The 2C Issue on Trade Deadline Day: Patient Predators or Ugly Girl at the Prom? WITH FANPOLL

by Scoops on Feb 25, 2011 2:37 PM EST

Well, here we are again, patienly waiting and wanting for our beloved Capitals head office to play another round of "Let's Make a Deal" with the rest of the league. As much as we may respect, loathe, admire, or want to bodily injur GM GM due to his head-scratchers (to be read: Poti extension) and heart-warmers (Hendricks), George McPhee is indeed one of the most well regarded and heavily feared General Managers in the league.

However, as we have waited and watched for weeks as Brain Burke made a deal with the devil (Peter Chiarelli), Ray Shero do his best to offset the single most amazing and karmic injury-induced winter plunges a Team has experienced, we Washington fans have been waiting on pins and needles... and for what? Thus far, 2 more years for a 4th liner having a career year. Yippety-skippety.

So what are your predictions for the Monday, February 28th trade deadline? Are the Caps brass being patient predators circling around that amazing kill, or will we be much like last year the ugly girl who gets left behind at the prom? A fan poll and color commentary (yours) after the jump.

I would be remiss, however, not to mention Mr. McPhee's clairvoiyent Flash-Hannon trade that helped eventually spur a 0.2 Goals Allowed per Game reduction. However, in the words of the timeless and infinitely wise Janet Jackson, "what have you done for me lately?"

We all seem to have the sense that he's working something up his sleeve. He's gone on record, even in the midst of our 8-game losing streak, that our goaltending hasn't been a problem he's not moving our 22-year old netminders. And with Green returning and Hannon finally settling into form, our D has more or less sorted itself out for now.

So, doing a little group therapy we realize that Marcus Johansson was a NHL second-line center failure as predicted by those that witnessed his development best. And, my friends, when you're putting up 0.35 points per game when your own General Manager stated you were "ahead of Backstrom's [development]" at one point this season yet no where near his 0.84 points per game his freshman debut, that is in fact the definition of a failure. Especially when only 8, yest that's right, EIGHT of those 17 points have been assists. (I only didn't go after Perrault here because his fiesty 0.41 points per game are a tremendous improvement over last year's numbers and given he averages 2'05" less ice time per game than Marcus, he gets a pass.) This leaves us with the elephant in the room, the oft-discussed 2C position.

Like it or hate it the above aren't even third-liner numbers so we must logically turn our efforts towards who we would want to address that clear and immediate playoff need. Limiting our sample size to the slim pickings you find in the Eastern Conference, please weigh in on the poll below and tell us what you'd be willing to offer up (including MJ90 himself) to obtain said player.

Poll

Who would we benefit the most from this Spring and beyond via the February 28th trade deadline?

Jason Arnott (NJ) - 13G, 11A, 24P in 60GP

23 votes

Stephen Weiss (FLA) - 16G, 24A, 40P in 59GP

76 votes

Dainius Zubrus (NJ) - 13G, 11A, 24P in 59GP

6 votes

Someone completely random, because that's how GM GM rolls

35 votes

No one, like the ugly girl GM GM will not ask a new 2C to the prom (playoffs)

16 votes

156 votes | Poll has closed

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

Tweet Comment 27 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

B

For two reasons – you can never go wrong with B, plus Weiss has another year left on his contract at a modest price, so we could have him for an extended tryout. Also having the most production out of the 3 choices doesn’t hurt either.

"Baseball was my first love... hockey is a sultry temptress and stole my heart." - Corey Masisak

by Scoops on Feb 25, 2011 2:40 PM EST reply actions

Ed. Note: In part Dainius Zuburs was included for humorous purposes… but I would never really rule him out (not taking his salary into heavy consideration). He is in fact statistically the exact same person as Jason Arnott, just… younger and yet slower, speaks Russian, and has been here before so can tell us fans exactly which Lithuanian restaurant in DC is the most authentic.

"Baseball was my first love... hockey is a sultry temptress and stole my heart." - Corey Masisak

by Scoops on Feb 25, 2011 2:50 PM EST up reply actions

Zubrus is not slower than Arnott. At this point, Arnott is slower than Knuble.

I think Arnott would be a colossal failure on this team. He’s not a playmaker. He’s an over-the-hill shooter who can’t skate well anymore. Notice that even in the Devil’s resurgence, Arnott has been practically invisible and limited to 3rd line duties and PP time.

by Charlie Foxtrot on Feb 26, 2011 2:07 AM EST up reply actions

Oh yeah, and I’d be willing to give up Marcus and a conditional 3rd rounder or Matthieu and conditional 5th rounder with a 7th rounder coming back with him either way… though the latter would make me very, very sad. Trade for trade though, as Weiss was 4th overall in 2001’s draft.

