In Praise Of Doug Yingst
by Gould Old Days on Jul 18, 2010 6:36 PM EDT
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PrintI was putting together some Hershey lines for next spring, assuming an ideal situation where Orlov plays in North America and every prospect develops quickly, including Andrew Gordon, Marcus Johansson and Mathieu Perreault, who all make and stay on the Caps. Here are the lines:
Forwards
Kyle Greentree - Keith Aucoin - Francois Bouchard
Stefan Della Rovere - Anton Gustafsson - Brian Willsie
Michael Dubuc - Jay Beagle - Dmitry Kugryshev
Andrew Joudrey - Jake Hauswirth - Steve Pinizzoto
Bench - Trevor Bruess
Defense
Lawrence Nycholat (L) - Patrick McNeil (L)
Dmitry Orlov (L) - Brian Fahey (R)
Dustin Stevenson (L) - Zach Miskovic (R)
Bench - Joe Finley, Josh Godfrey, Sean Collins
Goalies
Braden Holtby
Dany Sabourin
Talk about reloading -- this is a team that lost Alexandre Giroux, Chris Bourque, Kyle Wilson, John Carlson, Karl Alzner, Michal Neuvirth, Greg Amadio, and, in this scenario, Andrew Gordon and Perreault -- and this version of the Bears still looks great. I think Joudrey would be a 2nd liner on most AHL teams and on the first line of many, but if Della Rovere and Dubuc have good years he might not break out of the 4th line. On defense, I've put a guy who doesn't look out of place filling in at the NHL level for a few games at a time (Sean Collins) on the bench. And the two goalies were #s 10 and 14 in the AHL in save percentage last year.
Doug Yingst is running a pretty amazing organization. Could any other AHL team lose the league MVP, the playoffs MVP, their top goalie and top two defensemen and still look like the team to beat?
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Yingst is obviously a stud in the AHL. I wonder if he could make the transition to NHL management. I bet he could, I just wonder if he’d want to.
I could quibble with where you put individual players, but your point remains. Ultimately I think the biggest problem with your proposition is that Orlov will be in Russia. The D still looks alright, but loses a lot of skill and skating (and defensive lapses). I also think at least one of MP/A-Gordon are going to be in the AHL at any given moment. Maybe Mackan as well if he waives his opt-out clause. I can realistically only see one of MP/Mackan playing for the Caps without injuries. GMGM says he’s done, but I bet a veteran C gets signed for depth purposes.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Good point. I wanted to maximize the talent loss, so I should probably have put Orlov in the KHL. Then the defense could be:
McNeil – Fahey
Nycholat – Miskovic
Stevenson – Finley
with Collins sliding in almost anywhere as needed.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 18, 2010 7:03 PM EDT up reply actions
And needless to say, the Bears would be greatly improved if an acquisition of a veteran defenseman by the Caps pushed Tyler Sloan to the AHL…
… but not as greatly improved as the Caps.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 18, 2010 7:18 PM EDT up reply actions 6 recs
I think even if you get a veteran D, TySlo hangs around Washington for emergency purposes.
Twitter!!!1
Reppin' Team Tyler yo.
Unless we get rid of one of the Dmen, Erskine would be the 7th. If Sloan was sent to Hershey, would he have to clear waivers?
He would.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Jul 19, 2010 12:03 AM EDT up reply actions
He’s (barely) a replacement-level player at the NHL, but he has some value to Hershey. I doubt anyone claims him on waivers, but he might get picked up on re-entry for a team desperate for D depth. EDM was dressing Dean Arsene nightly last year because of injuries and trades, a similar situation could occur.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Jul 19, 2010 12:43 AM EDT up reply actions
But now that Sloan is signed for 2 years there is no reason for a team to take him. They can find a replacement for just one season if they need it.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Legit question for people that understand the CBA better than I do; if a player is claimed on re-entry waivers, half of his salary and half of his cap hit are absorbed by each team, right? If that’s the case, can a team ever remove the cap hit from a player departed in that manner? Say Pittsburgh claimed T-Slo on re-entry, played him for the minimum number of games, then banished him to WBS. Does the Caps salary cap hit associated with him disappear as well, or is that on the books until the contract expires, regardless of whether the player remains in the NHL?
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Jul 19, 2010 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions
As I understand it,
If Team A sends a player down to the minors and then recalls the player and Team B claims the player on re-entry waivers:
1) Team A and Team B split the cap hit and split the salary for the remainder of the contract 50/50 split.
