Friday Caps Clips
by J.P. on Jul 2, 2010 6:38 AM EDT
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PrintYour savory breakfast links:
- Be sure to check out tomorrow morning's edition of Japers' Rink Radio, where the boys will chat with Corey Masisak about the Draft, free agency and the team going forward.
- That segues nicely into Corey's post on what the Caps did - or rather didn't do - yesterday. [Masisak]
- Guess who yesterday's "Quietest team that probably could have used help on defense or at least a second-line center" is. [SportingNews]
- While the Caps kept their powder dry yesterday, so did their UFAs - not one of them found a new home on Thursday (but one of Hershey's did). [ESPN]
- With Jason Bacashihua leaving Hershey, it looks like Dany Sabourin might be Braden Holtby's new mentor. [@MurphysLaw74]
- Who else is left after a day of signing madness? [ESPN]
- Why doing nothing was GMGM's best play yesterday... [MD Pro Sports, Ed Frankovic]
- ... though it's not without risk. [OFB]
- Alex Ovechkin is back in Moscow (and looking awesome). [Alex Ovetjkin]
- RMNB is turning one and throwing a party. [RMNB]
- Finally, happy 52nd wishes for George McPhee.
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That picture says it all; the current team had a chance to succeed… and we saw where that went.
Just can’t believe we did nothing.
George could be managing his last “free agent frenzy” with this team if this is how the summer is going to go.
:-(
What deal that was signed yesterday – assuming that the Caps could have signed the exact same one with the player – would you have liked to have seen them sign?
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by J.P. on Jul 2, 2010 6:56 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Not for six years. That’s an awfully long commitment.
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jul 2, 2010 7:17 AM EDT up reply actions
Hamhuis took less money to go to Vancouver than he would have made anywhere else.
More to the point, the following Capitals will be free agents one year from now (barring extensions):
Semin, Knuble, Laich, Bradley, Poti, Alzner, Erskine, Neuvirth, Varlamov, Perreault. Add in Fehr, Schultz, Fleischmann and Gordon if any of them get a one-year deal this time around.
Year after that is Carlson and Green, among others.
Obviously some of those guys we’ll be happy to see go. Others we’ll be fine with. But there are some real core guys there that you might not be able to re-sign if you commit 6*$5m to someone, and even if you are able to keep those guys, the supporting cast gets decimated.
I’m not saying “don’t sign anyone,” but rather be cautious. For example, I liked the Kurtis Foster deal for Edmonton (how I’d prefer him to Sloan and Erskine combined, at roughly the same price). Hamhuis? Not so much.
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by J.P. on Jul 2, 2010 7:22 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
I really thought Foster could have helped here. Seemed to bounce back okay from that horrible injury he had in Tampa last year.
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jul 2, 2010 7:23 AM EDT up reply actions
Been through some stuff, too.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Of course, maybe GMGM was in on Foster, but the latter’s hatred of D.C. drove him to Edmonton (though it’s really more jealousy than hatred).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
hockey aside, if my job offers were DC or Edmonton, I know which one I would take.
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Donation info for SAVES FOR KIDS 2010!! Make a difference.
I looked through his stats a bit, and he was a bid hidden and was the offensive defenseman, not exactly a defensive stud.
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матовая Клими, Михал нуивирт ваш папа теперь
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by red army line on Jul 3, 2010 6:27 AM EDT up reply actions
What gets frustrating from the outsider’s view is that every year we think no way do the prices keep going up because no one can afford that, yet we keep seeing it. Sure, the salary cap goes up some, but you would think that a $2m increase wouldn’t have been enough. At some point, it’s got to level off, doesn’t it?
Next year could be truly frightening here.
"It's always good to have vikings."
It’s like buying that house in a hot market rather than walking away because the price is too steep and values could go down. No need to get a mortgage that leaves one cash-strapped.
"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 2, 2010 8:28 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
It’s a fake increase. The cap was raised by the players when they exercised the 5% hike. They only did so to provide the same opportunity to this class as the last class but the $ were not reaaly there. They are dipping into their own clawed back dollars and therefore creating a fake market. It will not last and I would hate to be the teams that have over committed when it does not.
by CapsFanSince1979 on Jul 2, 2010 9:26 AM EDT up reply actions
I was assuming you meant that the Caps could sign the player at the same terms. Not being able to do that would change everything. But, at the current AAV, I don’t think Vancouver will have a problem moving that contract in, say, three years (don’t know if he has a NMC) if he’s not working out. He’ll only be 30 mid-way through this new deal. Figured the Caps could do the same.
I did mean that… but then you went ahead and picked the one guy that made the exercise not work.
My point was more general – that almost none of the deals that the Caps ostensibly could have had would have made sense for them.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I would’ve taken any of the top D that signed yesterday, except Gonchar and AV, over Schultz. it would be much easier to let him walk next year if we have a legit top pair defensemen to replace him, and any of those guys would’ve been an upgrade.
by khatcherwasabum on Jul 2, 2010 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Depends on what he asks for if he goes to UFA.
by khatcherwasabum on Jul 2, 2010 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions
He was asking for more to play in Philly or Pittsburgh. Vancouver is his home team, and it was theorized all along he’d take a discount if they came a courtin’ and he did. Here’s guessing the Caps would’ve had to pay around $5m, considering the prices of Paul Martin and Zybnek Michalek.
As one of the most avid Dan Hamhuis fanboys you’ll find, I can safely assure you that he is not worth $5 million dollars a year.
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Speaking of defensemen, I certainly wouldn’t mind having Kevin Bieksa here if the Nucks really are trying to deal him. He’s got one year left on his deal at 3.7.
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jul 2, 2010 7:33 AM EDT up reply actions
Uh, how much have you watched Bieksa, exactly?
Personal vendetta aside, Flash for Bieksa!
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Not a whole lot admittedly. Although I know he’s fallen out of favor there.
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jul 2, 2010 7:37 AM EDT up reply actions
From what I saw (4 games), there’s a reason he’s fallen out of favor. Then again, sometimes a change of scenery helps. I think he’s overpaid, for sure, but one year of that can be overcome.
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that the Caps could really use
If you say so.
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You know better than that. You’ve seen us play enough to know we could use a dose of it from someone who can also actually play.
I’m not convinced that ‘nasty, shit talking’ is what you could really use, to be honest. I probably watched…eh, 15 Caps games this year, and then the playoff series. What stood out most to a neutral observer was a) the need for a different PK system that suits your personnel better and b) a better ability to adjust the gameplan when shit gets real. Thats on the coaching
I think that the Caps’ needs are a tad overblown. You got to 121 (irrc) points for a reason. Would Bieksa improve your team? Yeah, perhaps, but if you consider Carlson and Alzner ready for full-time duty (as I do), then your outlook is already better than last year, and thats saying something.
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by Chris Burton on Jul 2, 2010 7:55 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
You’re talking about valid, tangible improvements the Caps need to make. I think Bieksa can probably contribute to those at least as well as a few current Caps D, but also bring an intangible element sorely lacking. That’s all.
Fair enough. Just be prepared when he never hits the net with his shot in his entire tenure ;).
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VAN is tough on him and DC wouldn’t be as tough. He also wouldn’t be required to carry any offensive burden at all and would probably only be a 3rd pair D. I think he’d work out very well, and he’s only got one year left on his deal anyway. VAN fans are tired of him getting hurt, but they are mostly fluke injuries. I laugh my balls off when VAN fans complain that he takes bad PIMs because that’s exactly what you get from those mean, physical D. You don’t get that snarl without bad PIMs. It’s another reason I think those guys are overrated. But I’d love to have Bieksa bolster our blueline.
Think of it this way, no matter how overrated/overpaid Bieksa is, pushing Sloskine out of the top 6 immediately is worth it. I’d rather sign Willie Mitchell, but Bieksa is a nice plan B. GMGM better have a plan B.
I waited all year for this?
I agree, to a point – if any situation involves Sloan and/or Erskine getting TOI, that needs to be fixed.
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We already have a d-man with erratic shots toward the net (see Schultz) but we make up for it with D-men who can hit the net (read Green, Poti). As for Bieksa….I would rather have Mitchell or O’Donell or Foster yesterday when available. My main issue with Bieksa would be taking stupid penalties.
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory
I think that the Caps’ needs are a tad overblown. You got to 121 (irrc) points for a reason. Would Bieksa improve your team? Yeah, perhaps, but if you consider Carlson and Alzner ready for full-time duty (as I do), then your outlook is already better than last year, and thats saying something.
as a Caps fan, this made me feel all warm and fuzzy (and it’s been one of those mornings). There are needs, but, really, the Caps are in pretty good shape. Not perfect, but pretty damn good.
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It’s a good thing to remember. It’s my belief that this team as is was good enough to make a serious run last year. They weren’t undone by talent, that’s for sure.
You know, every team has deficiencies – Pitt has holes at center (and still some holes on D), Philly has a big hole in net, etc. Sometimes they’re able to overcome them, like Pittsburgh did two years ago and Philly almost did last year, sometimes they’re not.
I’d like the Caps to address issues but I also like the young guys we’ve got coming up and think they’re more talented than the last crop of kids we had (who were pretty decent in their own right). I’d like to try and keep as many of them as we can and see what they can really do. There’s a balance in there somewhere, GMGM will find it.
The problem is that the Caps biggest need is the toughest to evaluate and fill, and that’s what’s scary. This team is soft, mentally and physically. As teams have shown, you can overcome talent in the playoffs with heart and desire, and, unfortunately, this team is short on both as currently constructed.
by khatcherwasabum on Jul 2, 2010 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions
concur. with the exception of ersk we have a pretty sweet demeanor on the backline. a meaner streak back there would suit me fine.
More norrissey, less morrissey
by bigonetimer on Jul 2, 2010 7:57 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Really? the Caps have no snarl and were watching the finals from their homes, while the Flyers and Blackhawks were snarling at eachother on the ice.
by khatcherwasabum on Jul 2, 2010 1:24 PM EDT up reply actions
The Hawks aren’t a much, er, “snarlier” team than the Caps. They have a few guys that can mix it up but they don’t have much more of that element in their game than the Caps do. When you face the Flyers, and in a Cup final no less, that happens.
Hell, the Caps and Habs aren’t exactly big rivals but that was a pretty chippy series. A little extra grit would be nice but they didn’t lose that series because they didn’t have Dan Carcillo on the payroll – and that’s not why the Flyers made it to the Finals, either.
