlson the year after. I don’t know how we make an impact signing on D and then keep our own guys together.
Martin’s injury this year was mostly a freak thing. He hurt his wrist early in the year and he could have either had surgery or tried to let it heal on its own. NJD is coached by Lemaire, who wanted no part of Martin in the Olympics, so they told Martin to let it heal on its own, which it didn’t. He eventually had surgery to correct it but missed the Olympics. When he came back, he looked good. The injury isn’t the kind that you expect recurring problems with (groin, hip, knee) but you never really know. I wouldn’t be scared off by his wrist as much as his contract.
I waited all year for this?
by Rob Parker on Jun 30, 2010 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
What are we defining as too expensive? In my book we can og 4-4.5M a year for a D, especially with Poti coming off the books after next season.
Choking since 1985.
Spend now
Caps need to bite the bullet and spend on the D mand before there are none to spend on. Its has been proven over and over we need it and its time for GM GM to do something about it
"Do you smell that? It's napalm, son. Nothing else on the world smells like that. I love the smell of napalm in the morning. Y'know, once we had a hail bomb....12 hours....and when it was all over I walked up. We didn't find one of them, not one stinking dink body. The smell, y'know that gasoline smell, that whole hell. Smells like........ Victory. Some day this war's gonna end."
- Lieutenant Colonel Kilgore.
Did you read the post at all?
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
by gotsparkly on Jun 30, 2010 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
2010 champ Chicago: have to reshape critical parts of roster due to dumb FA signings
2009 champ PIT: zero silly signings by my count, except for Staal, but he was earning it by then I’d say.
2008 champ DET: zero silly signings I’d say
2007 champ ANA: zero silly signings
2006 champ CAR: no silly signings by my count
Sure, GMGM can go right on ahead and make quick signings, as long as he gets fair value.
*by silly I mean expensive and significant overpayment, the type that handcuffs a team and that you’d remember afterwards
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
матовая Клими, Михал нуивирт ваш папа теперь
Red Line Station: for Capitals fans who can bear reading something less intelligent than a story at Japers' Rink
Follow me on Twitter!
by red army line on Jun 30, 2010 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions
I hope GMGM goes out and does exactly the opposite of what you suggest.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
by D'ohboy on Jun 30, 2010 4:00 PM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
if offensively what we’re trying to get is someone who can get us past hal gill, why don’t we just sign hal gill and a cheaper option at 2c i.e. cullen
Gill drives fans of every place he goes to crazy except wen he goes on his annual spring superstar disappearance sale. I guess he’d be good on the 3rd pair though and part time 2nd too.
That wasn’t really the problem. When the shots weren’t going in they stopped playing as a team and broke into individual talents. Yesterday, Portugal must have been frustrating the hell out of Spain, yet Spain stuck with it and finally got a goal. The Caps didn’t stick with it. The guy we want is someone who will stick with it and be a guy Alexander Semin won’t be afraid to pass to, someone who can break a goalie’s hot streak.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
матовая Клими, Михал нуивирт ваш папа теперь
Red Line Station: for Capitals fans who can bear reading something less intelligent than a story at Japers' Rink
Follow me on Twitter!
by red army line on Jun 30, 2010 4:17 PM EDT up reply actions
That’s because David Villa drives the net better than Alex Semin!
I waited all year for this?
by Rob Parker on Jun 30, 2010 4:20 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
None of the Caps’ rebound chances were exactly flipping a puck over a goalie on the ground/ice…
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
матовая Клими, Михал нуивирт ваш папа теперь
Red Line Station: for Capitals fans who can bear reading something less intelligent than a story at Japers' Rink
Follow me on Twitter!
by red army line on Jun 30, 2010 4:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Because they didn’t drive the net or penetrate the middle of the defense!
I waited all year for this?
Semin was doing more “fly-bys” than Maverick and Goose.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
by D'ohboy on Jun 30, 2010 5:08 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Halak made plenty of rebound saves lying on his stomach. The Caps just couldn’t flip the puck over his pad.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Jul 1, 2010 1:43 AM EDT up reply actions
And because Xavi is better at outlet passes than Morrisonn or Poti.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Jun 30, 2010 10:27 PM EDT up reply actions
This may be a dumb/weird question, but can the NHL/KHL clubs trade players?
If we can’t come up with a descent 2C by Spring, it would be sweet to get Fedorov for a rental if this happens to be last last contract year :)
There is no outright trading but they could do it via loan agreements if they really wanted to.
I waited all year for this?
but players and limited to a certain number of games before they’re ineligible to then switch to the NHL, right? Wasn’t that part of the drama around Foppa this past season?
#savethekittens!
Donation info for SAVES FOR KIDS 2010!! Make a difference.
sorry, should be are, not and.
#savethekittens!
Donation info for SAVES FOR KIDS 2010!! Make a difference.
If there is a salary pecking order, it is probably: 1. Volchenkov 2. Martin 3. Hamhuis
None will go for lower than $4M. None will be a Cap.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Jun 30, 2010 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions
What is the big deal with Martin? Nice player and all, but you have to take into account the system he was playing. Doesn’t have any offensive upside, isn’t particularly big and didn’t look all that great when Phi was waxing NJ.
Choking since 1985.
Philly went 9-2 against Jersey this year. The Devils had more than enough suck to go around in that series.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Jun 30, 2010 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Well he missed most of the season so he wasn’t sucking it up against PIT. He has a lot more offensive upside than AV and probably Hamhuis, so I’m not sure what you’re talking about. You can “consider the system” to implicitly knock his D but you don’t “consider the system” to recognize his offensive potential was probably being held back?
I waited all year for this?
Actually, not very much. He’s benefiting more defensively with a 3 forwards dedicated to a system than he is being held back offensively. Give the guy 40 points if he gets to open it up more.
You were impressed with his play against PHI? If anything he should have been extra fresh.
Choking since 1985.
I wasn’t impressed with anyone’s play on NJD against PHI, so that’s not particularly fair. If we want to throw those stones then how is Mike Green worth 5+? We could go on…
I was impressed with his play in the final part of the season. Yeah, he was fresh, but you’re ignoring the rust. You don’t skate and play with a puck for 6 months and you won’t have the same balance, explosive stride, and won’t have anything near the same puck control as you would. Given how good he was before the injury I still think he’s an excellent player.
I waited all year for this?
I keep coming back to Tallinder, who could be had relatively cheaply compared to the sexier names on this list. A left shot, he would fit well into our top 4 as a good defensive pardner for either 52 or 74, he’s plenty big for the gotta-hava-creaseclearer set, and at 31 could provide some vet leadership. While not the ideal mentor for Green—no cups, no hardware, no website—he could be just as valuable to a guy like Schultz, who emulates HT’s game more closely.
More norrissey, less morrissey
by bigonetimer on Jun 30, 2010 12:17 PM EDT up reply actions
I like his game a lot and he would fit in fine. He’s a big guy — although he isn’t really a hitter. He’s a nice, positional player.
WE HAVE ENOUGH BIG GUYS WHO DON’T HIT ALREADY! /cled
"Now wait a minute. This is just purely a social call. You know, just two adults getting a stew on, man."
by The Ghost of Bebop on Jun 30, 2010 1:07 PM EDT up reply actions
You don’t need to be a big hitter in the NHL any more to be a really good defenseman. You need to have smart players who know where the opposing players are and don’t chase forwards around the ice (a la Erskine).
I know that. Note the heavy snark.
"Now wait a minute. This is just purely a social call. You know, just two adults getting a stew on, man."
by The Ghost of Bebop on Jun 30, 2010 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Martin is so much better than Volchenkov. No way AV deserves more than Martin. I’m not even sure AV deserves more than Hamhuis, but he’ll probably get it. Martin should unquestionably be the jewel of this D class.
I waited all year for this?
Paul Martin’s problem is, well, “Paul Martin.” Dan Hamhuis has the name no one can pronounce correctly (“hamhooz”… “hamhyse”… “ham and cheese”… hamhock"). Anton Volchenkov… sounds like a spy in a Bond movie or Boris Badunov’s long lost cousin.