"Baseball was my first love... hockey is a sultry temptress and stole my heart." - Corey Masisak

by Scoops on Feb 25, 2011 4:13 PM EST up reply actions

I voted Weiss, but it will probably end up being someone that wasn’t mentioned as one of the prime targets because that’s just how ole’ George McPhee rolls.

Ah, beer. The cause of and the solution to all of life’s problems. - Homer Simpson

by jaytown99 on Feb 25, 2011 4:26 PM EST reply actions

I agree and was very tempted to vote for that one myself if it wasn’t for Weiss’ career 324 points in 540 games. Hopefully he’ll break the mold on this one.

"Baseball was my first love... hockey is a sultry temptress and stole my heart." - Corey Masisak

by Scoops on Feb 25, 2011 5:05 PM EST up reply actions

Now that was fun to read. Voted Weiss too, but wouldn’t be surprised if something happens with that other conference if the standings get a little less muddied by Monday.

Hockey won’t hold still for a portrait. To gain a glimpse inside you join it in progress—just as the players do.

by capsyoungguns on Feb 25, 2011 4:38 PM EST reply actions

May on JRR as I recall really liked Arnott for his experience, demands for player accountability, and take no prisoners style. But I keep reading from others who know his recent play that he has lost a step or two. Another reason I went with Weiss.

Hockey won’t hold still for a portrait. To gain a glimpse inside you join it in progress—just as the players do.

by capsyoungguns on Feb 25, 2011 4:42 PM EST reply actions

Great point. I can’t really imagine Arnott being anything but a shadow of his former self. Still, his ability to produce well in the first part of the season with NJ before they started their tear turned my head a bit. In that vein, maybe it’s time to bring Federov across the pond for round 2?

"Baseball was my first love... hockey is a sultry temptress and stole my heart." - Corey Masisak

by Scoops on Feb 25, 2011 5:12 PM EST up reply actions

I do not want Weiss. I’d rather wait until the summer. Frankly, and each passing game makes it more obvious, the chance of this years team getting past the first round is slim. There’s no need to give up developing talent just to make an ill-fated push. Last year I thought GMGM should have done better than pick up an injured Corvo, but appreciated the effort, however sketchy. This year, no way. It’ll just be waste of trade. GM’s gonna have to give up too much to bring in someone who just isn’t the right guy, in Weiss that is. If he pulls off some major deal that brings in elite level talent, I might think differently. But to bring in middling talent by letting untapped potential go, no. Weiss-Laich-A Semin Replacement does not fill me with hope for this year.

The Way is riddled with deep, dark holes.

by The Jade Donkey on Feb 25, 2011 11:33 PM EST reply actions

Weiss isn’t middling talent. All his numbers come in the Zetterberg way—that is, playing other top lines. That’s very impressive. THe issue we have now is that outside of Steckel-Gordon, it’s not a good idea to give anybody moderately hard minutes. Perreault can’t beat them, Johansson gets killed by them, and Backstrom’s offense suffers. Laich and Semin already on average play somewhat hard minutes and come out ahead. THey’d kill with Weiss there too, and that means everyone else has an easier job—no hard minutes for Mojo, fewer D zone draws for Backstrom, etc.

My blog and Twitter, featuring coverage of the most frustrating team in the NHL
If you don't know how to use Timeonice, read this.
Behindthenet quick link to QoC/QoT/Corsi/PDO/Zonestarts
"Numbers don't lie, they just don't agree with you"--George E. Ays
If I reference a lot of stats, just assume I haven't seen anything to contradict or invalidate them.

by red army line on Feb 26, 2011 2:00 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Compelling and sound arguments all around. Especially liked the line by line breakdowns. Considering the talent, or lack thereof, that has surrounded Weiss up to this point, I think it’s safe to say he would dominate the 2C position in DC in short order.

"Baseball was my first love... hockey is a sultry temptress and stole my heart." - Corey Masisak

by Scoops on Feb 27, 2011 8:20 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Vogel reported after the game that a bunch of Capitals management, including the capologist, were staying later than usual.

I don’t think McPhee, for his job security, can afford to do absolutely nothing deadline. And given tonight, I don’t think he can make a half-assed move.

My prediction? He goes for Hemsky and Connolly. If he comes up short on Hemsky, maybe Connolly as Plan C (Richards being the Plan A – I put merit in the rumors that an offer was made, but health concerns/Dallas wanting more cut it down) and a rental depth d-man.

by Charlie Foxtrot on Feb 26, 2011 2:05 AM EST reply actions

I almost thought of including Connolly in this list, but… to be frank, that option scares the hell out of me. To date, the guy hasn’t played more than 48 games in a season but once in the past 4 years (incluidng this year). Between his various hip and groin issues throughout the years he makes Tom Poti look like an Ironman. Unless we had to give nothing for him, and I do mean NOTHING, I wouldn’t feel comfortable at all with him taking up a roster spot.