Yes, it was a chippy series….and the Caps lost.
Not saying they need Dan Carcillo, but they need players who will push back and not disappear because there’s a little less space out there.
by khatcherwasabum on Jul 2, 2010 2:29 PM EDT up reply actions
And they have them. Bradley, Chimera, Erskine, Knuble…Steckel’s not a pushover and neither is Laich, Green’s got a fair amount of snarl (although I’d like it to be better timed sometimes), Carlson’s gonna be nasty, Backstrom is sneaky-snarly…oh, and let’s not forget our captain, who hits anything that moves and was the only guy in the top 30 in hits who also even cracked the top 75 in scoring.
The fact that it was a chippy series has nothing to do with the fact that the Caps lost; there’s just no correlation. Because then you’d be saying the Habs – the tiny little Habs, known around the League as one of the softer teams in the NHL – won because they had more grit, and that’s nowhere near true.
by Becca H on Jul 2, 2010 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
The Caps have some and, while I doubt khatcherwasabum and I would evaluate the team at the same level, part of the problem is that it’s some and not all. Both Fleischmann and Semin looked uninterested in upping their work rate or doing unpleasant jobs to get results. Having two of your top six wingers with that attitude is a problem.
I agree with this. To say that the Caps have none is absurd. The problem is that that competitiveness or whatever the grammar nazis want to call it today is missing from a few key personalities on the Caps, and it drags everyone else down.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
I think Semin is complicated. When he’s happy with his own performance he feeds off of the emotion and starts working harder IMO. When things don’t go his way he tends to check out a little bit.
by Kolzilla on Jul 2, 2010 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I think that’s fairly accurate.
Have you ever noticed that he doesn’t really celebrate scoring one goal (unless it’s a big one, like in OT) but if/when he gets that second one it’s all big smiles and hugs? It’s almost like he knows how good he is, he expects to score, and he’s always striving for that second goal. I don’t know why but I’ve always kind of liked that about him.
The ‘Hawks had quite a bit more snarl than the Caps did. Between Burish and Eager they are far and away more snarly, you don’t even really need to go into the rest of the roster. They have two guys that actively enjoy pissing people off and fighting. The Caps have zero.
I waited all year for this?
by Rob Parker on Jul 2, 2010 5:00 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I think the Caps could certainly stand to raise their team’s overall “compete level”, but that’s not a very strong case for it, given the correlation/causation issue.
And no snarl? That’s just not true.
As an aside, I hate the term “compete level.”
Compete is a verb. It ought to be “competition level,” or “level of competitiveness.”
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
Join the grammar army. I hate how the English language has been corrupted in recent years.
"It's always good to have vikings."
I think the language is changing. ‘Compete’ isn’t a noun, but ‘compete level’ is/has become a nominal phrase.
by DrinkingPartner on Jul 2, 2010 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions
One (probably of many) of my pet peeves is people misusing the word “myself” in general conversation. Athletes in particular are horribly guilty of it.
"It's always good to have vikings."
I was trying to think of an example and came up blank. Use it wrong, how?
by DrinkingPartner on Jul 2, 2010 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Most cases seem to be using “myself” where “me” or “I” would be correct.
by Kerry Fraser's Hairspray on Jul 2, 2010 2:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Exactly. And everyone’s favorite — Laich — is especially guilty of it. It pains me (myself) everytime I hear it.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Yeah, i couldn’t remember a single instance of that, but that’s awful. To be fair, though, it doesn’t seem like he had much schoolin’ to correct that.
by DrinkingPartner on Jul 2, 2010 2:32 PM EDT up reply actions
I know most of these guys have only gone through high school, but he’s pretty articulate, and I’d like to think he realizes there’s something wrong with how it sounds. Or maybe he likes it and does it on purpose.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Brooks Laich…changes tires, then changes the English language.
by Kerry Fraser's Hairspray on Jul 2, 2010 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions
He uses it right correctly a lot too. They probably don’t know this but you can use myself as an intensive pronoun to add emphasis on the subject AND you can use it when it’s the subject\object.
"I talked to Bruce about it the other day and he told me: ‘Just read the play and relax. Have fun.’ Before, I was trying to score so badly that I was taking myself out of position and I was rushing things instead of relying on instincts.
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
Greenie does it, too. There’s another word he viciously overuses and I can’t remember which one it is…
Is it “Thirds, please”?
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Jul 2, 2010 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
KC. i think that is the best comment on this clips
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
Why thank you. I do try to at least keep it funny when I take a shot at CMCC’s weight.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Jul 2, 2010 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions
That’s like people who “keep contain” or “orientate themselves.”
Most of these grammar abortions come from the world of sports. Should we really be taking our grammar and language cues from Eddy Olczyk and Darryl “Moose” Johnston?
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
If you really care about linguistics then you know English, as a language, is constantly evolving. You can act like grandpa saying “get off my Oxford dictionary lawn” but we’ve gone from Old English (nīedbehefe) to Middle English (And gladly wolde he lerne, and gladly teche) to Early Modern to the current Modern. Most those changes are contained within the past 700 years.
/sort of agree but corrupted isn’t the word I’d use and OT.
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
Evolution is one thing – intentionally misusing a word out of ignorance when there are perfectly good substitutes is corruption. They’re taking a word (compete) and changing it from a verb to a noun when they could have just used “competitiveness,” or “drive” or “effort level,” or any number of other, more correct phrases.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
He was asking for more to play in Philly or Pittsburgh. Vancouver is his home team, and it was theorized all along he’d take a discount if they came a courtin’ and he did. Here’s guessing the Caps would’ve had to pay around $5m, considering the prices of Paul Martin and Zybnek Michalek.
Pittsburgh and Hamhuis never really got to contract discussions, more the recruitment pitch of why it’d be a good fit for him, blah blah blah. But yes, he definitely was looking to go back to B.C. and he did, so good for him.
Martin, btw, took less to play in Pittsburgh too. NY Islanders were one team that offered more money. Funny how that works sometimes.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
Can’t say I blame Martin. I’d take less to play with Crosby and in that new building, too.
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No question. Pittsburgh’s not a real bad place to live either.
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jul 2, 2010 8:57 AM EDT up reply actions
I would have taken Saku Koivu at 2 years, 2.5 million per year, or Vinny Prospal at 1 year, 2.1 million per year.
Players I would have liked who got signed to ridiculous deals include Manny Malhotra at 3 years, 2.5 million per year, and Matt Cullen at 3 years, 3.5 million. Gross overpayment for both.
"Ovechkin, what is good in life?"
"To crush your enemies. To see them driven before you. And to hear the lamentations of their captain."
I liked the Prospal deal for the Caps, and would also have taken Koivu at those terms, but I can’t imagine those terms were available to any other teams.
Totally agree on Malhotra and Cullen.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Agree – my guess is Koivu takes less for a) a 2 year deal (which we might have offered him) and b) the chance to play with Selanne a little longer (which we couldn’t have offered him). While I think $2.5 mil is a slight overpayment for him I would have taken it, but I think you’re spot on in that the price would have gone up for us.
$3.5 million a year for 3 years for Cullen is INSANE. I’ve been arguing for him for a few days now but the guy’s never cracked 50 points and gets $3.5 million a year?? No thanks.
Koivu might have made sense, but in general I agree that the market was inflated yesterday. It still doesn’t dull the pain of the fact that this team is unlikely to improve itself, barring an unforseen trade. This is not a Stanley Cup roster as currently constituted, sorry.
What makes you say that? I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised to see McPhee make a trade between now and the deadline. He’s said often that he prefers to acquire through trade instead of free agency, and he’s not averse to making a shocking move if the price and return are right. (Good luck Chris Clark.)
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Who do you forsee being available via trade that can fit under the cap and really help us at C or D?
Working on this one for you. I still think that Mitchell could fall into our laps. He’s exactly the kind of player that McPhee might just take a flyer on judging by his signings last year.
Some have mentioned Staal. Yup, though the Rangers aren’t desperate yet. Me, I’m looking more at the Flames and the Flyers. The Flyers are in trouble – check this out. I see two players that would help them clear roster space that don’t have no-trades and that they didn’t just sign – could we do with either Matt Carle or Jeff Carter? :) Leino doesn’t clear enough space for them and neither does Blair Betts, as much as I like Betts’ work on the PK.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Carter is the only big contract they have without a no trade clause. He has to be on the move somewhere.
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jul 2, 2010 9:10 AM EDT up reply actions
Him and Carle. Look how much money they’ve got stacked in D. I wouldn’t say no to Carle as a 3-4.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
I would think Carter would be the one they would be able to move. He’s got one year left at a 5 cap hit, and then will be restricted. Carle’s got two years left at 3 and a half apiece.
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jul 2, 2010 9:15 AM EDT up reply actions
What I wouldn’t give to have Carter as Semin’s center.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
would you give up one of Varly or Neuvy?
If you want to survive out here, you've got to know where your towel is.
by ns on Jul 2, 2010 9:30 AM EDT up reply actions
DAMMIT WILL YOU LET ME KEEP MY DREAMS?
No, no I wouldn’t. Ah well.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Really? I would.
Is it out of fear of sending the wrong one? as in we are not sure which of the two will really succeed long term.
If you want to survive out here, you've got to know where your towel is.
by ns on Jul 2, 2010 9:38 AM EDT up reply actions
I think so too. I think a (cheap) quality goalie prospect is something that could definitely tempt Philly as a starting point.
If you want to survive out here, you've got to know where your towel is.
by ns on Jul 2, 2010 9:37 AM EDT up reply actions
Philly ain’t dealing no star player to the Washington Capitals.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 2, 2010 9:48 AM EDT up reply actions
Didn’t he have a nice year playing with Pronger? Can’t see how they’d dump him. Qualify this statement with the fact that it’s not like I watched a whole bunch of Flyers games.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Not that. They might not have a choice. Check out the link in this thread – it’s the Flyers’ cap structure as it exists now per Capgeek.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Oh, I understand. It’s just that the word is they’re shopping Gagne, so you know they’re going to try to trade on their terms. And someone will take it, the bums.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Yup – if they can get Gagne to waive his NTC.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
According to TSN it’s been waived.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
матовая Клими, Михал нуивирт ваш папа теперь
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by red army line on Jul 3, 2010 6:49 AM EDT up reply actions
I still think that Mitchell could fall into our laps.