“Paul Martin.” Sounds like a character in “Mad Men” (the guy in the suit drinking a scotch… no, the other guy in a suit drinking a scotch). Who is going to remember him?
If you've read this far...seek help.
Given relative costs, I’d say that Michalek might end up being the jewel of this UFA defensemen class.
I also think Boston might have gotten quite the deal on Seidenberg, as well, even though he didn’t hit the open market.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
Michalek won’t be cheap. I bet all of Michalek, AV, Martin, and Hamhuis come in over 4 mill and two of them crack 5 mill.
I waited all year for this?
I think Michalek will be cheaper than the other three, because of his lack of exposure and any offensive upside.
AV has the name recognition, and Martin and Hamhuis have the offensive stats.
If I were doling out the contracts, Hamhuis or Martin would come in around $4.5, with Michalek around $3.75 and AV around $3. As-is, AV will probably get closer to $5. It will be interesting to see what the market is for Hamhuis and Martin. My guess is that Michalek gets signed for something similar to Seidenberg. Maybe less, since he’s got no “o.”
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
Michalek may have lack of exposure to some NHL fans, but not to GMs. I have to believe the GMs in the league know what kind of player he is. Shit, if any GM was even aware Jeff Finger was in the league then they have to know about Michalek.
Michalek has more upside and health than AV, so you can’t really say his lack of offensive upside is going to keep him down. I see you think AV is worth less, but we both know he won’t get paid like that.
Bottom line, let’s say GMGM negotiates a 3.5 deal with a reasonable term with Michalek. Alan Walsh calls PIT and OTT and (assuming neither has signed AV/Martin/Hamhuis) says “Washington is about to sign Michalek for 3.5…” Do you really think neither OTT or PIT say “we’ll give you 4!” I bet one of them does, and that ignores 27 other GMs.
I waited all year for this?
Apparently Phoenix is really trying hard to get him signed. Is it possible that hearing multiple media reports that “Phoenix really wants to sign him” could raise Michalek’s value more? You have to think GMs knew about him before and now that Phoenix is so clearly desperate to keep him…I don’t know. Troubling.
I just can’t believe a guy that good is that far under the radar. Every team and pundit talking about FA D knows about him, so how could an NHL GM not?
I waited all year for this?
Oh, agree – I’m not saying he’s not on the radar. I’m just concerned that other GMs will read reports about how hard they’re trying to keep him and somehow increase his value in their minds.
Of course, it could work the other way, too…teams could see how much trouble the Coyotes are having and assume he (and his lovely agent) are too much trouble.
…or GMs will base their opinions on him and whether they want to go after him on his actual value. Whatevs.
You have much more respect for the intelligence of the average NHL GM than I do.
They might be aware of Michalek, but you and I both know that AV will get paid more, despite being older, more injury prone and generally worse.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
I have enough respect to think they know Michalek is one of the 4 best D on the market. I agree AV will get paid more, but I don’t see Michalek having to settle.
I waited all year for this?
Yeah, but it comes down to why AV will get paid more. I think it’s primarily exposure from playing in Canada. Statistically, it’s not even a wash – Michalek is pretty clearly the superior player. I don’t see him play often enough to speak with authority about him, but after watching Volchenkov look slow, old and broken this playoffs, Michalek must be better.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
Playing in Canada and playing in a lot more playoff games, going to an SCF, and of course, the ever-coveted “toughness” factor. He’ll hit anything that moves, and Michalek doesn’t.
I waited all year for this?
And leading the league in an overrated but nevertheless important defensive stat — blocked shots
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jun 30, 2010 5:43 PM EDT up reply actions
I’d be happy if the team as a whole would just block the same number Volchenkov blocks wherever he ends up – a little more heart and grit, a little less fancy-pants maneuvering, boys.
At center: Saku, please. I’d love to have him here. Back-up options would be Lombardi or Cullen, who I think would be a decent 2C (and a good addition to the PK) even if JP disagrees with me ;) Plus he wants to be here, which is always a good start.
On D, I’d love to shoot for the moon and get Hamhuis, Martin or Volchenkov – but thinking realistically and in a more fiscally conservative way, Mitchell might be a nice option. Or Michalek, although I think he’ll earn more than he’s worth and PHX really wants to re-sign him.
The issue I have with Cullen, Lombardi and Koivu is that none of them represents a clear upgrade over BMo. If we’re going the UFA route to fill the 2C role, I think the signee needs to be either A) significantly better than BMo, or B) cheap and a clear upgrade over MP.
Koivu, Cullen and Lombardi don’t represent enough of an upgrade over BMo to justify the fact that they’ll all probably want 2.5m+/year. At that cost, I’d rather just send MP out there until the trade deadline.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
See, I’m not sure they do, either – but only if you look at B-Mo at the beginning of the year. B-Mo at the beginning of the year was a clear 2C who was producing at a decent pace, and I’d put any of the three on that same level, which really is the level we need.
Now would I love to have another Backstrom or even a Patrick Sharp out there? Sure. But if we can get anyone in here to do exactly what B-Mo did early on – and do it for 82+ games – I’m sold. I have to think at least one of them is capable of that.
by Becca H on Jun 30, 2010 4:14 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
If they were capable of that, they wouldn’t be Cullen, Koivu or Lombardi. There’s a reason these guys are available, just like there was a reason that BMo was available.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
The main reason all three of those players are available is self impossed caps. Carolina, Anahiem and Phoenix will not be spending near the cap. I just was listening to Rutherford on the radio in Toronto and he said that there are quite a few teams that will not be spending near the 59M cap but more in the 45-50M range (if that)
by CapsFanSince1979 on Jun 30, 2010 5:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Cullen plays for Ottawa, FYI, not Carolina.
They’re available because they’re flawed, old (at least Cullen and Koivu are), and want more money than their talents warrant. For teams that have tons of holes, they might make sense. The Caps aren’t that desperate. We can play MP or Mackan to start the season and see what we can pick up at the deadline.
Is it the preferred solution? Maybe not, but it’s a hell of a lot better than overspending on crap free agents just because they’re available.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
With a farm like the Capitals and the resolve of GMGM, I think the we’d be the last team in the NHL to overpay any of those guys.
It's The Wait for Red October. Except rather than Sean Connery, Alex Baldwin, and Sam Neill, it's George McPhee, Bruce Boudreau, and Alex Ovechkin.
Not Tom Clancy, but Gary Bettman. Not the Soviet Kremlin, but. . .well. . . .yeah, the Soviet Kremlin
Yes, but he did play for Carolina prior to the deadline last year and Rutherford said he would love to have him back if it worked with their cap, but they expect to slightly over the floor. He stated they did not expect to be in the FA game at all but a couple of their restricted’s chose not to sign. They are looking for 1 cheap defenseman…so he says.
by CapsFanSince1979 on Jun 30, 2010 8:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Cam Fowler would have been pretty cheap.
I waited all year for this?
by Rob Parker on Jun 30, 2010 8:21 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Kuznetsov? He’s not even close to ready. Cam Fowler could play on CAR’s blueline this season and I bet he’s better than at least half the D corps they end up dressing. He’ll play for ANA and he’ll do well.
I waited all year for this?
He may. Not sure ANA will rush him, but they do have the openings.
by CapsFanSince1979 on Jun 30, 2010 9:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Also, I have a hard time buying Anaheim or Ottawa having self-imposed salary caps.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
Ottawa does not surprise me. They are having attendence issues there. They are already at $48M and have some decent RFAs to resign. They will not spend to $59M, but will probably be in the $52-$54M range.
by CapsFanSince1979 on Jun 30, 2010 8:18 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t think that’s necessarily true. They’re going to be UFAs in a relatively shallow market, they know what their earning potential is – you don’t think they should test the waters, see what’s out there? We haven’t even hit July 1 yet, who knows what will happen?
B-Mo was available for a few days before we picked him up, but that was largely because of injury. I doubt any of these guys makes it that far, whether it’s because we signed them or someone else does.
I’ll give you 5 minutes to google their career stats and come back.