Hemsky would be nice… but who would anchor that line? We’re right back to where we started.

"Baseball was my first love... hockey is a sultry temptress and stole my heart." - Corey Masisak

by Scoops on Feb 28, 2011 10:38 AM EST up reply actions

Given that GMGM surprises us more than not with trades here is my grandiose prediction:
MJ90 & MP85 for Brad Richards
F16 to 2nd line RW and 28 to LW
Laich to 3rd line center
A. Gordon pulled up to 3rd line RW

Reality is GMGM has likely been forced to wait until the trade deadline because the other GMs from teams we are targeting are being smarter and waiting until the deadline knowing that it will fetch the most returns. Regardless if GMGM does bring in anyone it won’t be the answer because he isn’t giving up the pipeline nor do we have any Finnish players.

Who do I want him to bring in, anyone with Stanley Cup experience, and if they have success that much better.

All of our questions will become answers at the trade deadline, apparently

by kurlNdrag on Feb 26, 2011 10:06 AM EST reply actions 1 recs

I like it, I like it a lot

Though I fully realize this would never happen with GM GM behind the wheel, this would be absoultely amazing. While Richards is a little too much of a gamble for a concussed Spring rental who will be a UFA on July 1, assuming the reports of his continued improvements and perhaps being only a few weeks away from playing this could be a stroke of genius. Assuming Dallas loses to Nashville tonight, I think they might be willing to field an offer like this, but would expect either MJ90 or MP85 and a first round pick, not both players.

I especially liked your line combations. Sometimes we forget Semin is a natural LW and, other than 1 year everyone was putting up huge numbers, Laich has been more productive as a Center.

"Baseball was my first love... hockey is a sultry temptress and stole my heart." - Corey Masisak

by Scoops on Feb 26, 2011 1:25 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

You asked who would we benefit the most from, and assuming we give the same going out in any of these situations, outside of Brad Richards at the right price, none of these options are better than Weiss, by far.

"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."

by Whiter Mage on Feb 26, 2011 11:14 PM EST reply actions

I’m not even convinced Richards is better than Weiss, frankly. Richards gets easier minutes than those BB gives Backstrom.
(yes, I’m not a fan of Brad Richards at this point in his career)

by red army line on Feb 27, 2011 2:10 AM EST up reply actions

And especially now with his current concussion issues.

Back in December, someone had proposed a trade of Schultz & Fehr for Richards. While he scored a lot of points last year and was doing well this year, it sounded like he was very high priced for his productivity. But as a rental with a pro-rated salary, the trade could be doable. I figured that Schultz being gone would set us back defensively to a little behind where we were prior to the Hannan deal; we would have a sick second line; but the 3rd and 4th lines would be nothing to write home about. (And, of course, then there’d be the question of whether to keep or not. Although, granted, I didn’t even pose that question.)

Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.

by CapsFan75 on Feb 27, 2011 11:06 AM EST up reply actions

To elaborate, Richards at the right price is a conditional draft pick.

"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."

by Whiter Mage on Feb 27, 2011 12:04 PM EST up reply actions

Although, if we could get Weiss for a conditional draft pick I’d be stoked.

"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."

by Whiter Mage on Feb 27, 2011 12:08 PM EST up reply actions

6th if he plays, nothing if he doesn’t. Done and done.

by red army line on Feb 27, 2011 12:45 PM EST up reply actions

But would the Stars fall for that one? Only if Ray Shero offered it.

Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.

by CapsFan75 on Feb 27, 2011 2:48 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Definitely not—it’s what we got for Juice.

by red army line on Feb 27, 2011 2:57 PM EST up reply actions

Wait...

But what if we threw in DJ King as well? Wait…. frick!

"Baseball was my first love... hockey is a sultry temptress and stole my heart." - Corey Masisak

by Scoops on Feb 27, 2011 8:37 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Definitely voted for D haha.

~~~ R0cK D@ R3D ~~~
"I was pretty excited that Bruce made me captain and it's something I enjoyed. My record speaks for itself. I'm 1-0. I just went out there and did what I do: get the game winner." - Matt Bradley

by Chaz-Capapalooza on Feb 28, 2011 1:06 AM EST reply actions

Polls Are Closed

Well, congratulations to those of you in the vast minority who chose New Jersey’s Jason Arnott. Don’t forget to claim your prize: a David Steckel replica jersey ;o)

"Baseball was my first love... hockey is a sultry temptress and stole my heart." - Corey Masisak

by Scoops on Feb 28, 2011 4:49 PM EST reply actions