2) If Team B later waives the player:
a) and another team claims the player, Team B no longer has any salary or cap obligation, Team A and the new claiming team, Team C, split the cap hit and salary.
b) and no team claims the player, Team A and Team B still share the salary responsibility split 50/50, but no team has a cap hit while the player is in the minors unless the player’s cap hit applies due to the 35+ rule.
3) If Team B assigned the players to the minors via 2b and later recalls the player:
a) and he is claimed on re-entry waivers. Team A no longer has any obligation and start over with #1 with Team B and Team C splitting the cap hit and salary 50/50 for the remainder of the contract.
b) and he is not claimed on re-entry waivers, Team A and Team B still sharing the salary and cap hit obligations 50/50.
Just my interpretation of the rules and discussion with other CBA geeks :)
So for clarity’s sake: If Team B puts the claimed player on waivers and he passes through to the minors, neither A nor B carry the cap hit on their books as long as he’s down there?
If Team B then tries to return the player through waivers and he’s claimed by Team A, Team B carries half the cap hit, the reverse of the original situation?
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Jul 20, 2010 5:06 PM EDT up reply actions
To your first point, yes, unless it’s a 35+ contract, you know that whole 35+ rule.
I don’t understand your last sentence/question?
This is turning into who is on first base :)
If NYR waives Sean Avery and then brings him up on re-entry waivers, and DAL claims Avery, who pays the contract? Still a 50/50 split or does DAL take back the full obligation?
Now let’s assume CGY picks up Avery on re-entry, does NYR/CGY share the salary 50/50, or is it DAL and CGY?
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
hey — no takebacks!
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 20, 2010 7:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Could any other AHL team lose the league MVP, the playoffs MVP, their top goalie and top two defensemen and still look like the team to beat?
No. However, I think its becoming clear given the potential defensive depth that they don’t plan on re-signing Helmer. I think they may regret that move, especially given the influx of young, new faces.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
Fahey and Nycholat are pretty good veterans to have. And Collins ain’t bad either.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 18, 2010 7:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Neither is Willsie, but I feel like Helmer brings a special attitude leadership wise that is hard to duplicate. The Bears have played a lot “older” than their combined experience the last 2 years. I think he has a lot to do with that. I understand why roster wise they feel they may need to move on, but I love having guys like him in the room at the AHL level.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
I agree that Helmer is going to be missed, I just don’t think it’s going to be nearly as fatal as the talent loss they are going to suffer. I also think they’ve done a decent job filling HER veteran holes, but I expect a noticeable drop off from last season. I don’t think Helmer would have changed that.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
As has been written about a few times, last year’s team was unique at the AHL level in how many returning players there were, credit to Yingst, McPhee and the players for that taking place.
I think I’ll make multiple posts because if I make all my comments in one, it will be too lengthy so in this one I’ll stick to the overall organization and Yingst.
The Hershey Bears are a unique organization and have a budget that likely only a few AHL teams also have (some would say higher than any, but I believe there are a few other teams that spend, too), but you still have to build a team with those dollars and Yingst is superb at building teams, bringing in vets, identifying coaches, making trades when a player wants out or isn’t working out.
It also shouldn’t be lost in the conversation that Doug Yingst has been with Hershey for years in different positions and has multiple Calder Cups, some pre-dating the current affiliation, and is from the Hershey area.
by sk84fun_dc on Jul 18, 2010 8:15 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Thanks. Please do make multiple posts—I have grown so very interested in the Bears this past season and am always looking for more information about them.
"I’m very happy to hear the news," Ovechkin said when he heard about Backstrom's longterm contract--"because he’s one of the top centers in the world, one of my best friends and we want to play together for a long time. He’s a guy who wants to stay in one place and be comfortable and win, just like me. We talk all the time about playing together, and we talked after the playoffs about how we can win in Washington."
by capsyoungguns on Jul 18, 2010 8:23 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Yes, please post. I like reading about the Bears. Since I don’t live perminate in Maryland anymore, I don’t know what’s going on past forum posts.
Proud member of the Popsicle Division of the Cupcake Conference.