The only one of the three who has reliably produced more than BMo is Koivu. Koivu will turn 36 shortly after this season starts and is injury-prone.
None of these guys are a significant upgrade over BMo, and none of them will cost less. Furthermore, none of them will likely take the one-year “rehab” contract, either.
In short, they’re not enough of an upgrade to warrant the cost increase over a young guy like MP.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
I agree with your last point. They are not an upgrade over MP.
They only guy I would roll the dice on over the youngsters is Demitra, if you can get him on a post injury $1.5M deal where he wants a shot at the cup.
by CapsFanSince1979 on Jun 30, 2010 5:36 PM EDT up reply actions
I’ve looked at their stats before – all of them, with the exception of maybe Lombardi, have been more consistent more recently than B-Mo was when we picked him up. And he was great at the beginning of the year, you have to admit that. He was looking like a steal.
And even if I didn’t think they were an upgrade over Morrison (and I do think they are, or at least equivalent) I’m just not sold on MP being ready yet, especially not for 2C minutes and responsibilities. What are our options? We have to get someone in there, and these are UFA options – I’d happily explore other guys via trade who would be a better fit.
I’ll grant you one point – none of them will be cheaper. But that’s not really a fair argument, because none of them were coming off two drastically shortened seasons due to injury, either. Had Morrison gone onto the market after being healthy he would have been much pricier.
Would you not be comfortable to start the year with MP and see how he does. You can always get a 2C option at the trade deadline and you have not killed the cap for the future (which FA tends to do). Of course, if you can get someone on a reasonable 1 year deal then that is another story.
by CapsFanSince1979 on Jun 30, 2010 5:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Eh…I don’t know what i’d be comfortable with anymore, to be honest. I’m certainly not advocating breaking the bank on any of these guys (although I don’t think any deal GMGM makes would kill the cap for the future, either). I think each player would need to be looked at on a case-by-case basis. I could see Koivu coming here for 1 year; I could see Cullen coming here for 2, which is also reasonable in my mind.
And who knows, maybe we do nothing, Matty P blows my mind in camp and this problem goes away. Believe me, I’d like nothing more – just not convinced it’s going to happen, that’s all. And I like getting insurance sooner rather than later that at least the 2C is filled, which is why waiting until the trade deadline scares the bejeezus out of me.
I really believe this is the direction we are going to go in. I do not believe we will fill the 2C and probably not the 6D either. I expect we will keep the 4M cap space and give the youngsters a shot. You can do alot with 4M of cap space at the trade deadline. For example, Brad Richards.
by CapsFanSince1979 on Jun 30, 2010 6:43 PM EDT up reply actions
4M of space preseason is like 12M at the deadline
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jun 30, 2010 6:46 PM EDT up reply actions
He would cost a ton, but that’s a great reason to route for DAL to tank, if anyone’s looking for one.
I waited all year for this?
All I am saying is I would rather go MP/MJ now and a Richards type later over a Koivu now. Yeah, it costs alot more…but Koivu does not improve us much. A guy likes Richards does. And who knows, maybe MP/MJ gets 50-60 points playing with Semin.
by CapsFanSince1979 on Jun 30, 2010 6:58 PM EDT up reply actions
It’s risky, but I can get on board with this strategy if the trade market is barren (as it appears to be).
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
If the Caps pick up a defenseman, they easily make the playoffs with known commodities like Brooks Laich or Keith Aucoin at 2C. MP or Mackan will only make the team if they can outplay those gentlemen (not a terribly high bar).
If I knew now that Kari Lehtonen would do what he always does, and Richards will be available because the Stars miss the playoffs, I’d easily decide to take that option.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jun 30, 2010 7:26 PM EDT up reply actions
The Caps easily make the playoffs with the current roster. That is why I have no worries about FA…I would not spend a dime outside our own RFAs.
by CapsFanSince1979 on Jun 30, 2010 8:12 PM EDT up reply actions
That’s taking it a little far — there are FAs that could help the Caps win a Cup
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jun 30, 2010 8:16 PM EDT up reply actions
I did not say they could win the cup with what they have. I said they could make the playoffs.
I do not think there are any FAs that give them a much better chance at the cup. I do believe there are trade options at the trade deadline that give them the best chance and therefore that is the direction I would go.
by CapsFanSince1979 on Jun 30, 2010 8:19 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree with your points, but I don’t want Aucoin playing for the Caps except in emergency circumstances due to lots of injuries. He’s a known commodity, and that commodity is not what we need. Just giving MP/Mackan a look and time to develop is more valuable than the difference between Aucoin’s play and the rookie’s play, IMO.
I fully expect Mackan to spend next year in the SEL.
I waited all year for this?
Cullen is consistent as hell – consistently mediocre. The guy has never scored more than 50 points in a year. Ever.
As for Lombardi, he’s only ever topped BMo’s production from last year twice in his whole career. I wouldn’t be torn up if we signed him, because I like fast skaters, but he’s no sure bet to outproduce BMo.
Koivu is the best bet to outproduce BMo. Sadly, he’s old, injury prone and seems to want to stay in Anaheim with Teemu. And he’s likely to cost a lot more than BMo.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
Cullen and Lombardi? Agreed. Koivu? Not as much.
Koivu, while not the elite two-way player he was in MTL, is still a very good center. He’s not going to produce bonanza points, but the guy is still going to help you outshoot the other team and he’s still great defensively in a way that BMo never was.
He’s also, beyond a shadow of a doubt, far superior to MP defensively right now. He played second line minutes at ES (13.24 per game) and second-unit PP time (2.37 minutes a game, compared with Perry, Getzlaf and Selanne playing from 3.41 to 3.61 per game). He’d land in a position where he doesn’t have to play the super-hard minutes and he’d have another elite winger as a linemate (Semin, who’s far better at ES than Selanne and better than Bobby Ryan). He still scored 52 points last season, which I imagine improves or at least stays level, pending health of Semin and even cursory PP time (Get the first unit of the goddamn ice, Bruce).
Can MP reach those offensive numbers? With PP time and good ES minutes, yeah he can. But where Koivu is really going to shine is when the puck is in the other end, when he’s out on the ice against a guy like Malkin, or Giroux, or Krecji, or the Elias line in NJ. I don’t want MP out there against those guys, but Saku Koivu is going to acquit himself well.
He’s not an elite PKer anymore, but he’s still reasonably good. Better than Belanger and Steckel, most certainly.
As you point out, though, Saku isn’t likely to come out here. I’d welcome him for 2.5/year, especially if that meant we could consider signing a Martin or a Michalek.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Jun 30, 2010 8:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Additional stipulation:
The Martin we’d consider signing can’t have the first name ‘Jacques’.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Jun 30, 2010 8:37 PM EDT up reply actions
How about we sign Saku and then secretly dress Mikko? It’s a simple head shave away.
Choking since 1985.
That would be awesome.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
матовая Клими, Михал нуивирт ваш папа теперь
Red Line Station: for Capitals fans who can bear reading something less intelligent than a story at Japers' Rink
Follow me on Twitter!
by red army line on Jul 1, 2010 4:40 AM EDT up reply actions
Tomorrow...
The first task is to see if they can land Hamhuis. If he can be added to the Caps roster, then that should be the priority. A 4-5 year deal would be ideal here as he is 27, healthy and rock solid steady on the back line. It would also help with the negotiations with RFA Jeff Schultz as he knows the Caps have signed his potential replacement.
If Hamhuis isn’t available or can’t be had within George’s budget, then the center is the top priority. If they can find the reasonable 2C at a reasonable price (someone who wants to win the Cup as the top priority, not the dollars…they exist out there) then that problem can be solved.
As for a 6th defensman…no love for resigning Brian Pothier. He can likely be had for not a lot of $$ and knows the Caps system…
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
I’d almost prefer they didn’t waste time on Hamhuis – the Caps can give him some of what he wants (i.e. top-pair minutes) and could probably swing $4-4.5 million, but they’ll be battling with other teams that can afford more, which will likely push his asking price out of our range. And in the meantime, cheaper options could get snapped up while we’re in a bidding war.