Don’t get your hopes too high. There are still some teams that are DESPERATE for another D-man. (Anaheim, I’m looking at you). I could see the last really attractive defenseman get a huge contract.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 2, 2010 9:31 AM EDT up reply actions
True. The fact is that the Caps just have more in the pipeline than most.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
And they need to use that pipeline because the pipeline is talented and cheap.
by CapsFanSince1979 on Jul 2, 2010 9:34 AM EDT up reply actions
There are – but that doesn’t mean they’re going to get him. Anaheim can offer more money but they definitely can’t offer the chance to play for another contender. It’ll be interesting to see if Mitchell is healthy and ready to go, and whether he’ll choose money over a chance to win. Can’t really blame him with either decision, really.
Either would be good. I might prefer Carle actually, as there IIRC are more pending FA centers available than top-4 defensemen.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
матовая Клими, Михал нуивирт ваш папа теперь
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by red army line on Jul 3, 2010 6:48 AM EDT up reply actions
What exactly does constitute a Stanley Cup roster? GMGM would like to know.
"If you want money go to the bank, if you want bread go to the bakery if you want goals go to the net." - #21
Not relying on a 5’7 center who isn’t proven at the NHL level/a 20-year old rookie who hasn’t played in North America to carry the team at 2C. Not starting Steckel at 3C. Not starting John Erskine on D. Not having a D corps that’s extremely young for a contender.
Who says GMGM isn’t going to be addressing those needs? Steckel certainly won’t be 3C. And height shouldn’t disqualify anyone from being a good player. That is heightist. To throw your hands up after the first day of free agency is pretty ludicrous. Caps != Redskins.
"If you want money go to the bank, if you want bread go to the bakery if you want goals go to the net." - #21
The first day of Free Agency is a big day, to be fair. Perreault’s size, unfortunately, is something that we’ll have to confront if we’re seriously thinking about giving him the job. Remember that he didn’t look all that great after the first few games he was up here. It’s extremely tough to succeed in this league on the top two lines with that kind of build, and I’m not saying he can’t but it’s something to keep in mind.
It’s a big day when there are decent options available – this was really a horrific pool. I love guys like Martin and Michalek, Hamhuis and Koivu…but none of them are game-changers on their own and all of them went to teams with bigger needs (or in Anaheim’s case, a bigger lure in Selanne) than ours.
I really think we’re going to trade for a 2C – and only if Perreault and/or Mackan don’t pan out, because there’s no guarantee that they don’t.
Just because we didn’t sign anyone on the first day doesn’t mean it’s necessarily settled that we won’t get anyone to play 2C.
Look at the contracts people got. Cullen got 3.5 million for 3 years (insane in my opinion). Koivu got a 2.5 million, 2 year deal, which I would have liked here, but signs pointed that he liked Anaheim and was willing to stay if Selanne stayed (which seems more likely as well).
Lombardi wants a long term deal and $4 million a year, which puts him out of my books.
Modano is an option, but one has to wonder how much he has left and how much he’s looking for. I’ve heard reports that he prefers to stay out west, anyways.
Belanger’s looking for a long term deal, and the Caps aren’t willing to give that. Plus, we’re not sure he can fill that 2C void, as he’s better suited for a 3C position.
The market’s thin right now. Only one I could see coming here on that list is Modano.
It’s a wait-and-see approach. I commend what GMGM did because he wanted to see how the market would play out before making a move. You could say he dipped his toes in the free agency pool and it was too cold for him to jump in.
Be patient. I’m sure GMGM will do something.
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I agree that GMGM did the smart thing yesterday in staying put. There really wasn’t a whole lot he could have done. But the trade market is probably going to be equally inflated just like it was the last two seasons. We also don’t have the prospect pool to dip into that we did before since a lot of the premier talent has graduated to the NHL level. We’ll see what happens. I just think it’s putting a lot of blind faith in McPhee to come up with a viable solution to the problem. And again, not that he could have done much about it yesterday (besides maybe push hard for Koivu).
Frankly, I would take Modano for 3C right now. That would go a long way IMO just in terms of experience. He wouldn’t be counted on to carry the offense or anything. Not sure if he’s fit for 2C at his age.
Actually, next year’s FA crop is a lot richer than this year’s, meaning that trade deadline deals might be had.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
The fact that you’d take Modano’s washed-up ass for 3C (when he couldn’t even hang onto a 4W job with a much less talented team in Dallas) is enough to disqualify almost everything you say before that.
This isn’t blind faith in McPhee, it’s the realization that precious few of the deals out there fit the Caps’ needs and that the ones that have (such as Koivu), likely weren’t available to the Caps.
The only guy out there that I’m the least bit upset we missed out on (given what he brings and what he signed for) is Foster.
Otherwise, it’s a big overpaid pile of meh.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
There’s more than 3 months before the season opens, almost nine months before the trade deadline and almost ten months before the playoffs begin. My guess is that the Caps roster you see now won’t be the same when any of those dates arrive. Looking down the list of transactions from yesterday, I could find only a couple of moves that even remotely made sense from a dollar and years perspective. As fans we want immediate gratification. We want to be one of the winners on July 1. But a GM has to take the big picture approach and make decisions that hopefully will make his team a winner in June. It didn’t work out for McPhee this past season, but that doesn’t mean he’s got to go Glen Sather crazy and try and look good for TSN.
by b.orr4 on Jul 2, 2010 8:49 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
but attempting the Brian Burke method in trying to make your team tougher to play against isn’t a horrible approach either. We need hard nosed players, it’s great to draft talent and let it develop, but we need to fill in the holes with the grinders that are hard to play against.
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But do we have to overpay for it?
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
I am not saying overpay, personally I don’t believe Burke has overpaid for anyone on his roster. The point I was trying to make was steer the ship to a tougher team to play against. I don’t want to see us shooting from the outside perimeter this post season. We need people that aren’t afraid to get their noses dirty. I want players that push back and not play the perimeter game. The post season isn’t pretty.
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Fair enough I can buy that, the counter though is that so far it’s 1 player with only a 3 year deal which is still manageable in a cap structure.
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Except that the Leafs are hard up against the cap and still have tons more important holes to fill.
It’s never “just one player.” Everything fits together. The $3m/year he’s spending on Armstrong is $3m/year of cap space he can’t spend on things he actually needs.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
And even though it’s not a FA move he way overpaid for Kessel.
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by Killer_Carlson on Jul 2, 2010 1:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Why don’t you go ask Brian Burke how that Colby Armstrong contract looks in about a year.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
What deal that was signed yesterday – assuming that the Caps could have signed the exact same one with the player – would you have liked to have seen them sign?
Sean. O. Donnell.
That one really hurt. I’d have given him twice as much base salary, and skipped the bonuses.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 2, 2010 9:33 AM EDT up reply actions
Another perfectly manageable one. Hammers home the point, though, that missing out on the big names is probably for the best.
Maybe if the Caps didn’t have $1.25 locked up in Erskine and another $700 on Sloan…
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Somewhat rhetorical, but which contract do you consider worse, given that both stink? Would the Caps take a chance on waiving one of them to Hershey (and possibly/probably losing him) if they were able to pick up a better sixth defenseman?
"It's always good to have vikings."
I was more boggled that Sloan was extended.
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Somewhat rhetorical, but which contract do you consider worse, given that both stink?
Sloan. He’s not a guy who should be in the NHL on a regular basis on a team like the Caps.
by David Getz on Jul 2, 2010 9:42 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
This is a fair critique of McPhee. Perhaps out of loyalty, or perhaps overestimating future market value, he has shown a propensity to give both money and term to marginal players, when typically one of the two options will do.
Sloan and Erskine, but I think it also applies to the Bradley contract, and certainly Ben Clymer, who was still getting a Caps salary as late as last season.
Eh…questionable judgment on the Sloan and Erskine signings, I’ll give you that (or at least the Sloan one).
But Bradley was an excellent depth signing for not a lot of money, I don’t really know how you argue against that one. He’s proven to be really valuable to this team.
As for Clymer, was coming off what I believe was a pretty decent year when he got a new contract, wasn’t he? 16 goals and part of the short-lived but kind of awesome CBS line…there was no way to predict that he would fall so far, so fast.
My point is when you look at these bubble players who are making near league minimum and play 3rd pair D or 4th line O, there is no reason to give them BOTH a huge raise and a long term contract.
Its not a knock on the players themselves. I like Bradley and I think he plays his role really well. Taking the emotional connection out of it, I just think its a bad cap decision, albeit on relatively small $ contracts.
Except Bradley’s not a bubble player, he’s a role player – there’s a difference. Sloan is a bubble player, yes, and I agree that it was silly to give him a raise and a 2-year deal all at once.
Just want to make sure we’re distinguishing between guys like him and guys who are in the lineup almost every night and have a defined role. 2-3 year deals aren’t just for stars – or they shouldn’t be, in my opinion. Not for everyone, either, but in my opinion Brads was one of the good ones.
I don’t think these replacement player deals actually affect anything McPhee does. You really think the Caps would hesitate from putting Sloan on waivers and sending him to Hershey if they had to?
How different is Sloan’s contract from Aucoin’s, really? I just don’t think they matter.
Erskine is another story, but he is the only defenseman in the organization with his particular, erm, “skillset,” so I give them a pass on that one too. It’s just not all that much money.
Sure, you may have a tough decision to make between a marginal prospect like Bourque and a marginal NHLer like Erskine or Sloan, but I don’t think contracts like that actually matter when you’re setting your top 6 forwards and top 4 D.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 2, 2010 1:18 PM EDT up reply actions
(In case it’s not clear, Bradley and Erskine are not replacement players and they’re not on replacement player deals. Like Becca, I think Bradley’s contract is very reasonable for a guy who’s not out of place on the 3rd line. And Erskine is better than replacement because he combines replacement-level competence at his position with a particular useful skill the team is missing. Sloan and Laing are replacement players)
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 2, 2010 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions
I think it’s more that Philly targeted they guy they wanted and moved quickly, and McPhee wanted to see the market develop and find out if he could get someone better.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 2, 2010 9:50 AM EDT up reply actions
No thanks. He’s almost 40. I wouldn’t mind picking up an older defenseman to push Sloskine off the roster, but I’m just not sold on O’Donnell.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
Did you hear we were in on the talks for Andy Sutton? I’d never use the guy as a top-4 D like he’s been used in Ottawa and the Isles, but I have to think he’s an upgrade over Sloan.
Sean O’Donnell played in 78 games for the Kings last year, 18+ min/game and led all kings defensemen in short handed ice time.