About players and leadership…
While Helmer was a great addition and great leader, there was no shortage of leadership on the last 2 winning teams and there isn’t a shortage among the players already signed. Helmer had stints last year where his age was really showing in terms of getting caught and guys getting by him, but there’s no questioning his contributions over the season and in particular, in the playoffs. Still, Nycholat when healthy is an upgrade over Helmer on D and is known as a quiet, effective leader, including his stint as C in Hershey in 2006-07 before he was called up. I also won’t be surprised if Helmer does retire and if he does, if he works with the Bears in some form of coaching capacity, although it’s a bit unusual to have 2 assistance coaches at the AHL level.
Willsie is a solid addition who per his own quotes knows he’s headed to Hershey and is familiar with both organizations, which is great. He also was Lake Erie’s captain last season. And Fahey played with Willsie last season and had a very short stint in Hershey in the past.
It is also possible Boyd Kane will return.
The AHL has a vet rule, it’s an AHL rule with only 5 vets allowed to dress for any one game and goalies don’t count; you can have more vets on the roster, just not dressed for the same game. Anyway, as of now, the guys who are considered AHL vets are: Aucoin, Fahey Nycholat, Willsie . There is a also a 6th slot, a ‘tweener’ slot, but no one on Hershey right now is in that slot.
Joudrey is a solid player, but while he does have some offensive upside, he slots in at more of a third line center role simply based on his all-around defensive play and shifts on the PK. His skating is very good, and one thing that he did in college, but hasn’t done as a pro is play the point on the PP. As I have stated before, in a lot of ways with his faceoffs and PK ability and general style, he reminds me of a lefty Boyd Gordon. Very pleased to see him back on an NHL contract, he’s also a quiet leader, but was also very impressed that he played in Hershey last season on an AHL contract.
by sk84fun_dc on Jul 18, 2010 8:32 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs
Didn’t realize Joudrey is a center. With Aucoin, Perreault, Wilson and Beagle on the team, I guess he played a fair amount at wing? Anyway, if Joudrey’s a center, I’m much happier to have him play that position than Hauswirth at the AHL level.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 18, 2010 9:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Great timing on this article by Dan S.
A nice piece on Andrew Joudrey re-signing by Dan S – just ignore a couple of typos, because the core of the article and the quotes by Joudrey are worth a read and sounds like what i typed above :)
Great article. Any chance Joudrey makes the Caps this year as a defensive specialist?
Any chance “Joudreau” makes the NHL as a coach someday?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 19, 2010 5:09 PM EDT up reply actions
This year with Steckel and Boyd Gordon under contract? No. Also, we have to wait and see what happens with the center competitions overall.
If one of the bottom six centers gets injured, he could see a call-up, IMO. He’s a very steady and reliable player and his skating wouldn’t be an issue in the NHL.
OT: When Joudrey came out of Wisconsin and signed an ATO with Hershey in 2007, Boudreau played him throughout the Calder Cup playoffs except when he was injured.
I’d like to see Joudrey really push the incumbents during this training camp. That’d be good for everyone
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 20, 2010 7:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Roster -
Gould – You aren’t building that roster with the full complement of players already signed and under contract. Some players whether under NHL or AHL contract will end up starting in SC and having to wait for a call-up.
Wellar had a very solid season last year and provides a steady contribution on the blueline, plus is willing to fight.
Dubuc – Is there any information that Dubuc will be back? I have a hard time seeing him not deciding to try to make an AHL roster somewhere else in the League given the depth in Hershey and his 2 years in the organization. My understanding of his first contract was that it was for 2 years and that it was the last 2 years.
There are 7 players signed to Hershey contracts either AHL only or AHL/ECHL contracts that have been announced to date.
Plus 7 players on AHL contracts: 3F, 3D, 1G
Ashton Rome, F (reportedly)
Nikita Kashirsky, F
Grant McNeill, F (D in emergency)
Johan Kroll, D
Lawrence Nycholat, D (AHL vet)
Patrick Wellar, D
Jared DeMichiel, G (expected to be in SC to start)
One question regardless of reports to date is whether Patrick McNeill will be ready for the start of the season after off-season shoulder surgery.
And a mini-rant, why do people refuse to add a second “L” to the end of Patrick McNeill’s name???
by sk84fun_dc on Jul 18, 2010 8:43 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs
In terms of the last vet slot, if they decide to only go with the 5, along with Kane, Helmer, or Arsene, it’s also possible Laing could return on an AHL contract. I’d think only 1 of Kane or Laing would fit on the roster, even before factoring in the vet slots.