It’s one of the few arguments for trading for someone’s rights before they go UFA, really – the chance to get a jump on other teams sounds good in a UFA market like this one. (Not that I would have advocated GMGM doing this, because I think there are other viable options to be had, that can be gained without giving up assets just for a few extra days).
Obviously if he can fall within the parameters of the budget (meaning no more than 4.5M/yr) then Hamhuis should be George’s primary objective. That said…if you’re Hamhuis and you get a 5 year/22.5 M offer from Washington or a 5 year 25M offer from Columbus, which do you take?
He’s going to get a lot of $$ either way to play hockey…but anyone signing with the Caps knows they will be on a contender right away, and will likely be in contention for the length of their contract. That matters to a lot of players.
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jun 30, 2010 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Just saw a LeBrun tweet that Guerin is going to market.
What about a 1-year deal for him? I know he’s not a 2C, but he’s a winner, he can finish, and he isn’t afraid to stand in front of the net.
Every bursted bubble has a glory! Each abysmal failure makes a point! Every glowing path that goes astray,shows you how to find a better way. So every time you stumble never grumble. Next time you'll bumble even less!
In theory – you could put him with 8 and 19, and move 22 down.
Or you put him on 2 with Laich and Semin, assuming there is no other 2C acquired?
That’s the best I’ve got. I have always liked Guerin’s approach and attitude.
Every bursted bubble has a glory! Each abysmal failure makes a point! Every glowing path that goes astray,shows you how to find a better way. So every time you stumble never grumble. Next time you'll bumble even less!
Knuble is better than Guerin right now.
Laich isn’t a 2C. I don’t think Guerin even cracks our top 3 lines right now, but if he does it’s as the 6th best wing on the 3 lines.
I waited all year for this?
Yeah Knuble’s miles ahead of Guerin at this point.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Jun 30, 2010 12:41 PM EDT up reply actions
You could put him on Modano’s wing, sign Chelios for the blueline, bring Tkachuk out of retirement and trash some hotel rooms on road trips.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jun 30, 2010 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions 6 recs
In all seriousness (and at the risk of sounding like a broken record) I’d consider Sean O’Donnell and Owen Nolan if they came at $2 Million apiece or less.
This team could do a lot worse than Mike Modano, considering the options.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jun 30, 2010 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m not quite aboard the Nolan express (due to positional depth already on the roster), but agreed on the other two.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
O’Donnell would have to come in substantially less. Finished weak, did poorly against playoff-caliber teams, and if you give him two years, you have a 40-year old on the blue line at the start of 11/12.
If you've read this far...seek help.
Given what you noted, do you think he has the leverage to push for a 2 year deal? I don’t.
I waited all year for this?
Given his age, I think he / his agent will push for a 2-year contract and probably get it from someone, yes. And at the price he would hopefully be looking for, I think we could afford 2 years without it being “handcuffing”. I think on a 2 year deal we could get him for about the same cap hit as erskine’s 1.25, which will be dropping off the books after next season (along with Poti’s 3.5)
I’d give him a 2 year deal as long as there is no NTC or NMC.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jun 30, 2010 2:39 PM EDT up reply actions
I think Ovie and Semin already fill our “guys who trash hotel rooms” quota – and at least they do it for funsies, not in anger.
“Trashing” goose down pillows in pillow fights doesn’t count.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Long as we’re going down this road… Peter Forsberg?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jun 30, 2010 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions
With Foppa’s luck, he’ll slip on it and be out 4-6 weeks.
Look at this signature line. Notice the lack of spelling errors and self-whoring?
by Bald Pollack on Jun 30, 2010 1:10 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Protect him — don’t let him play more than 20 games before the ASB. Don’t let him play more than 30 after. Let Matty Perrault and Mackan have their audition.
And then Forsberg steps in and does his thing for the playoffs
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jun 30, 2010 1:18 PM EDT up reply actions
The only problem I can see with that, is, what do you do if Mini-Me or Mackan come out and tear up the joint?
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Facts on Foppa:
http://blogs.denverpost.com/avs/2010/06/14/flyers-wanted-forsberg-in-march/
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jun 30, 2010 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions
You shift Semin to 2C and Flash to 3C.
/BB’d
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
матовая Клими, Михал нуивирт ваш папа теперь
Red Line Station: for Capitals fans who can bear reading something less intelligent than a story at Japers' Rink
Follow me on Twitter!
by red army line on Jun 30, 2010 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions
I wouldn’t actually mind Jokinen. Just because of the use of the Joki-turtle gif in GDTs.
In all seriousness, though, I’m zeroing in on Mitchell and Michalek for defense and Cullen and Koivu for center. Cullen would help out on the PK possibly, and he wants to be here, like others mentioned above.
I think Mitchell would help experience wise on the blue-line and Michalek is a good shot-blocker.
If the Caps did take a risk-reward approach to free agency and signed a Modano/Jokinen, I guess I wouldn’t mind either. Modano might be past his prime, but maybe with the right linemates, he could put up some nice numbers. Ditto with Olli, as abysmal as he’s been these past few seasons.
If my answers frighten you then you should cease asking scary questions.
"It's not fair. He's just a pitcher." - Dave Jageler
Sprechen sie Englisch?
If we’re looking for a 5th/6th D, Toni Lydman isn’t a terrible option. Inexpensive, skates well, reasonably durable, and can put up a handful of points.
There are probably similar options on the list of available defensemen who are better and may come with a similar pricetag, but I wouldn’t feel like we got robbed if Lydman was signed for four years, ten-to-twelve million or something like that.
"Ovechkin, what is good in life?"
"To crush your enemies. To see them driven before you. And to hear the lamentations of their captain."
Lydman’s 32, though, and seeing the Capitals’ unwillingness to give Belanger a 3 or 4 year deal, I think they’d be going along the lines of a 1 to 2 year deal.
Depends on if Toni wants a long-term stability contract, and I guess you could make the same case for many guys in his situation.
If my answers frighten you then you should cease asking scary questions.
"It's not fair. He's just a pitcher." - Dave Jageler
Sprechen sie Englisch?
by Steck It Out on Jun 30, 2010 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t think the Caps not wanting to give Belanger a 3- or 4-year deal is due so much to his age as it is to the fact that they’ve got three or four prospects in the pipeline to fill the 2C and 3C roles within one to two years.
"Ovechkin, what is good in life?"
"To crush your enemies. To see them driven before you. And to hear the lamentations of their captain."
Not sure that’s true. They need someone for that role now – as a placeholder for when the kids are ready. Locking up someone over 30 for that role is shortsighted, no matter how talented he is (within limits of course…if it’s an older version of Crosby, sure, do it)
Very similar to Huet, right? He wanted more term, and GMGM wanted shorter so Varly and Neuvirth could step in.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
матовая Клими, Михал нуивирт ваш папа теперь
Red Line Station: for Capitals fans who can bear reading something less intelligent than a story at Japers' Rink
Follow me on Twitter!
by red army line on Jun 30, 2010 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions
Have we abandoned Patrick Sharp as a 2C option, or was he never a candidate anyway?
Don't celebration when you score goal
With Buff gone, I think it’s pretty clear they’re not moving him
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jun 30, 2010 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Buff and Sopel in one fell swoop, now they can stash Huet in the AHL (Huet-HL… hehe). If they move Versteeg, which I still think is likely, then they are in pretty good shape, I think.
I waited all year for this?
by Rob Parker on Jun 30, 2010 1:56 PM EDT up reply actions 7 recs
Pun rec!
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jun 30, 2010 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Pretty much abandoned – plus he’d be a trade option so not really applicable here. But word on the street, even before Byfuglien was traded, was that Sharp was off-limits.
Don’t be too sure. The Hawks have $6M in cap room for ten roster spots, and they still need to sign a backup goalie. Someone is moving (although I’d be betting on Versteeg).
If you've read this far...seek help.
Yeah, Versteeg would definitely move before Sharp.
"Now wait a minute. This is just purely a social call. You know, just two adults getting a stew on, man."
by The Ghost of Bebop on Jun 30, 2010 1:06 PM EDT up reply actions
to throw another name/log on this fire
what about Regher?