He also put in 15 pts, which would have been 4th on the Caps.
He REALLY would have been an upgrade over Erskine and at a cheaper price to boot.
This was a missed opportunity.
He’s also almost 40. You can’t project his stats from last year forward and assume that he’s going to do that again. You need to build in some regression.
His GA/60 5v5 is 1.88, 4v5 is 6.81. His GVT was 6.1.
Erskine’s numbers were 1.66, 9.42 and 1.3.
So yeah, O’Donnell is an upgrade. But he’s 40, so regress those numbers a bit. Then factor in that we can’t just get rid of Erskine.
It wouldn’t have been the worst move ever, but it wouldn’t have knocked my socks off, either.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
Although now probably lost in all of this discussion, my premise was not really about an FA signing, but preferably a trade for someone’s sloppy seconds (sorry Dion). I think the majority of yesterdays deals were of the silly variety, but there were still several trades that occurred. I really want GMGM to shake things up a bit, and I just feel like he has an allergy to trades.
And in general, to say you are going to be MORE prepared for a Stanley Cup run by only adding rookies is not a good strategy. Sorry.
No. By adding Richards or MKoivu at the trade deadline.
by CapsFanSince1979 on Jul 2, 2010 9:38 AM EDT up reply actions
Richards, maybe.
Minnesota would ask for a LOT for Koivu.
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But what is more valuable. Committing multiyears to a SKoivu or Lombardi OR giving you youngsters a shot and then (maybe) getting a guy like Richards as a rental. I think the decision is simple.
by CapsFanSince1979 on Jul 2, 2010 9:42 AM EDT up reply actions
Mikko Koivu is not all that old and a terrific two way player who’d solve the 2C issue for years. I would give up a lot in a vacuum. I’d have to take a closer look at the cap situation and stuff though to say for sure, since Johansson could turn out to be a lot cheaper for his RFA years and almost as good.
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by red army line on Jul 3, 2010 6:53 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t think Johansson is going to turn out anywhere near Miiko Koivu, at least not in the next few years. If he plays in that way and that’s what his ceiling is, I’ll be ecstatic, but it’s nothing something I’m going to plan on.
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by Knee high to a duck on Jul 3, 2010 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Really. These are our grand solutions?
We really are desperate.
Richards isn’t going anywhere, and Koivu is good, but not what I expect we’d want at the deadline.
Mikko Koivu would be an absolutely phenomenal 2nd line center for the Caps. Unbelievably phenomenal.
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He’s top dog in Minny, though – Fletcher would want good pieces for him.
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Oh, no doubt. I just needed to put an immediate halt on the “Koivu is good, but not what … we’d want at the deadline” talk.
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I’d love him on the Caps as well, no doubt. And trades are more of GMGM’s style anywho.
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Agreed – M. Koivu is one of the very best centers in the league. He’s criminally underrated and criminally underpaid.
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by Knee high to a duck on Jul 2, 2010 9:45 AM EDT up reply actions
Really. These are our grand solutions?
We really are desperate.
What’s a better “grand solution?” The reality is that the perfect player in terms of cost, style of play, term, etc is very, very unlikely to be there at any point in time. That doesn’t mean the team can’t be made better.
Brad Richards or Mikko Koivu immediately make the Capitals a lot better and eliminate their biggest weakness. It may not be perfect, but perfect isn’t required.
I would argue that Miiko Koivu is a far better solution at 2C for the playoffs than we dare hope for. For this season, it’s better to have Miiko Koivu than Jonathan Toews; Koivu makes about half of what Toews does and brings everything to the table that Toews does. He’s an elite player.
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by Knee high to a duck on Jul 2, 2010 9:48 AM EDT up reply actions
You’re selling Toews short, but I share the Koivu love and agree he’s not in any way realistic.
I waited all year for this?
I think they contribute roughly the same amounts to their teams, but Koivu is going to make half of what Toews does. Salary concerns aside, I’d probably pick Toews, but for this season? It’s Koivu, no question about it.
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by Knee high to a duck on Jul 2, 2010 6:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Mikko Koivu would be perfect. Literally. I am hard-pressed to think of a better guy for the Caps’ 2C role.
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No clue on the exact cost, but yes – boatload (which is more than truckloads… not sure if it’s more than shitloads, though).
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And definitely not more than fuckloads.
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Probably shitloads of truck. Definitely not truckloads of shit.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jul 2, 2010 10:12 AM EDT up reply actions
Would giving up Semin for Koivu be counterproductive? (not saying Minnesota would want that, just asking).
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I would trade Semin for Koivu, if that answers your question.
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by J.P. on Jul 2, 2010 9:56 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
It does.
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by Chris Burton on Jul 2, 2010 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions
In a goddamn hearbeat. Hell, I’d even throw in Flash and a prospect to make that trade happen.
Then I would weep tears of the sweetest joy.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
by D'ohboy on Jul 2, 2010 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Come playoff time it would be extremely un-counterproductive, but I could see the team going through a post-trade lull afterwards for 10 games.
by Kolzilla on Jul 2, 2010 9:56 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Depends what else is in the trade.
If you’re asking straight up, I’d do it in a heartbeat. Well, a heartbeat as soon as I could stop giggling enough to say ‘yes’ without blowing the deal.
Agreed. Koivu is as elite a center as Semin is a wing, in a more important position. Not as offensively explosive, but it boggles my mind that he didn’t get a Selke nomination this season. Or the last. Or the year before that.
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by Knee high to a duck on Jul 2, 2010 9:57 AM EDT up reply actions
Semin’s world class, but we have a suitable contingent of wingers coming up behind him who will be able to play 2W in his place. The main thing is that we’re losing the SOB line which, while frustrating, is no doubt one of the more effective lines in hockey.
by DrinkingPartner on Jul 2, 2010 9:57 AM EDT up reply actions
Jesus, I’d give that up in a hot second.
by DrinkingPartner on Jul 2, 2010 9:53 AM EDT up reply actions
Absolutely no question about it. None. Zero.
If the required cost was anything less than Carlson ++, I’d be on it like Green on a hamburger. Or Toews on Snooki.
I’d immediately take the rest of the day off and go have celebratory drinks.
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by Knee high to a duck on Jul 2, 2010 9:56 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
I think that I’d give Ryan Suter and change.
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by Chris Burton on Jul 2, 2010 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions
Wow. That’s a haul. If we got GMCB out their dangling Suter we’ve got no chance.
I waited all year for this?
It’s a knee-jerk reaction from me but considering the amount of talent in the pipe I’d still stop and think about it.
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I don’t know if Minny is looking for goalies. They’ve got Backstrom and Harding. They’d want a career backup, since Backstrom is signed about until the end of time. They’d also want scoring, since Minny is not what you’d call flush with that.
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Flash, a good prospect and a pic (not sure 1st or 2nd round) = truckload i would think, but not boatload
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You may need to add another pick or prospect to that deal.
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Wonder if one of Semin or Flash + picks, plus a prospect would do it, but at the same time – what motivation would they have to make that trade?
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Matty Perreault would almost certainly have to be included, if not Mackan, since they aren’t in the market for a G.
One of Matty or Mackan would be okay, honestly, because then your middle goes Backstrom – MKoivu – the other of Matty or Mackan – Gordon / Steckel. Not bad, sez I.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
I think it’d have to be Matty, unfortunately, because I think Mackan’s got more potential.
From our side, of course. Minny might not take anything less than Mackan.
by DrinkingPartner on Jul 2, 2010 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions
McPhee—make the deal.
I’m feeling the aftershocks of yesterday.
"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 2, 2010 10:02 AM EDT up reply actions
Semin + Matty + a pick for Miikko Koivu? I’d hit that, but why would Minny do so? That’s what I keep coming down to.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
I haven’t checked, but it seems as if the Wild are short on good pivots anyway.
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by Chris Burton on Jul 2, 2010 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions
Can I go on record as having problems with “Matty or Mackan”?
Matty may be a serviceable NHLer at some point. Heck, he may be now.
Mackan is potentially special.
Lumping the two together does a tremendous disservice to Mackan’s upside.
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by J.P. on Jul 2, 2010 10:02 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
I understand what you mean, J.P. but at the same time, I think Minny would have to be the one to make that choice in a deal like that.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
I think it’s silly to guess at what a deal might look like for a player that’s not on the market. And my more specific point is that there is no choice between Perreault and Johansson. They are not of remotely comparable value.
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Okay, whatever you say, boss. There isn’t enough data on Mackan’s North American game to try to disagree with you, so I know better than to bother.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
There’s enough data and opinion on what he did before being a first-round pick and what he has done since and where Perreault is currently to say, without hesitation, that if you gave 30 general managers the choice between the two, 30 of them would pick the Swede.
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I believe Mackan is on McPhee’s untouchable list, given his previous statements.
"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 2, 2010 10:05 AM EDT up reply actions
Teams generally don’t trade their best player in the midst of the playoff race, yeah.
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by Knee high to a duck on Jul 2, 2010 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions
If Dallas isn’t in playoff contention or can’t/doesn’t want to re-sign him, he’ll probably be dealt since his contract’s up at the end of the year.
The salary is crazy, but it’s fine if you only have to pay 30% of it.
His salary is crazy, which is precisely why he might be available in February or March if Dallas is already out of it.
Why pay a guy 3 million for 3 pointless months?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 2, 2010 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions
I would be beyond shocked if Minnesota traded their franchise player and team captain.
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Atlanta did it four months ago.
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At a cursory level, thats apples/apples, but Kovalchuk a) doesn’t play much defense and b) was going to be much more expensive for a team that doesn’t have money to throw around.
And besides – it was Don Waddell.
Would Chicago trade Toews? I think not. Koivu isn’t Toews, but I don’t think its as far off as all that.
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Yeah, he’s older and cheaper. Otherwise, their stats are almost identical, except Koivu is a better penalty killer.
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by Knee high to a duck on Jul 2, 2010 9:58 AM EDT up reply actions
And Toews has more explosive talent and more offensive skill. I can’t personally verify this, but everything you hear says Toews has rare leadership skills.
I waited all year for this?
Definitely seems that way. One of very few players that can carry an entire team on his back when he feels like it.
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25 G, 43 A, 2.83 minutes per game on the PP
22 G, 49 A, 3.27 minutes per game on the PP
Toews is more explosive, but he’s also got better teammates and a far more talented PP to work with.