Stevenson – Even with the praise Stevenson received this week, I’d be surprised if he didn’t start the season in SC given the Hershey depth and that he is transitioning from playing in the SJHL.
Godfrey – My thoughts on Godfrey’s situation are already posted on these boards, but if he is with the organization, he’s going to have a superb camp to start the season in Hershey given the depth.
It’s mid-July so with the possibility of trades and signings, it’s hard to know what the Caps roster is going to look like going into training camp, but among the forwards, I do think Andrew Gordon, Perreault, and Beagle are the front-runners for NHL roster spots (and this is true for a few players, but Pinizzotto is another player that could have a good camp and make the roster, but seems more likely to be a call-up). Doubtful all 3 start on the NHL roster, but I think at least one of the 3, if not 2 of the 3 will start on the NHL roster.
why do people refuse to add a second "L" to the end of Patrick McNeill’s name
Ignorance. To quote Denis Lemieux, “I feel shame.”
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 18, 2010 9:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Dubuc – Is there any information that Dubuc will be back?
Good point. If he’s an unrestricted free agent, I can’t imagine him resigning with this organization.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 18, 2010 9:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Here’s something I posted on other boards the soon after FA started and before the Willsie signing…
Hershey should field a competitive team this season even with the turnover, especially with the 2 goalies expected to be in net and the prospects, plus Aucoin and some others. Depending on other signings, players like Bouchard will have an opportunity for more PP time and one would expect Patrick McNeill to see tougher and more minutes on a consistent basis, etc.
Some possible vet dmen: Helmer if he returns; does Arsene return or look for another NHL/AHL deal? (add Fahey as a definite with the signing)
Oh and just for fun….2005-06 Calder Cup winning team to 2006-07 team that lost in the finals…of guys that played at least 5 games in the playoffs in 05-06…for ’06-07 season:
- Brooks Laich and Boyd Gordon graduated to the NHL
(and Beech and Nycholat (partial and then traded) for the ‘06-07 season)
- Wotton signed with Isles/Bridgeport
- Kane went back to the Philly org.
- Mink went to SJS/Worcester
- Aulin moved on
- Forbes, Wilde, Fortin, and Cutta went to play in Europe
- On both playoff teams: Klepis, plus Cassivi, Fleischmann, Green, Schultz, Steckel, Arsene, Robitaille, Tenute, Sloan and Bourque (the last 2 didn’t play much in 06), Engelland (didn’t play much in 06 and left after 07 to sign NHL contract with Pens)
(hopefully, I didn’t miss anyone on the list)
The AHL and in particular, the Bears division will be competitive, and a lot will depend on injuries and trades and the impact on call-ups, etc.
by sk84fun_dc on Jul 18, 2010 8:47 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs
There’s no way Delly is ready for second-line duties in Hershey. I almost expect him to start on the Stingrays.
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There are a number of issues with those lines above, includes as I noted above, some players missing from the line-up that if things don’t change will be competing for roster spots. Of course, there is also the issue that as Peerless pointed out, a lot of off-season to go.
Also, regarding Orlov, it will be interesting to see after the dev camp if they make an effort to buyout his KHL contract/convince him to play in the AHL for a season. I’m guessing that happens a year from now and that for now, he shouldn’t be included in any draft rosters.
At this time, the Capitals and Bears have:
Forwards: Capitals (27) + Bears (3) = 28 forwards under contract, really 30 forwards under contract, but 28 once one subtracts Eakin (back to Swift Current) and Nylander
Defensemen: Capitals (14) + Bears (3) = 17 defensemen under contract
Goalies: Capitals (4) + Bears (5) = 5 goalies under contract
Capitals have 43 players under contract (not counting Nylander and Eakin for this comment) and the Bears reportedly have 7 at this time for a total of 50 players competing for roster spots; obviously, a few will start the season in SC, even if Hershey starts the season with a few extra players until the roster competition results in a more settled roster; and with 3 in 3s and depending on the number of vets, Hershey has been known to start the season carrying a few extra players.
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Florida
|
55 | 27 | 17 | 11 | 65 |
|
Washington
|
55 | 28 | 22 | 5 | 61 |
|
Winnipeg
|
57 | 26 | 25 | 6 | 58 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
55 | 24 | 25 | 6 | 54 |
|
Carolina
|
56 | 20 | 25 | 11 | 51 |
(updated 2.12.2012 at 10:06 PM EST)
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