I know during the playoffs some national writer suggested packaging Flash with others to get Regher and most non-caps fans laughed. But as time has passed the Flames are looking more likely to trade him for top 6 forward help. What about a deal including Flash + one of our on the cusp C prospects + current dman (Erskine?, rights to SBN Norris winner Schultz?) + ? for Regher and then sign a 2C.
"If you want money, go to the bank. If you want bread, go to the bakery. If you want goals, go to the net." - Brooks Laich
"...I got the most gentlemanly player in juniors my last year. I'm a gentleman, always a gentleman." - Matt Bradley
I’d certainly trade Flash and something for Regehr. He’d be a nice addition to the blue line. I wouldn’t give up Mackan/Kuznetsov, maybe could be convinced to give up MP for him.
Of course, Regehr carries a $4m cap hit, and a good FA D might be available for that, so maybe you can just sign them and trade Flash + stuff for the 2C. In a bizarro fantasy world where Flash isn’t the coach’s son, anyway.
either way (trading for Regher or trading for a 2C) there is $4 mil more to be had in packaging Flash with Erskine or Schultz. This then doubles what money we have available and addresses a couple holes by re-arranging the cupboard
"If you want money, go to the bank. If you want bread, go to the bakery. If you want goals, go to the net." - Brooks Laich
"...I got the most gentlemanly player in juniors my last year. I'm a gentleman, always a gentleman." - Matt Bradley
To be clear, I have no interest in trading Schultz, but if the Caps can get something useful for Flash and Erskine, that would be a big win.
If we can get Regehr for Schultz, i am on it! Schultz is getting better, but he didnt reach Regehrs level yet. I think he will get around 2,5-3 mil on his extension, so the cap gap is not to big between them.
Ugh. We would regret that trade within 2 years tops. That would be a terrible idea.
I waited all year for this?
Why? Because Cgy sucked and Regehr didnt play well this year? Do you think Schultz will be better than him in 2 yrs? I doubt that and i dont know if he will be on this team in 2 yrs from now, due to cap limitations and a our prospects group, if he doesnt sign a multi year contract this summer.
Because I think Schultz is still getting better and Regher is getting worse. I think 2 years from now it won’t even be a debate; Schultz will clearly be the better player than Regher.
I waited all year for this?
And Schultz now is quite the bargain, and he probably will be the foreseeable future. It’s not just Schultz or Regehr, it’s Schultz + #6 D or Regehr, for example.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
матовая Клими, Михал нуивирт ваш папа теперь
Red Line Station: for Capitals fans who can bear reading something less intelligent than a story at Japers' Rink
Follow me on Twitter!
by red army line on Jun 30, 2010 4:48 PM EDT up reply actions
And even if Schultz prices himself out of DC (which I am highly skeptical about), we’ll get a very nice RFA compensation.
I waited all year for this?
Schultz wants the big bucks. He needs some spinners on his SUV.
Got more swag than anyone else on the team. I expect him to command $20 million a year.
If my answers frighten you then you should cease asking scary questions.
"It's not fair. He's just a pitcher." - Dave Jageler
Sprechen sie Englisch?
by Steck It Out on Jun 30, 2010 4:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Im with F&B here. Why do we undervalue Schultz so much. His a solid defenseman who will always provide value for his contract. I personally think Alzner will follow this same path (though his starting point is much higher).
by CapsFanSince1979 on Jun 30, 2010 4:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Schultz is getting better, thats for sure. Do you think he will get less than 4 mil in 2 years? He will be in his prime then, but i doubt he will be ever better than Regehr is or was. Regehr is maybe on a decline, but he brings what Schultz maybe wont bring at all – toughness. And that is one of the things that the team needs right now.
And then there is this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hem4Cthi1nE&feature=PlayList&p=B34CD33736815EB2&playnext_from=PL&index=26
It’s been statistically shown that “toughness” has little, even a negative, correlation with wins. All it takes is a guy that’s willing. Schultz is tough in the same way that Backstrom is tough. You don’t need hits, you don’t need a ton of blocked shots. Only a little of the second, and Schultz does that.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
матовая Клими, Михал нуивирт ваш папа теперь
Red Line Station: for Capitals fans who can bear reading something less intelligent than a story at Japers' Rink
Follow me on Twitter!
by red army line on Jun 30, 2010 5:12 PM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
It’s been statistically shown that "toughness" has little, even a negative, correlation with wins.
Really? Where?
I’m calling BS on this. Just to begin, I’m having a hard time figuring out what statistic you’d use to measure “toughness.” If you say PIMs or Fighting Majors – God help you.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
Blocked shots in particular, on BtN. I’ll try and find a link, but the point was that you don’t need tons of shot blocking to win.
If you say PIMs or Fighting Majors – God help you.
?
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
матовая Клими, Михал нуивирт ваш папа теперь
Red Line Station: for Capitals fans who can bear reading something less intelligent than a story at Japers' Rink
Follow me on Twitter!
by red army line on Jun 30, 2010 5:26 PM EDT up reply actions
He’s saying there is a lot more to toughness than fighting and slashing. If you use the PIM metric you just aren’t looking at the full picture. A guy like Backstrom is tough, but he won’t get that credit. Even looking at Knuble, he doesn’t fight a lot but he’s tough. Briere has lots of PIMs but isn’t tough.
Shot blocking is one facet, but by no means conclusive. It’s just a very hard term to define and measure so people frequently take the lazy root and look for fights and hits.
I waited all year for this?
by Rob Parker on Jun 30, 2010 5:31 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I assumed PIMS, hits, and blocked shots were what aleand was referring to, I guess I should have made that clear. Hits of course Regehr > Schultz, and PIMs too. Blocked shots Schultz does do quite a bit of.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
матовая Клими, Михал нуивирт ваш папа теперь
Red Line Station: for Capitals fans who can bear reading something less intelligent than a story at Japers' Rink
Follow me on Twitter!
by red army line on Jun 30, 2010 5:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Also really difficult to measure the difference when you consider where the puck is most of the time. If Washington has the puck outside of their zone more than Calgary then Schultz’s “toughness” numbers are going to be lower then Regehr’s though his +/- and offensive numbers will probably be higher.
by CapsFanSince1979 on Jun 30, 2010 5:41 PM EDT up reply actions
Fenwick numbers actually correlate better with winning than Corsi numbers do
So once you throw in blocked shots (Corsi), the correlation to winning is less than just shots (Fenwick). Of course (and I guess this should be clear), doesn’t mean you don’t block shots—just that you needn’t block 200 shots per person. An average shot blocking team could do alright, and a terrific shot blocking team could finish last in the league quite easily.
Blocking a shot is good, but if you have to do it a lot, then something is wrong. I guess I should have started with that. So I suppose while it may be a skill to block shots, a lot of that is dependent on opportunity as well—zone starts, which line matchups you get, etc.
Schultz FWIW had 1.77 BkS/gm with 129 in 73 (53.4% O zone, qualcomp 0.024), Regehr had 81 in 81 games for 1 per game (51.4% O zone, qualcomp 0.093), so Schultz might even be a better shot blocker.
At the end of the day it’s the intangible toughness that matters more than the tangible “real-time stats” toughness.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
матовая Клими, Михал нуивирт ваш папа теперь
Red Line Station: for Capitals fans who can bear reading something less intelligent than a story at Japers' Rink
Follow me on Twitter!
by red army line on Jun 30, 2010 5:48 PM EDT up reply actions
At least he can stand for himself and his teammates. I dont mind seeing Poti fighting Gomez in the playoffs, but cmon, that was pitiful.
Not every team can be so lucky as to have Daniel Carcillo. We’ll just have to tough it out.
The last mosquito that bit me had to check into the Betty Ford Clinic.
by alex_k on Jun 30, 2010 5:35 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Well, he had a fight that prevented -3 goals, right?
I’m sure I got the negatives mixed up there, but I hope point across.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
матовая Клими, Михал нуивирт ваш папа теперь
Red Line Station: for Capitals fans who can bear reading something less intelligent than a story at Japers' Rink
Follow me on Twitter!
by red army line on Jun 30, 2010 5:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Sorry, it was just a silly way to highlight the difficulties inherent in relying on perceived toughness to place value on a player.