I can’t vouch for the leadership part, but that’s definitely the reputation. I just don’t think the offense is as far apart as it could be, given how much flashier Toews looks.
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by Knee high to a duck on Jul 2, 2010 7:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Holy crap. That is way closer than you’d think.
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It sure is. And I should know better, Koivu was a big part of my fantasy championship last year.
I waited all year for this?
For completeness’s sake, I went back and checked ES TOI and ES team shooting percentage when they’re on the ice. They were practically identical last season. The biggest difference is that Toews played in red and Koivu played in green.
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by Knee high to a duck on Jul 2, 2010 7:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah that’s really impressive in terms of the one year comparison. I still think Toews is the better player and when he is 27 we’ll see what he looks like.
I waited all year for this?
Given my pick of the two, it’s Toews every time because he still has room to grow. That is, as long as we’re talking about a time frame that’s longer than next season exclusively, because of the difference in salary.
Koivu is playing as well now as he ever will, but that level is pretty goddamn high.
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by Knee high to a duck on Jul 2, 2010 7:49 PM EDT up reply actions
I would be floored if he was available, contractual status notwithstanding.
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There were several trades, sure, but no really great ones – teams are going to see what they can get via free agency, assess their rosters and their cap situations and THEN make trades involving the more relevant names. And as people have said, there are a ton of really tempting pending UFAs next year – trade pool’s going to be much more interesting this season than the UFA pool this summer, I guarantee it.
I really wish capgeek would tell you which forward position they play.
"It's always good to have vikings."
I know, it’s a little annoying. NHLnumbers.com has it, though – here are the centers who could be UFAs next summer.
Damn but there are a lot of centers on that list. Definitely much better choices.
"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 2, 2010 9:59 AM EDT up reply actions
And if you want to go beyond that and look at guys who would have one year left – also decent trade options – they’re here, and there are some interesting names on that list, too.
Makes me hungry for a trade. At the right moment though.
"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 2, 2010 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions
At the right moment, indeed.
Of course, as stocked as the crop of pending UFA forwards is…the other side of the ice ain’t so pretty. Bryan McCabe, anyone? Brendan Witt? :P
Awesome class. Too bad our top competitors have blown cap space.
by CapsFanSince1979 on Jul 2, 2010 9:48 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m just not sold.
It seems to me that this season – now until August – is when GMs are re-tooling. The later into summer, the smaller the pieces will be. I just think the pieces the Caps need are bigger than maybe many here feel, and as George sits around and doesn’t engage, it just irritates me.
Just because no one’s been signed as a free agent – one day into free agency – doesn’t mean George is just sitting around. We don’t know what goes on behind closed doors. We don’t know who he made offers to, whether it’s free agents or teams inquiring after trade possibilities.
You have to remember that in both scenarios there is another party involved that has to agree with it.
by Becca H on Jul 2, 2010 9:45 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
McPhee absolutely was on the phone engaging. You can tell just be looking at him that he hasn’t slept in awhile. i think he’s been negotiating on all fronts for awhile now.
"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 2, 2010 9:47 AM EDT up reply actions
True—but I swear he looks worse than his usual dour self. But I like his winks.
"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 2, 2010 11:06 AM EDT up reply actions
I think this is when you fly the “In GMGM we trust” flag
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Jul 2, 2010 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Did you know
Of the 12 top free agent contracts from last year, 7 of those signed players did not play in the playoffs and 3 finished in 8th place.
by CapsFanSince1979 on Jul 2, 2010 9:52 AM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
Oh man, that is a great, great fact. So clearly shows why UFA season is mirage season.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 2, 2010 9:53 AM EDT up reply actions
fascinating. Can you post that list?
#savethekittens!
Donation info for SAVES FOR KIDS 2010!! Make a difference.
Again, Mark, who moved yesterday that you wanted the Caps to sign?
The only decent centers on the market resigned with their previous teams. I don’t think they were really available. And with some small exceptions, the good D all signed multi-year large deals that just aren’t in the offing for the Caps.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 2, 2010 9:52 AM EDT up reply actions
He makes plenty of trades. The firesale was tons of trading, and Eminger and Clark both come to mind as recent goners do to his trading.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
And in general, to say you are going to be MORE prepared for a Stanley Cup run by only adding rookies is not a good strategy. Sorry.
Probably true. But there’s plenty of reason to assume Alzner and Carlson and sufficiently talent to make them exceptions to the general rule. Plus, what matters is whether the team is better. I don’t have any doubt the Caps will be better with Carlson and Alzner eating up minutes that were given to Corvo, Sloan, and perhaps Morrisonn this offseason.
What was the biggest difference in the Hawks last year from the year before? Was it Hossa? Or was it Niemi?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 2, 2010 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions
It was Teowes and Kane and Versteeg and all their young players getting a year older and better and more mature. It was Keith and Seabrook turning into elite-level defensemen. It was Hossa and Sharp and Ladd and other veterans having good years.
It was the perfect storm.
And no Detroit
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
матовая Клими, Михал нуивирт ваш папа теперь
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by red army line on Jul 3, 2010 6:59 AM EDT up reply actions
Just can’t believe we did nothing.
George could be managing his last "free agent frenzy" with this team if this is how the summer is going to go.
What makes you say that? After all, no deal is better than a bad deal.
by David Getz on Jul 2, 2010 8:59 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
After all, no deal is better than a bad deal.
That’s the damn truth of it.
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?
Stupidity is worth than torpidity
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 2, 2010 9:54 AM EDT up reply actions
Come back off the ledge. Oh, and while you’re out there, tell Paul, Glen and Darryl to come in, too.
F’ing nutjobs.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
Blackhawks: Dismantling.
Flyers: Going to have to get rid of some good players.
Canucks: Going to have to send some players away soon.
Pittsburgh: Can’t keep this shit up forever. No real wingers on the squad.
New York Rangers: Still going to be average.
San Jose: Antero as a replacement for Nabby? Massive downgrade.
You can’t build a dynasty anymore unless you all but ignore free agency and make deals at the deadline for expiring contracts with assets you acquire at other points in the season. I’d much rather stay in position to keep our guys than sign ANY of these free agents to anything more than a one year deal, two at the most.
The other thing I’m noticing is if there’s a surplus and not a need in today’s NHL, those guys get shafted. In the new salary cap world you have to negotiate not for the best player, but for the best player for your dollar while leaving enough room to get more players who are the best player for the dollar. I’m not trying to say NHL 10 is the be all end all of hockey simulations (far from it), but when Sidney Crosby’s class hit the free agent market, the awful GMs in the GM mode didn’t have enough money to sign him. Everyone had previously spent up to the cap to the point where no one could trade, pick up people off waivers, or anything. Obviously, someone would have made room for the guy (and Pittsburgh will likely never let him hit open market) but the idea is the same.
Colby Armstrong – 3 years, 3 million dollars a YEAR. Laich only makes 2.4, and he’s only got another year on his contract.
Laich had 25 goals, 34 assists, 59 points. He also had three playoff points. Colby Armstrong had 15 goals, 14 assists (29 points) and nearly DOUBLE the amount of penalty minutes. Total in his career, he only has one playoff point (and 11 penalty minutes in five games).
My point wasn’t that it was good we didn’t sign Armstrong, my point is that with most of these players, you can draw comparable players on the roster already who make less for more, or have the potential to do so, and if you blow money on long term non-core guys, you’re asking for trouble.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Jul 2, 2010 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions 13 recs
A well-deserved rec, and a minor nitpick. I don’t know if you have to avoid free agency to be successful, so much as it is you have to avoid the kind of free agent signings that make headlines.
I think you have to avoid things like signing Derek Boogaard and Jody Shelley to multi year deals. Or taking on Andrej Meszaros’ awful contract. Or bringing back guys like Olli Jokinen and Alex Tanguay.
Instead of “Don’t Do What Donny Don’t Does”, it should be “Don’t Do What the Rangers, Flyers, and Flames Do”
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jul 2, 2010 10:36 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, I’m not trying to suggest that you flat out avoid free agency, I’m more suggesting that unless you can sign players on the short term, or you have massive holes and no core of players, signing these big name free agents to long term high rate deals is a mistake.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
Well, some. I’d say the Hossa deal looks pretty good.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
матовая Клими, Михал нуивирт ваш папа теперь
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by red army line on Jul 3, 2010 7:01 AM EDT up reply actions
I usually don’t enjoy Lambert, but his tweets in reaction to Calgary’s move yesterday were absolutely hilarious.
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jul 2, 2010 7:26 AM EDT reply actions
/Calgary’s moves
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jul 2, 2010 7:26 AM EDT up reply actions
Speaking of, just what the hell is Sutter doing up there? The incompetence competition between him and Sather is borderline absurd.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Twitter/Cycle Like the Sedins
The comedy levels are off the charts, I agree.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Twitter/Cycle Like the Sedins
I find him to be mind-boggling, but not nearly as mind-boggling as Sather.
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jul 2, 2010 7:31 AM EDT up reply actions
I mean, WTF?
Boogaard “is obviously the biggest and toughest and we needed that presence,” Sather said. “Too many times last year we saw guys scraping snow in Henrik (Lundqvist’s) face and I didn’t like it. I don’t think we’re going to see that happening any more here.”
So I guess having Shelley, Brashear, and Voros all suit up last year didn’t help?
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jul 2, 2010 7:35 AM EDT up reply actions
It’s insanity. Read somewhere that he’s going to be the highest paid player per minute of ice time other than AO.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Yes. Because to paraphrase Boudreau, he’ll come on for 3-4 minutes a night, get in a fight, and then sit on the bench the rest of the game. That’s it.
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jul 2, 2010 7:38 AM EDT up reply actions
Might be Johan Hedberg…
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 2, 2010 9:35 AM EDT up reply actions
Don’t forget about Brandon Prust, who is pretty badass.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Twitter/Cycle Like the Sedins
Voros isn’t so tough… He lost all that blood all over me.
Signed,
M. Bradley
#needsmorebradley
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jul 2, 2010 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Yeah. That.
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jul 2, 2010 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions
You mean Glen ‘pick Dylan McIlrath before Cam Fowler and lock up Derek Boogaard for three years’ Sather?
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Twitter/Cycle Like the Sedins
And they’re probably going to lose Staal too.
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jul 2, 2010 7:36 AM EDT up reply actions
Fine with me. Good player, Marc.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Twitter/Cycle Like the Sedins
Mrs. YLM loves the guy. Says he looks like one of the Rat Pack.