The last mosquito that bit me had to check into the Betty Ford Clinic.
I just want the Swiss Army knife of good D, offense, grit and toughness for under 3 mil cap hit. Is it too much to ask? :)
Not at all. The Caps have two of those under contract next season, and they’re going to sign a third before summer’s end.
Mind you, none of them are UFA’s. You can’t get that from a UFA.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jun 30, 2010 6:28 PM EDT up reply actions
(OK, Schultz doesn’t technically give “offense.” But he sure as hell helps the offense by letting everyone else run free while he minds defensive zone)
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jun 30, 2010 6:29 PM EDT up reply actions
And in the context of this discussion, Schultz v. Regher, Schultz’ lack of offense isn’t a liability because Regher isn’t bringing any either.
I waited all year for this?
by Rob Parker on Jun 30, 2010 6:41 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
But he sure as hell helps the offense by letting everyone else run free while he minds defensive zone
and he does it so well, too. This past season, there was a wonderful calmness about his play, so much more steady and confident than he had been previously. I didn’t worry too much when he was out on the ice because he just exuded confidence, never spastic. It was great to see. And so damn under appreciated.
#savethekittens!
Donation info for SAVES FOR KIDS 2010!! Make a difference.
Look harder.
For example, f you see grit and toughness in Sean Avery that you don’t see in Nick Backstrom, you’re looking at the wrong thing.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jun 30, 2010 6:43 PM EDT up reply actions
I love this video of the 2009 Norris Trophy winner getting owned by a guy who should’ve been a finalist himself…for the Norris.
I’m sure Regehr has been danced too, and on healthy ribs also.
Quick YouTube search though reveals Regehr is willing to fight, at least.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
матовая Клими, Михал нуивирт ваш папа теперь
Red Line Station: for Capitals fans who can bear reading something less intelligent than a story at Japers' Rink
Follow me on Twitter!
by red army line on Jun 30, 2010 5:15 PM EDT up reply actions
When one of your best penalty killers gets in a fight, the team is doubly shorthanded. I’d be just as happy if the Caps get no fighting majors from their blueliners next year. Leave the fighting to the fourth line forwards.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jun 30, 2010 5:17 PM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
Unless it is Erskine, then it is addition by subtraction
by CapsFanSince1979 on Jun 30, 2010 5:17 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
And then there is this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hem4Cthi1nE&feature=PlayList&p=B34CD33736815EB2&playnext_from=PL&in
Playing with a broken rib.
Really? I would think the limited cap space is an argument for Schultz being back. He’s never going to get paid a ton of money, so I expect good value out of him.
He will get nice raise this year and if keeps developing he will be a cap problem. I would rather keep Alzner, Carlson, Fehr and maybe there is not enough room for Schultz then.
He can’t develop much further, unless you think he’ll start putting up 40 points and 10 goals a season. The defensive stuff doesn’t warrant a big raise on his own—the weak FA class this year is fooling you, I think. Normal year Volchenkov is happy with $3.5, let alone $5.5 million per season. The offensive, “flashy” (as was said above) is what brings the ka-ching.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
матовая Клими, Михал нуивирт ваш папа теперь
Red Line Station: for Capitals fans who can bear reading something less intelligent than a story at Japers' Rink
Follow me on Twitter!
by red army line on Jun 30, 2010 5:16 PM EDT up reply actions
You do realize that out of one side of your mouth you’re arguing for us to pick up Regehr, and on out of the other you’re arguing that we can’t afford Schultz.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
by D'ohboy on Jun 30, 2010 5:27 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
I think Regehr brings more to the table than Schultz I he stays on the team you will still probably need a top 4 D men besides him, like we do right now and with Regehr you dont. So, 3-4 mil Schultz + top 4 D or 4 mil Regehr?
If you lose Schultz you need another top 4 D. So it’s Regher + some other top 4 D or Schultz + some other top 4 D.
I waited all year for this?
by Rob Parker on Jun 30, 2010 5:41 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
I agree, but the difference is minimal, and time/age is on Schultz’s side. Furthermore, Schultz is cheaper. He’s not getting $4m/year – not when he’s still under club control.
Schultz @ $2.5m/year is better than Regehr @ $4m/year.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
There are many ifs and many questions.
I think that Regehr could help us get IT done. The team is a contender right now but we cant keep the group together for a lot more years.
I think we’d like to keep AO-Backstrom-Carlson-Alzner-Green-Schultz together as long as possible at this point, and Regehr means bye-bye to one of those young D.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
матовая Клими, Михал нуивирт ваш папа теперь
Red Line Station: for Capitals fans who can bear reading something less intelligent than a story at Japers' Rink
Follow me on Twitter!
by red army line on Jun 30, 2010 5:57 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Exactly. Lock up our two best players and then our defensive core. We have the prospects and role players to build around that. Trying to get a guy who is past his prime right now, at the expense of one of those D, is horribly short-sighted and much more likely to shorten our window than extend it or improve our chances of winning a Cup.
I waited all year for this?
Agreed on the part about the window of contention being limited. I just see moves like picking up aging defensemen on long-term contracts because we get impatient as being a sure-fire way to close that window prematurely.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
by D'ohboy on Jun 30, 2010 5:59 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Regehr > Schultz
The Caps with Schultz and Schultz’s contract > the Caps with Regehr and Regehr’s contract
Or to extend on what F&B said, The Caps with Schultz and Mitchell in the lineup > the Caps with Regehr and Erskine in the lineup
Let me put it another way: Jason Spezza > Mathieu Perreault, but I don’t want to touch Spezza and his contract with a 10 foot pole.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jun 30, 2010 5:48 PM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
Or even Willie Mitchell’s stick.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Jun 30, 2010 8:24 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
I think right now, Regehr gets the nod, but only slightly. However, by as early as mid-season this year, that ranking might change. Regehr is on the wrong side of the 30 hill (let me tell you, that’s a slippery slope), while Schultz is only 24.
Schultz scored more points last year than Regehr has in every season but 05-06.
Furthermore, I don’t think Schultz pulls down $3-4m just yet. He’s still under club control.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
by D'ohboy on Jun 30, 2010 5:44 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
$5 says Schultz doesn’t make $2 Million.
McPhee is a bastard at negotiating, and I don’t think Schultz is willing to do what it would take to get a huge salary.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jun 30, 2010 5:50 PM EDT up reply actions
If he’s not tough on the ice, how can he be tough in negotiations?
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
матовая Клими, Михал нуивирт ваш папа теперь
Red Line Station: for Capitals fans who can bear reading something less intelligent than a story at Japers' Rink
Follow me on Twitter!
by red army line on Jun 30, 2010 5:53 PM EDT up reply actions
I think Schultz does hit $2M. More than that? I can’t see more than $2.5. I would agree that Schultz probably isn’t willing to do what it takes, but young, good dmen are hard to get.
I’m standing by it. If Schultz makes $2 million, I’ll send Saves For Kids $5.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jun 30, 2010 5:59 PM EDT up reply actions 6 recs
I support this manner of Rink gambling.
I waited all year for this?
by Rob Parker on Jun 30, 2010 6:45 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
anyone else want to join in on this one? :)
#savethekittens!
Donation info for SAVES FOR KIDS 2010!! Make a difference.
GMGM: Can you hear me Jeff? You’re not getting $2m and that’s final.
Schultz: . . .
GMGM: Why are you sitting there with that perplexed expression?
Schultz: . . .
GMGM: I know you can hear me with those big goofy ears.
Schultz: . . .
GMGM: So $1.5m it is, then?
Schultz: . . . Ok.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
by D'ohboy on Jun 30, 2010 6:01 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
well, this armchair GM would never, ever make that trade.
#savethekittens!
Donation info for SAVES FOR KIDS 2010!! Make a difference.
He had a tough season last year but I like him a lot. I don’t think they’d take Flash for him, because Flash isn’t a) that good or b) anything close to a Sutter player. It would be a nice addition but I’m not sure it makes a lot of sense for us.
I waited all year for this?
Hey, they traded for Kotalik…
I'm gonna pain you dearly Woodhouse, when I peel all your skin off with a flensing knife, sew it into Woodhouse pajamas, and then set those pajamas on fire.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Jun 30, 2010 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions
This is true – Sutter is somehow still employed and has made other, far dumber trades. A little vodka, a little sweet talking, who knows?
Just ask Glen Sather. A good cigar + some sweet talk and BAM. Done deal.
If my answers frighten you then you should cease asking scary questions.
"It's not fair. He's just a pitcher." - Dave Jageler
Sprechen sie Englisch?
by Steck It Out on Jun 30, 2010 4:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Three more years at 4.02 million? No thanks.
"Ovechkin, what is good in life?"
"To crush your enemies. To see them driven before you. And to hear the lamentations of their captain."
No thanks to a top 4 Dman who plays more physically than all our current d combined, made Team Canada easily, and will cost less than the big fish on the market (volchenkov, hamhuis, etc – which Regher is arguably better than anyway)?
"If you want money, go to the bank. If you want bread, go to the bakery. If you want goals, go to the net." - Brooks Laich
"...I got the most gentlemanly player in juniors my last year. I'm a gentleman, always a gentleman." - Matt Bradley
Ummm…he didn’t make Canada.
Boyle, Niedermayer, Pronger, Seabrook, Keith, Doughty, Weber.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
матовая Клими, Михал нуивирт ваш папа теперь
Red Line Station: for Capitals fans who can bear reading something less intelligent than a story at Japers' Rink
Follow me on Twitter!
by red army line on Jun 30, 2010 4:18 PM EDT up reply actions
This is the first suggestion on here that I actually like. And it’s somewhat realistic. Calgary is desperate for scoring and cap space. This trade gives them both.
I don’t even think you need to throw in much along with Flash. Maybe Bouchard.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
I can’t do it. I hate Brazilians.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Jun 30, 2010 10:30 PM EDT up reply actions
I still like Matt Cullen for the Caps...
He’s been a 40+ point player on teams far inferior offensively to the Caps. He can win faceoffs (51% last year). And as a plus, he’s good in his own zone, and was relied on as a penalty killer…something the Caps could use as well. And he’d come cheaper than a lot of other options out there most likely as well, leaving cap room to upgrade the D as well.
Esta noche nosotros cenamos Tortugas
Así que bueno, ellos serán
Z!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by ZeroIndulgence on Jun 30, 2010 2:51 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
He could work, particularly if he’d take a cheap one year deal. I’d rather do that than overpay for Lombardi. Would probably still prefer Koivu in the same role but admittedly I haven’t seen Koivu play much in the past few years.
Cullen also had a good playoffs, from what I heard (I only saw part of one of those games though).
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
матовая Клими, Михал нуивирт ваш папа теперь
Red Line Station: for Capitals fans who can bear reading something less intelligent than a story at Japers' Rink
Follow me on Twitter!
by red army line on Jun 30, 2010 3:36 PM EDT up reply actions
The problem is that Cullen is injury-prone and not that much of an upgrade over BMo. And he’s likely to cost more than BMo did, because he’s not coming off a crappy, injury-riddled season.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
by D'ohboy on Jun 30, 2010 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Interesting Free Agent Year
I think this will be a very interesting free agent year and many free agents are going to be disappointed in the offers they get.
If I was GMGM I would enter the season by taking a couple 1-year low contract shots at some guys. For example, Demietra and Mitchell. If you cannot get them on Knuble/Morrison type contracts then go with what you have (give MP or MJ a shot a centre and whatever on defense). See how they do and at trade deadline you can pick up some good quality players for the rest of the season. With $4M of cap space and only picking up a end of season contract you could pick up good quality for the playoffs. I doubt this team will have any problems making the playoffs as is. Shit, you could even play circles at 2C.
by CapsFanSince1979 on Jun 30, 2010 4:38 PM EDT reply actions
Allan Muir apparently thinks we need Volchenkov, too, and agrees w/ F&B (and others) that we can get that second-line center at the deadline.
If Allan Muir thinks we need Volchenkov, then he’s clearly the wrong answer to a question nobody ought to be asking.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
by D'ohboy on Jun 30, 2010 5:28 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
He also, from what I infer, wants us to ice Green-Schultz-Volchenkov-Poti-Erskine, since the clause following the one with Carlznerson is started with “But”…
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
матовая Клими, Михал нуивирт ваш папа теперь
Red Line Station: for Capitals fans who can bear reading something less intelligent than a story at Japers' Rink
Follow me on Twitter!
by red army line on Jun 30, 2010 6:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Sort of related question — if we were to wait until the deadline for that second line center, who’s going to be out there, assuming their teams aren’t in the playoffs? In other words, 2011 UFAs?
"It's always good to have vikings."
Capgeek filtered as forwards (it doesn't allow centers, specifically)
-Brad Richards (possibly available, very good player)
- Joe Thornton (basically no chance he’s available)
- Patrice Bergeron (possibly available if Seguin is ready to move to C, WANT)
- Tim Connolly (possibly available if Ryan Miller returns to human levels)
- Michael Handzus (probably not available, LA figures to be a contender next season)
- Miiko Koivu (possibly available if he’s not locked into a deal by this point next season, WANT WANT WANT, but there’s very little chance the Wild let him go)
- David Backes (No chance, but WANT)
- Is Petr Prucha a C? I totally take him if the Coyotes drop out of contention.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Jun 30, 2010 9:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Wow, that’s a pretty incredible group for the deadline. . .already has me excited. . .
It's The Wait for Red October. Except rather than Sean Connery, Alex Baldwin, and Sam Neill, it's George McPhee, Bruce Boudreau, and Alex Ovechkin.
Not Tom Clancy, but Gary Bettman. Not the Soviet Kremlin, but. . .well. . . .yeah, the Soviet Kremlin
Interesting that no one has talked about Pavel Kubina once in this thread…I thought he was kind of coveted by a few people, and it’s sounding more and more like he’s going UFA. Thoughts?
Oh, don’t get YLM started on Kubina.
If my answers frighten you then you should cease asking scary questions.
"It's not fair. He's just a pitcher." - Dave Jageler
Sprechen sie Englisch?
by Steck It Out on Jun 30, 2010 6:06 PM EDT up reply actions
I think he is the perfect type of guy to go after.
1) He will probably sign a 1 year deal
2) I doubt the deal will be that high as his options will be limited.
3) He would get to come to a team where he can get back to those production days playing with Laich/Semin…probably the best combo he will get.
4) We have insurance to fall back on if he does not work…ie. MJ and MP
I really do not think we will see him get 1 year @ 3-4M.
by CapsFanSince1979 on Jun 30, 2010 6:37 PM EDT up reply actions
I would give him an offer of 1 yr at 1.5M and let him know you are looking for a center between Laich and Semin. If he does not take it then let the youngsters compete.
by CapsFanSince1979 on Jun 30, 2010 6:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Kubina is a defenseman, not a center…?
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
матовая Клими, Михал нуивирт ваш папа теперь
Red Line Station: for Capitals fans who can bear reading something less intelligent than a story at Japers' Rink
Follow me on Twitter!
by red army line on Jul 1, 2010 4:42 AM EDT up reply actions
Sorry, I was talking about Demitra…got Pavel’s of the brain
by CapsFanSince1979 on Jun 30, 2010 6:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Pavol Demtira at $1.5M — Want.
Pavel Kubina at $1.5M – Do Not Want. Unsafe At Any Salary.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jun 30, 2010 6:47 PM EDT up reply actions
I should qualify – there are teams where Kubina could make sense. I just don’t see him helping this one.
I’m open to being convinced otherwise.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jun 30, 2010 7:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Of course, there’s no way on Earth we could ever get Datysuk. Too expensive in these days of hard salary caps, plus Detroit wants to keep him anyhow.
(Yes, a girl can dream!)