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jul 2, 2010 7:39 AM EDT up reply actions
Only if he stays in the tanning bed too long
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jul 2, 2010 7:48 AM EDT up reply actions
No, it’s Glen “Babytown Frolics” Sather.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
by D'ohboy on Jul 2, 2010 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Btw, looks like Caps/Hershey signed Dany Sabourin. Nothing official yet.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Replacement for ye olde Cash.
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jul 2, 2010 7:31 AM EDT up reply actions
I actually thought that was a savvy move. Sabourin’s by no means an NHL-caliber backup, but he’s performed decently when called upon. Having him in Hershey on a two-way AHL contract provides some better insurance in the case that Neuvirth or Varlamov goes down.
"Ovechkin, what is good in life?"
"To crush your enemies. To see them driven before you. And to hear the lamentations of their captain."
57 NHL games, 18-25-4/2.88/.898
And his GAA has gone up and SV% down in each of the last three seasons in which he made an NHL appearance (he didn’t get any NHL games this year).
Do. Not. Want. In. Washington.
Had a decent year in the A, though, so enjoy him, Chocolatetown.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
He’ll enjoy himself backing up Braden Holtby.
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jul 2, 2010 8:13 AM EDT up reply actions
Do. Not. Want. In. Washington.
He’s really, really dreadful in the NHL. Nice guy, but not a viable NHL goalie.
That said, hope he and not Holtby gets the call when Varlamov goes down with injury. Dany Sabs for Winter Classic Goalie ’11!
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
Keep dreaming, pal :P I had Pens fans laughing at me last night, which I find hilarious – you guys had him as your NHL backup for 2 years, right? At least we know better and signed him to be our AHL backup…
Neuvy is saying: “Excuse me buddy, but you would be seeing me at Heinz Field, because I’m the no. 1A goalie.”
"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 2, 2010 9:22 AM EDT up reply actions
He might even be the number one. We won’t know that for a while.
"It's always good to have vikings."
I was being snarky in that Neuvy doesn’t want for confidence. I loved his attitude and cut throat mentality during the Calder Cup finals. It will be an interesting battle between the two of 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 2, 2010 9:33 AM EDT up reply actions
McPhee seems content to roll the dice on the young D of Alzner/Carlson/etc. That might be a flash of genius or a flash of “I don’t want to overspend on anyone”.
(waves Willie Mitchell’s face on a stick)
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?
I know this has been asked, but does anyone know if he’s actually cleared to even skate yet? I thought the last I read was that he was planning to try this month. That makes getting a contract a little bitty problem, don’t you think?
"It's always good to have vikings."
He was talking with the media after the Canucks were eliminated…not sure what his progress is on his skating, but I’m pretty sure he’ll be ready for next season.
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?
No idea. I did read somewhere that his coach said they really missed him in the playoffs, though, it just added to my desire to sign him.
It’s Malkin’s fault he has a concussion, right? Or was that a different one?
Yeah, it was a Malkin hit in January that knocked him out for the rest of the season. After the Canucks got knocked out, he had some very not-so-nice words for Malkin and Colin Campbell (for not taking action on the hit)
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?
Everyone talks about the Devils, Pens and Flyers getting better on the blueline yesterday, but the Caps’ D got better too – Green, Schultz, Carlson and Alzner all got one day older and wiser! Huzzah!
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
You forgot about the Sens getting better on the blueline, J.P.!!!!1
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Twitter/Cycle Like the Sedins
Hooks had an interesting observation on the Devs, Pens and Sens, in that they pretty much did a 3-way trade for defensemen:
Gonchar: Pens to Sens
Volchenkov: Sens to Devs
Martin: Devs to Pens
Interesting, no?
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jul 2, 2010 12:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Given the ages, playing styles and contracts that dished out all got I think Pittsburgh will have done the best of the three teams in a few years.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
It depends on how many heads Brodeur takes, as there can be Only One long Brodeur can keep his game at an elite level. Pittsburgh probably came out ahead yesterday, although there is another cycle as well:
Leopold: Pens to Sabres
Tallinder: Sabres to Devils
Martin: Devils to Pens
In this one, the Pens come out ahead.
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jul 2, 2010 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions
I think the Pens got the best of the three this year.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Jul 2, 2010 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Never been so happy to see a team I pull for not sign players, even ones I like. Martin deal was the only one I’d have truly thought about if I was GMGM. All the others were too much money and/or too long a term.
Between Boogard & Gonchar deals I thought Eklund had taken over two GM jobs. Neither improves their club and both waste valuable cap space.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
I don’t understand the Shelley deal in PHI either.
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jul 2, 2010 8:08 AM EDT up reply actions
The Rags signed a tough, so the Flyers had to grunt back – purely primal Pavlovian reaction.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 2, 2010 8:10 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
LOL. Dicksizing with cap space. I love it.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Philly signed Shelley first, but the general idea still applies.
I just don’t know why the Rags didn’t bring back Shelley for less money than Boogaard. He’s slightly less of a liability on the ice.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Jul 2, 2010 2:23 PM EDT up reply actions
And there was that brief period at the end of last season where he morphed into Cam Neely
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jul 2, 2010 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions
They are going to mitigate that risk by showing Boogie Man clips on the jumbrotron to scare the visiting team.
I think Phoenix’s strategy of just showing pictures of Mike Ricci is more effective.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Jul 2, 2010 3:36 PM EDT up reply actions
One thought I still can’t get out of my head – free agency isn’t over, and when a GM has to clear cap room and has something you want, you can all but rob him at gunpoint. By then we’ll know what is up with the RFA’s, too.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
I was thinking that trades are now in order—something that GMGM prefers to FA.
"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 2, 2010 8:24 AM EDT up reply actions
Sure, but nobody’s trading just yet. They can be 10% over until I think opening night? Let’s see who files for arb and who gets what, and then spend August and the rest of the cap space seeing who’s desperate to get rid of a body that we might want.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Oh sure. I didn’t trades today necessarily. I would like to see our RFA’s signed. Or at least some of 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 2, 2010 8:31 AM EDT up reply actions
didn’t mean trades today
"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 2, 2010 8:32 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, some GMs tied their own hands yesterday.
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Except that most of the GMs that have tied their hands are already Cup contenders. CHI is the only team that has little cap space and serious work to do.
I waited all year for this?
The Rangers and Flames are Cup contenders? ;)
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
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Ha. Good point. I don’t even take them seriously anymore so it’s easy to overlook.
I waited all year for this?
Yeah, but I’d argue they definitely tied their hands yesterday.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Twitter/Cycle Like the Sedins
Mitchell and Bieksa
While I’ve watched the two coveted Canucks – Mitchell and Bieksa – a bit, I figured I’d reach out to someone who has watched them all the time, namely Yankee Canuck from Nucks Misconduct. Here’s what he had to say about the two:
Mitchell is the tougher one to lose. He’s been out since January since dealing with a concussion (thanks to your pal Malkin) but is supposed to begin skating in two weeks. I can’t imagine a team would sign him before then but who knows. Assuming he returns to normal, he’ll be tough to replace (Hamhuis and Ballard may do it together, but not separately). Tough as nails, plays all the tough minutes and zone
starts against the best the opposition has and a team-first type player that fans will love. Just a trust worthy shutdown D. His one con is he can be made to be a pylon against speedier players, something Chicago has done to him a few times.
Bieksa is an enigma, definitely high risk/high reward. He can explode offensively one season and fall off the map the next. He’s only played 80+ games once in his five seasons, so for a tough guy he’s oddly prone to weird injuries (like skates slicing his calf open for instance). He can fight one game and be disinterested the next. But the most vexing thing for whoever gets him is he’s prone to horrible defensive gaffes. He frequently reads the play completely wrong. In fact, assuming he is moved, his last couple games for Vancouver is a good example of who he is: he lead all VAN defenseman in points in the playoffs and scored two goals in game five, but in game six he made a horrendous turn over to allow Chicago to score on an odd-man rush and ended the game -2. If another coach can get him to be consistent, he could stay a top four, maybe progress to a top two guy. But Vigneault could never do it.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 2, 2010 8:31 AM EDT reply actions 11 recs
The D gaffes are much more concerning for Bieksa than the offensive stuff. We don’t need him to put up a ton of points, and by virtue of the talent around him he’ll probably have a good stat line anyway. But even as a third pair D you don’t want a guy that is absent-minded in his own end, we’ve already got that as well.
I could easily see Mitchell getting signed before he starts skating, if he’s going to take a short “rehab” deal like BMo did. When he starts skating it’s not like teams are going to go see “Willie Mitchell pro workout day” and he won’t be near 100% so I’m not sure what it would prove, other than he is actually on the ice. If GMGM waits for him to skate again, it may be too late.
I waited all year for this?
Who DOESN'T want a guy who does this?
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?
[Mitchell will] be tough to replace (Hamhuis and Ballard may do it together, but not separately).
Wow. That’s saying something.
I still like Bieksa. The Caps need another top six defenseman and I think he’s the best realistic option. Not a perfect option, perhaps not even a great option, but a guy who would unquestionably make the team better.
You already know I disagree – and actually I think Mitchell is a perfectly realistic option, as long as he’s healthy. But it also sounds like the Jackets have zeroed in on Bieksa and might be doing a Filatov-for-Bieksa swap.
Well, hell, if they want to do that …
Also, I just ran some cap numbers for Kolzilla – Philly’s screwed, blued and tattooed. They’ve got a lot of NTC’s among their paid guys and have a ton of money stacked in D. Looking at their structure, I wonder if Matt Carle could be had and what we’d have to give up to get him.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
rumors floating around last night that it’s Simon Gagne that has played his last game and that’s who Philly will be trying to unload.
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Source? Besides, he’s got a no-trade. That’s going to be an issue.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
I don’t remember, but it was probably one of the “reliable” sites like The Fourth Period or HockeyBuzz. let me see if I can find it, I don’t think it was on NHL Fanhouse or Kukalas.
plagued by penguins fans at work
I’ve heard murmurs to that effect, too…it’s around, the usual sources, not just the “reliable” ones. Having an NTC doesn’t mean a guy can’t be traded, it just means he has more control over when and where.
Too bad we don’t need a LW – Gagne and Carter are two of the only Flyers I’ve liked in the last decade (and Knuble was another).
It fits a need for Columbus, as they need an offensive, powerplay QB defenseman, but once again, that COULD HAVE been solved in the draft.