Rocking the Red since 1975
Datsyuk ain’t too expensive. If the opportunity presented, you do whatever it takes. Unfortunately, the opportunity will never present.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jun 30, 2010 7:48 PM EDT up reply actions
The way I read the stats using my “the Caps’d better make the playoffs, once there does this guy perform better or worse?” approach:
Career regular season ppg: .42 (pretty decent I’d say)
Career playoff ppg: .15 (…)
He was a -6 in 5 games the last time he was in the playoffs. That doesn’t speak to QualCom depending on what role we’re talking about, but still not so wonderful.
When Tampa went to the Finals he had his career best playoff totals:
+ / – of 0 and 4 assists in 22 games (.18 ppg).
Overall 6 points in 38 playoff games and – 10
Career regular season + / – of – 101, yes, that probably has something to do with his team.
I’m sure there are other stats, and actual visual takes on him, and I’d hope anyone actually positioned to make personnel decisions for a team would have a lot more info to look at than that
Will Theordore be retiring?
With Philly signing their third goalie today, there are not many teams in the market for a goalie and Nabakov, Turco, Ellis, Theodore, Mason and others are on the market. Anyone think Theodore will end up somewhere?
by CapsFanSince1979 on Jun 30, 2010 6:54 PM EDT reply actions
I know this is not terribly likely, but I hope San Jose picks him up — Greiss is pretty good, but has been backup to a goalie who dictated his own starts and Stalock’s been in the minors, so they’ll need someone to transition from Nabby. I’ve seen things suggesting that Turco will be headed there, but Theo would be a great fit. (Predicated on UFA goalies having a reduced price tag, of course…)
Plus, he could continue Saves for Kids with the UCSF Children’s Hospital (where I spent quite a bit of time as a baby), if he wanted a local option!
The last mosquito that bit me had to check into the Betty Ford Clinic.
Everything I have heard in Toronto has Turco going to SJ. Who knows where Nabakov will be going…maybe TB. Crazy year for goalies. Maybe Dallas could use Theodore as a backup.
by CapsFanSince1979 on Jun 30, 2010 8:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Rumor has it that Theo could join the Sharks.
Tampa would actually be the logical place for Nabby to go. They have Cap space and have a decent offense. He’d help them a lot.
Rocking the Red since 1975
I think Theo would be a good fit in San Jose. I’d like to see him go to a contender (out West so I only have to root against him a couple times a season!)
I think he’ll land somewhere. He’ll end up taking a pay cut, but he went 30-7-7 when some of us were wondering if he’d play at all at the beginning of the season. And not all 30 wins were because of the Caps offense. Someone will want him.
#savethekittens!
Donation info for SAVES FOR KIDS 2010!! Make a difference.
I agree with Theo being a good fit for San Jose, even if I also just posted that he’d help Tampa Bay as well.
Before the season, I had assumed that Theo would be a backup who’d still play plenty, given Varly’s track record in the injury department. (It more ended up with Theo as #1, with the kids playing plenty.)
Rocking the Red since 1975
Versteeg to Leafs
Sportsnet reports the CHI has traded Kris Versteeg plus a minor leaguer to TOR for Viktor Stalberg and 2 minor leaguers
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory
anyone else think toronto is going to be really good next year?
~~~ R0cK D@ R3D ~~~
by Chaz-Capapalooza on Jul 1, 2010 12:25 AM EDT up reply actions
Nope. Less than the sum of their parts.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 1, 2010 12:36 AM EDT up reply actions
8th in the east is pretty damn good for them compared to last year. lets just hope we’re not no.1 in that case, i’d rather sneak in there from now on so we’re not the center of attention.
~~~ R0cK D@ R3D ~~~
by Chaz-Capapalooza on Jul 1, 2010 3:52 AM EDT up reply actions
I feel like were going to be predicting our play-off match up more than ever this year. . .as long as we dont get MTL we’re good i think
It's The Wait for Red October. Except rather than Sean Connery, Alex Baldwin, and Sam Neill, it's George McPhee, Bruce Boudreau, and Alex Ovechkin.
Not Tom Clancy, but Gary Bettman. Not the Soviet Kremlin, but. . .well. . . .yeah, the Soviet Kremlin
yeah let’s not play another trap team with a hot goalie again, pretty please.
~~~ R0cK D@ R3D ~~~
by Chaz-Capapalooza on Jul 1, 2010 4:16 AM EDT up reply actions
It’s already not the same MTL. No Halak…
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 1, 2010 8:44 AM EDT up reply actions
Just gonna say my top two candidates for each position...
C: Lombardi and Modano
D: Hamius and Mitchell
I’m sure many will disagree…
"If I was being paid thirty-thousand dollars a year, the very least I could do was hit .400." - Ted Williams
There was a post on here by Knee High To Duck that aptly depicted why Lombardi would be a bad fit for the Caps. I can’t find it, but it was recent so go take a look. It is a great read.
Modano is kind of risky imo. I think we would get a 40 point season out of him at best. Laich and Semin and the Caps system will be much more condusive as far as offensive production goes, then the Stars. But you never know if he gets hurt or injured.
We should stand pat at the 2C position, bring up people from hershey and see how they fit. It’s not like the beginning of the season will be impacted by not having a legit second line center. If they don’t work, wait for the deadline. ..cause some hugeee players are going to be UFAs next year.
As far as the D goes, I think we really just need a good 2nd liner to play with Poti. SOmeone who can take up 2nd line minutes if we put Calznerson on the 3rd tandem, do solid work on the PK, and/or not let goals in. ..lol
It's The Wait for Red October. Except rather than Sean Connery, Alex Baldwin, and Sam Neill, it's George McPhee, Bruce Boudreau, and Alex Ovechkin.
Not Tom Clancy, but Gary Bettman. Not the Soviet Kremlin, but. . .well. . . .yeah, the Soviet Kremlin
I agree with the partner for poti, but I’m not sure about standing pat at center, I think there are quality players out there and we should get them if they’re there. I like Saku Koivu, maybe Madden?
After seeing what the deadline did for us last year I wouldn’t bank too much on that. I never understood why we got Walker for the experience and played him once in the postseason…
~~~ R0cK D@ R3D ~~~
by Chaz-Capapalooza on Jul 1, 2010 4:00 AM EDT up reply actions
Sure, there are good players, but on the whole the choosing is pretty slim. The options available at the deadline are loads stronger—probably three guys there that are better than any C available today at noon.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
матовая Клими, Михал нуивирт ваш папа теперь
Red Line Station: for Capitals fans who can bear reading something less intelligent than a story at Japers' Rink
Follow me on Twitter!
by red army line on Jul 1, 2010 4:56 AM EDT up reply actions
Knee High’s post is here
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 1, 2010 8:50 AM EDT up reply actions
i like ham and mitchell but id rather have martin
~~~ R0cK D@ R3D ~~~
by Chaz-Capapalooza on Jul 1, 2010 4:02 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m pretty sure everyone would disagree, but I’m a big Manny Malhotra fan. Speed, some size, grit, great at the face-off dot, solid defensively, and has experience playing with talent (Rick Nash, various good SJ players). And he could be had on the cheap.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Japers' Rink
Related FanShots on Japers' Rink
FanShots
Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.
Recent FanShots
Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Washington
|
53 | 28 | 21 | 4 | 60 |
|
Florida
|
52 | 24 | 17 | 11 | 59 |
|
Winnipeg
|
55 | 25 | 24 | 6 | 56 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
52 | 23 | 24 | 5 | 51 |
|
Carolina
|
55 | 20 | 25 | 10 | 50 |
(updated 2.9.2012 at 9:25 AM EST)
The Vault
In Association With
Latest Puck Daddy - NHL from Yahoo! Sports
- Montreal’s Catholic Church urges Canadiens fans to pray for a miracle
- Brian Burke believes Maple Leaf Nation will conquer The Big House for NHL Winter Classic
- Marek Vs. Wyshynski Radio: Winter Classic alumni game; Perry’s nice trip
- The 7 defensemen that could make an NHL trade deadline impact
- Bettman: Over 115,000 tickets available for 2013 Red Wings, Maple Leafs Winter Classic
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