Now they may have to give up their top prospect just to fill a need that could have been filled. Unreal.
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I’d rather have a greybeard. Bieksa strikes me as a fairly immature 29.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 2, 2010 9:41 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, I’m very skeptical that Mitchell = Hamhuis + Ballard. He’s good, but those two aren’t exactly scrubs.
I’m with you on liking Bieksa if the Caps can’t sign Mitchell. He’s not perfect but he’s a clear improvement for the D and he’s only signed for one year. And maybe a change of scenery will help his consistency.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Jul 2, 2010 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions
Wouldn’t make me cry, except I think I know exactly how BB sorts it out.
“Sorry, Karl, but we think you are better off getting big minutes in Hershey than sitting in the press box.”
“Don’t worry, Tyler. I’ll make sure you make it into a third of the games or so. Gotta keep you fresh for the playoffs!”
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Jul 2, 2010 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Why aren’t we focusing on Salo instead? Seems to me he’d be the best pickup from the Nucks. Are we just assuming they’d never give him up?
He’s so fragile, Ralphy’s dad thinks he’s Italian.
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jul 2, 2010 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Seriously:
2005-06 Vancouver Canucks NHL 59
2006-07 Vancouver Canucks NHL 67
2007-08 Vancouver Canucks NHL 63
2008-09 Vancouver Canucks NHL 60
2009-10 Vancouver Canucks NHL 68
That number is GP
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jul 2, 2010 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions
And to further that point:
1999-00 Ottawa Senators NHL 37
2000-01 Ottawa Senators NHL 31
2001-02 Ottawa Senators NHL 66
2002-03 Vancouver Canucks NHL 79
2003-04 Vancouver Canucks NHL 74
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jul 2, 2010 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions
I brought that up earlier – I had heard for Filatov, via Portzline, but my guess is they’re still looking around.
That could end up a fantastic deal for the Canucks, eesh.
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by Chris Burton on Jul 2, 2010 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions
If they get Filatov for Bieska Mike Gillis should get a pony. And Scott Howson should be drummed out of camp with his head shaved.
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jul 2, 2010 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Absolutely agreed. Sedin/Sedin/Burrows, Raymond/Kesler/Filatov is pretty solid. Filatov may be a head case but he’s head and shoulders more talented and promising than Bieksa.
And anyway, his loan to the KHL was because of Hitchcock.
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by Chris Burton on Jul 2, 2010 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Read about it here – no deal is imminent but it does sound like both Bieksa and Filatov are in play. Whether it’s for each other or not, I don’t know.
I don’t get it from Columbus’ point of view. A promising young player for a decent 29 year old defenseman with one year on his deal?
Makes no sense to me, either. Filatov’s 20.
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by Chris Burton on Jul 2, 2010 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions
CBJ’s defense isn’t all that good, but they need O a lot more than they need D.
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jul 2, 2010 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions
You might even say their defense is God-awful.
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by Chris Burton on Jul 2, 2010 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Commodore’s contract is pretty bad, but the sad thing is, its not even their worst contract. That goes to Huselius, who’s hitting close to 5 every year to put up 20/40/60.
Is there any team out there that gets less out of a 50 million dollar payroll?
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jul 2, 2010 12:39 PM EDT up reply actions
I can’t think of any. When you rely on RJ Umberger for a major role, you’re probably fucked.
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by Chris Burton on Jul 2, 2010 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions
The only one I can think of is Calgary, but they at least have a few decent players other than Iginla.
Speaking of Calgary, Ales Kotalik is hitting 3 million each of the next two seasons to put up 11/16/27 in 71 games last year. The year before that he put up 20/23/43 in 75 games. And the worst part is, he didn’t even sign that deal with Calgary!! He signed it with the Rangers!!
He also has a no-trade clause. Worst. Contract. Ever.
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jul 2, 2010 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Hahahahahaha. I love how Sather signs him to the awful deal, and Sutter is willing to take it on his books. Idiots.
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by Chris Burton on Jul 2, 2010 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Gainey took the Gomez deal off Sather’s hands too.
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jul 2, 2010 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Sather and Sutter are nice enough to take each others’ bad contracts off their hands…Gainey just stepped in for that one (and honestly that hasn’t worked out so badly, Gomez has been decent for Montreal).
7M a year cap hit for a guy who’s only topped 20 goals once, and hasn’t had over 55 assists in close to 10 years is pretty steep (and that year he had 56).
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jul 2, 2010 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh, not arguing that it was a GOOD contract to take on, and I think Mtl gave up too much for him to boot. But I think overall he’s done okay there – it ain’t pretty but it’s certainly not the worst contract around.
Also, while I’d never argue that Gomer is a point-producing maniac, remember that a lot of his career was spent in Jersey – you know, where offense goes to die? So annual numbers don’t bother me as much.
He still bugs the crap out of me and I can’t believe I’ve just defended him and his ridiculous deal, but in the grand scheme of Sather-madness? One of the less offensive ones.
Very true.
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jul 2, 2010 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Counting stats don’t do Gomez justice, as much as I hate to say this. He plays really high QComp (generally among the highest on the team) and he plays those minutes to a standstill in terms of scoring and comes out waaaay better in terms of relative Corsi.
Is he worth his contract? Probably not. But it’s not as bad as simple goals and assist totals make it look, either.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Jul 2, 2010 6:22 PM EDT up reply actions
The Caps have a gazillion first round draft picks on their parent roster. Their AHL farm club won a Calder Cup. They’ve said all along they will build from the draft and promote from within. Why does not signing a most-talked-about free agent come as a surprise to anyone. They appear to be going into 2010-2011 putting their money where their mouths are. They will go with the core (Ovechkin, Backstrom, Green, probably Semin), the role/support players who came through the system (Laich, Fleischmann, Steckel, Fehr, Schultz), prospects ready for promotion (Carlson, Alzner, Perreault) and a few role players brought in from outside along the way (Knuble, Bradley, Chimera Poti).
Will they add to this? Almost certainly, but it will be a second/third tier player for modest money and a short term. That seems to be a part of “the plan.”
The thing is, though, on that basis we’re going to have a really good idea about whether this plan has a Stanley Cup at the end of it, or just a lot of disappointing playoff appearances that fill seats (and earn revenue for the club).
If you've read this far...seek help.
The thing is, though, on that basis we’re going to have a really good idea about whether this plan has a Stanley Cup at the end of it, or just a lot of disappointing playoff appearances that fill seats (and earn revenue for the club).
This is the part that I am worried about the most. Drawing fans in with an exciting product and develop hockey in an area is one thing, but nothing does that like winning a Stanley Cup.
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I don’t doubt that this ownership and GM want to win a cup. I doubt they’re content to just waltz into the playoffs and get booted every year. But the evidence suggesting this team could use another grizzled veteran or two continues to mount, yet we continue to ignore that need. It’s extremely frustrating. Instead of getting better and more experienced, the roster is on the whole less experienced at the moment if anything. In so far as the playoffs are the only thing that matters, that does not make me optimistic about our chances next year.
Yes, but GMGM has said that he prefers trades to FA, and looking at the deals yesterday, I understand why. Honestly, I think Willie Mitchell would be a steal for the Caps. I’d love to have him. But am I ready to throw the whole season out the window because of one day? That’s just stupid and panicky behavior.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Nobody is giving up on them, that’s silly. But we don’t all have to wave pom poms and pretend that the odds of this team winning the cup aren’t all that great right now.
No, but do you really, seriously, think that nothing will happen just because nothing has happened yet? That’s silly too.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
I think we might go out and make some Joe Corvo/Eric Belanger-type pickups eventually, based on McPhee’s track record. Excuse my venting, I think a lot of it is disappointment in the fact that it’s looking less likely that we’ll get that bonafide 2C. I just don’t know where that is going to come from.
Where was it going to come from yesterday?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 2, 2010 9:42 AM EDT up reply actions
There really weren’t any “bonafide” 2Cs on the market yesterday either, though I will grant you that that are NONE now (no thanks on Lombardi at his demands). I have felt all along that the 2C was going to need to be filled via trade, so I am not overly worried about it.
I’ve been one of Lombardi’s biggest advocates around here, but what the hell is he thinking with those demands? $4+ million a year for at least 4 years?? Please.
what the hell is he thinking with those demands? $4+ million a year for at least 4 years??
“C’mon guys, it’s not like it’d be the worst contract given out this week!”
by David Getz on Jul 2, 2010 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
At $4m/year for Lombardi, I’d prefer Nylander.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
Now you’re just exposing the level of Vicodin in your system.
by Cluster on Jul 2, 2010 11:26 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Vicodin or not, Nylander is at least 1.5 times the player Lombardi is.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
In what year? And in the Caps system? I’d have to believe that Lombardi would be a better fit than Nylander here in Caps land.
Given Lombardi’s history, assuming that he’s going to repeat last year four times over the course of his contract is folly. He’s much more likely to regress to being a 15 goal/35 assist player.
Even in 08-09 when he was relegated primarily to 3rd line duty, Nylander put up 33 points in 73 games and was two years removed from being a point/game player.
I’m not a Nylander fan, but at the price Lombardi’s asking for, Nylander almost makes more sense.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
This team is going to probably walk away with another SE division title. Who really cares if their chances of winning the Cup aren’t that great right now (a statement, by the way, that I could not disagree with more). I’ll lay my house on the line that the current Caps roster will have some significant changes come April and that’s what really matters.
Exactly. One day does not an off-season make. Mike Knuble was a July 3 signing last year, Brendan Morrison a July 10 signing.
If you've read this far...seek help.
Yup – but he’s right on B-Mo. And they didn’t trade for Chimera until December, but that one worked out okay, too.
More and more I’m getting on board with the idea that patience isn’t a bad thing, that in this UFA pool it’s impossible to miss out on any really “good” ones by waiting because there aren’t really any good ones available. I had my favorites but the cost and term for all of them was more than I want my team spending on a mid-level guy.
But the evidence suggesting this team could use another grizzled veteran or two continues to mount, yet we continue to ignore that need.
In ‘08 the Caps added at the deadline, last year they added established vets in free agency, grit and experience via Chimera, and depth and experience at the deadline. I don’t think it’s fair to say the Capitals are ignoring that aspect of team building.
as someone who was lamenting the fact that the caps/GMGM tend to be extremely risk averse when making moves, let me ask this question. michalek signed for 5yrs $4M/per. i’ve not seen him play a ton but from the comments here i gather he’s probably just behind volchenkov and hamhuis in terms of quality defensmen available.
barring him turning into wade redden, how would signing him to that deal have been a killer to us over that term? is there anyone in our pipeline that will be better than him in the next three years? we know it takes several years for defenseman to grow into a NHL player. alzer was a top 5 pick and its taken him until his fourth seasons to finally make the roster full time. tom poti’s $3.5M contract is over this year (as is erskine). is michalek worth $500K more than poti?
last year we tried to fill our 2C role on the cheap and how did that work out? so well we had to trade a second round pick for belanger.
i think GMGM has done a great job of building this team and maintaining cap discipline. but at some point this team needs to take a risk on a player, either through giving a bit more cash than the team would like or parting with a prospect. you cant keep saying, “well if we do this than our cap is busted three years down the line”. well, at some point you need to say the future is now and if we are going to compete for and win a cup we need to make some moves for proven players. not advocating being stupid (ie. sather-esque), just being a bit more aggressive.
maybe his plan is to make these moves via trade or through deadline deals. and certainly there will be some teams with free agency hangovers that will need to shed guys before the season. my concern is that GMGM has not shown a willingness to trade value for value in those situations.
but hey, its obvious why i’m not a GM in the NHL so i’ll just sit back and enjoy the summer look forward to next season.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
barring him turning into wade redden, how would signing him to that deal have been a killer to us over that term? is there anyone in our pipeline that will be better than him in the next three years?
I think Carlson will be better in three years, and there’s a very good chance Alzner will (and I think Green’s better now). The Michalek deal really isn’t too bad, but the Capitals could very well have five legitimate top four defensemen on their roster halfway through next year, and four ready to be their blueline core for the foreseeable future. Plus, in the life of Michalek’s contract they’ll have to re-sign or find replacements for Semin, Laich, Chimera, Green, Poti, Alzner, Carlson, Varlamov, and Neuvirth. If I were GMGM, I wouldn’t be completely confident I’d want Michalek for five years under those circumstances.
well, at some point you need to say the future is now and if we are going to compete for and win a cup we need to make some moves for proven players. not advocating being stupid (ie. sather-esque), just being a bit more aggressive.
I think the Capitals have done that over the past few years. They’ve been active at the deadline when they’ve had the chance. They’ve added via free agency in a responsible manner. I think they’re in the “win now” mode, they’re just also looking forward.
my concern is that GMGM has not shown a willingness to trade value for value in those situations.
This is the one thing that I find a little frustrating about McPhee – he doesn’t seem willing to deal anything that has all that much value. Basically, if he’s sending a player out, it’s a guy he’s determined he’s done with any way.
by David Getz on Jul 2, 2010 9:17 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Plus, in the life of Michalek’s contract they’ll have to re-sign or find replacements for Semin, Laich, Chimera, Green, Poti, Alzner, Carlson, Varlamov, and Neuvirth. If I were GMGM, I wouldn’t be completely confident I’d want Michalek for five years under those circumstances.
Which is why it’s all about term (which is another way of saying “cap” for a team that builds through the draft). The Caps just don’t do long term deals (anymore) for FA’s, unless they are their own (in which case they don’t let them go to FA status).
If you've read this far...seek help.
Plus, in the life of Michalek’s contract they’ll have to re-sign or find replacements for Semin, Laich, Chimera, Green, Poti, Alzner, Carlson, Varlamov, and Neuvirth.
I think that’s a key. A lot of those guys are on ELC contracts.
The Pens may have to re-sign/replace Crosby, Malkin, Staal, Fleury over the course of the Michalek contract, but those guys are on pretty mature contracts (as in they already make a lot of money). So, conceivably, they won’t be getting raises or bumped out the door — assuming a flat or slow growing cap like we’ve seen.
Semin and Green are exceptions, but facing UFA they’re probably in store for a bump and Carlson/Alzner/starting goalie of the Caps are going to be in line for sizable jumps, so having a $4 million d-man locked down for a long time would be more of a hindrance.
So in that regard, the term makes a little more sense for Pittsburgh than it would for Washington. Still a gamble and I’m definitely not in love, but I think it’s a risk worth taking.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
It’s also a huge need you guys had – the Caps could use an upgrade on D but so could 29 other teams, and on top of losing Gonchar (although I still argue that was addition by subtraction :P) you guys never really replaced Gill and Scuderi. You needed solid defensemen and you got them, by whatever means necessary. Your D improved because it had to improve.
That being said…Michalek and Martin are decent D but not elite, and I still think our top 4 are better than what will become your top 2. So there’s that :)
oh, i agree on carlson and alzner. i dont consider them in the pipeline anymore. assuming we sign schultz. we’ve got 55/52, 27/74 and then ?/?.
i dont see chimera or semin here long term and one of the goalies is going to have to go as well. they are always going to have to make those tough choices and maybe let a guy go they planned on keeping. i guess the question is how long do we keep saying that? if the guy gives us three strong years on the blueline…years where we can win the cup, then wasnt it worth it? it’s not like the guy is going to be 38 years old at the end of his deal. he’ll be 32, younger than poti is now and he gets $3.5M/year.
outside of the deal for feds/huet/cooke, i have been a bit underswhelmed buy the recent deadline deals.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
I don’t think this team will hit its peak until the young D corps we have in place, and perhaps even MJ90, hit their prime. Not to say we can’t contend until then but I think that’s when we’ll be at our best. It may take three years. If everything pans out like we hope then we can pretty much fill in the rest.
This team will be very different in three years as we will lose players to free agency
by CapsFanSince1979 on Jul 2, 2010 9:32 AM EDT up reply actions
i dont see chimera or semin here long term and one of the goalies is going to have to go as well. they are always going to have to make those tough choices and maybe let a guy go they planned on keeping.
Sure, but even if you move a guy, you have to replace him, and that’s going to eat up some space too.
if the guy gives us three strong years on the blueline…years where we can win the cup, then wasnt it worth it?
Not necessarily, just because even the odds of the best team winning the Cup are still pretty small (I’d cap it at about 12%, and I don’t think that happens very often). If signing a guy gives you a fairly small boost for three years, but hurts you for many years after that, it’s not a deal I like.
we are ALWAYS going to have guys leave who need to be replaced. if you sign a michalek, then you leave yourself maybe $1-1.5M less cap space to fill those holes. a tough choice for sure, but if michalek (or someone else) gives you that small boost (a small boost being exactly what this team seems to need) then i think its worth it. and after three years hopefully you have a young prospect who can take up the slack on the cheap.
there are obviously great arguements on both sides and just another reason why being a GM in the salary cap era is not for the faint of heart…
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
Leonsis has said he wants the team to be competitive for years, not go all out like Chicago has. The playoffs are such a crapshoot compared to say NBA and the best roster and regular season performance is by no means a guarantee of winning later, though there’s a strong case Chicago was the best regular season team (ignoring goalies) and won the Cup, especially after the lockout.
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by red army line on Jul 3, 2010 7:13 AM EDT up reply actions
You’re missing Tom Poti. That makes 5 good D under contract.
Anaheim’s 3rd best defenseman right now is Steve Eminger. There is some competition out there way more desperate than the Caps. tying up a guy for 5 years for what is only a moderate need for this team isn’t the right way to go.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 2, 2010 9:47 AM EDT up reply actions
yes, this is his last year though. is there someone in hershey ready to step into his spot next year?
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
This assumes that he is not extended and that nothing else comes along.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
oh, i thought it was a lock he would not be resigned.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
You think so? Not sure that’s true – he’s not worth the same salary he’s making now but he was one of the best players for the Caps in the playoffs until he got hurt. He’s still in his early 30s. And he’s one of our better D at 5-on-5. I wouldn’t mind locking him up for another 1-2 years.
He’ll be 34 come playoff time, assuming he doesn’t get hurt. I like him, but there are more affordable options, particularly if you’ve gotta reup , Alzner, MP, Laich and (maybe) Semin.
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by Bald Pollack on Jul 2, 2010 10:58 AM EDT up reply actions
I suppose. No way does he get the same contract but the Caps are going to need some sort of veteran presence on the blue line and that could be Poti…it’ll be interesting to see what happens there, I think overall he’s done fairly well in his time here.
Just keep him off the PK.
Hey, if he went the Brashear route and agreed to say a 100K raise for two years, sure.
Tucked away on the UFA list for D in ‘11 is Andy Greene, who’ll be 29 and will be making $750k at the end of it. If he can maintain his PK work this year against better QUALCOMP he may be worth a flyer.
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by Bald Pollack on Jul 2, 2010 11:12 AM EDT up reply actions
Team Poti!
actually, I’m very curious to see how he comes back. He looked much better this past season than he has previously (except on the PK, but that’s on the coaches who keep throwing him out there). I was pleasantly surprised by most aspects of his game.
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He played well in the playoffs, but coming down the stretch, he looked lost out there. I just think he’s on his last legs, and for what you’d likely have to pay Poti ($4 million, likely, considering he’s getting $3.5 now), wouldn’t you rather have someone 4 years younger (a la a Michaluk from this year)?
I don’t know that younger is better – and while I don’t remember seeing him on his last legs as you say, I think any sort of wear and tear would be alleviated a bit by carrying less of a load. I think Carlson and Alzner will do that for him – fewer minutes, probably less PK time, etc.
I think another 2 years at 2.5-3 million per is realistic for him. Not sure he’ll get it with the Caps, but we’ll see.
Right – I just don’t like the idea of having an entire defensive corps under the age of 30. You need a veteran presence back there, I believe that more and more, and a 29-year-old doesn’t provide that.
Plus I think as Poti gets older he could be a good mentor – he seems like a good team guy, and he really stepped it up when he got an ‘A’.
I think JP wrote something on the Caps-Pens series saying that they had 3000+ games of experience on their blueline, and the Caps barely had 1500 with Poti half of that or something.
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by red army line on Jul 3, 2010 7:15 AM EDT up reply actions
OK, so what will they pay Poti $4 Million to do?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 3, 2010 9:36 AM EDT up reply actions
A pharmaceutical test subject for allergy abatement.
I waited all year for this?
by Rob Parker on Jul 3, 2010 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
The next D in the pipeline are Patty McNeil and Dmitri Orlov. It’s a fair point — the Caps will probably have to fill their 5 and 6 defensemen in another way next year.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 2, 2010 9:57 AM EDT up reply actions