2010-11 Rink Wrap: Tyler Sloan

by Stephen Pepper on Jun 10, 2011 11:00 AM EDT in Rink Wraps

From Alzner to Wideman, we're taking a look at and grading (please read the criteria below) the 2010-11 season for every player who laced 'em up for the Caps for a significant number of games during the campaign, with an eye towards 2011-12. Next up, Tyler Sloan.

Tyler Sloan

#89 / Defenseman / Washington Capitals

Height: 6-3

Weight: 205

Born: Mar 15, 1981

NHL Seasons: 3

Contract Status: $700,000 cap hit in 2011-12; UFA thereafter

'09-'10 Rink Wrap: 4.53

'08-'09 Rink Wrap: 7.03

2010-11 Stats	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	PPA	GWG	SOG	PCT	TOI/G
Regular Season	33	1	5	6	-6	14	0	0	0	12	8.3	12:51

Key Stat: Sloan skated 14 minutes or more in only nine of his 33 games played in 2010-11.

Interesting Stat: He earned five of his six points on the season at home (14 GP) and was a +1 in friendly confines.

The Good: Though decidedly hidden from top line competition, Tyler Sloan nevertheless provided a steady, if unremarkable, defensive effort, allowing virtually the same goals against per 60 minutes of play (2.49) as he did in the 2009-10 season (2.44).

It's worth noting that, in those nine games in which Sloan playing 14 minutes or more, the Caps were 6-3.

Only John Erskine and Mike Green registered more hits per 60 minutes on the Caps' defense than Sloan.

The Bad: His goals-for vs. goals-against per 60 dropped considerably from a decent 0.12 in the 2009-10 season to a ragged -1.02 last season, suggesting that his play in 2010-11 quite demonstrably hindered the offense. And his season on-ice Corsi number, a shockingly negative outlier, bears that out as well. For sure, Sloan benefited from playing nearly a quarter of his shifts in 2009-10 with a healthier Tom Poti. And this past season, majority pair mate with Sloan, John Erskine (who also in turn played more often with #89 than with any other D-man), managed to stay in the black when the regular slate concluded. So draw your own conclusions there.

Last season, Sloan was lauded for his versatility at being a swingman, holding down a checking line forward position when necessary. Not so in the 2010-11 campaign, where Sloan saw no time at forward and got a sweater for fewer games, and less ice time in those games, than a season ago (and declining in TOI/G for the second consecutive season).

And speaking of "hidden" in the Good above, Sloan was largely kept off of the PK, averaging barely 20 seconds of ice per 60 minutes for all Caps D (20 GP minimum).

Finally, when injuries to the blue line in elimination game four of the second round of the playoffs called for desperate measures to ice three defense pairs for the Caps, it was Sean Collins, who spent most of the season in Hershey, that got the nod, and not #89, who was part of the big club all season long. Good thing for Sloan that he's the one signed for one more NHL season. But maybe not so good for the Caps.

The Vote: Rate Sloan below on a scale of 1-10 (10 being the best) based on his performance relative to his potential and your expectations for the season - if he had the best year you could have imagined him having, give him a 10; if he more or less played as you expected he would, give him a 5 or a 6; if he had the worst year you could have imagined him having, give him a 1.

The Discussion: As was a question for the past two seasons, will Sloan break training camp with the Caps? If so, where does his name now slot on the depth chart when the injury bug smites multiple blueliners? Would the organization risk exposing him to waivers, as it had not done in 2010-11? Will we ever see #89 play a forward position again?

Poll

How do you rate Tyler Sloan's 2010-11 season?

10

263 votes

9

282 votes

8

267 votes

7

251 votes

6

292 votes

5

381 votes

4

334 votes

3

331 votes

2

276 votes

1

298 votes

2975 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 43 comments | 0 recs |

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Comments

Meh. 5. I know he’s just the number 7/8 defenseman on this team and you can’t have them all be Carlsons or Alzners, but there’s probably some low cost guy that you can replace Sloan with. He’s just not a guy who can be an every day NHLer.

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by apk3000 on Jun 10, 2011 11:11 AM EDT reply actions

I voted three, for one reason and one reason only.

Finally, when injuries to the blue line in elimination game four of the second round of the playoffs called for desperate measures to ice three defense pairs for the Caps, it was Sean Collins, who spent most of the season in Hershey, that got the nod, and not #89, who was part of the big club all season long.

That pretty much tells you what you need to know about Tyler Sloan. My expectation was that he would get called on in situations where the organization was hurt by injuries and the blue line needed some additional depth. That he wasn’t trusted to play over a guy who had a grand total of nineteen NHL games in the last three seasons speaks volumes.

Tortorella: Can I get another question? I went in here in a pretty good mood today, too.
Larry Brooks: So did I.
Tortorella: Well, you obviously f***ed that up, didn't you?

by Wheeler on Jun 10, 2011 11:13 AM EDT reply actions

3 also

I was going to go with a 5 until you reminded me of that. I feel like we got just as much out of Fahey in his brief time with the big club. With people like Fahey and Collins in Hershey do we really need Sloan eating a roster spot and cap space? Mr. Sloan please pick up your call on the chocolate colored courtesy phone…

by BradleyFightingVehicle on Jun 10, 2011 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions

Although the same thing happened last year… so maybe that’s a 5.

A kitten on fire, a baby in a blender, both sound as sweet as a playoff surrender.

by Rob Parker on Jun 10, 2011 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions

Tale of two seasons…

First 15 games: 1-4-5, plus-3
Last 18 games: 0-1-1, minus-9

If you've read this far...seek help.

by ThePeerless on Jun 10, 2011 11:20 AM EDT reply actions

And those last 18 games were playing for a team emphasizing defense more. A defenseman that cannot play defense on a defensive (or more defensive) team. Where does one hide such a guy (yeah, Hershey…I know)?

If you've read this far...seek help.

by ThePeerless on Jun 10, 2011 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions

I was concerned about the voting trends here.. Then I noticed 1000 votes and 3 comments.

by TFG on Jun 10, 2011 11:20 AM EDT reply actions

136 votes for “10?” Mischief abounds.

If you've read this far...seek help.

by ThePeerless on Jun 10, 2011 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions

Something is clearly wrong as its been 40 minutes and there are almost 3000 votes, more than ever and its almost completely even across the board. Clearly a bot.

by feeya7 on Jun 10, 2011 11:40 AM EDT reply actions

The irony here is that it’s going to give him an average score of about 5, which is more or less where he should be.

by marky narc on Jun 10, 2011 6:12 PM EDT up reply actions

The robovoters are getting faster.

by Gunjin on Jun 10, 2011 11:44 AM EDT reply actions

It’s pretty pathetic

by Brainumbc on Jun 10, 2011 12:13 PM EDT up reply actions

Clearly, someone is spending too much time in their parent’s basement.

by b.orr4 on Jun 10, 2011 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions

Every time I see that remark, I am reminded of William Shatner’s hosting of Saturday Night Live… when he’s addressing the Star Trek convention: “You…you still live in your parents’ basement, don’t you. And you… have you ever kissed a girl?”

Both of the actors he ask hung their heads in shame…

Winnipeg? Winnipeg??? Oy...

by MikeL-Pivonka on Jun 10, 2011 1:21 PM EDT up reply actions

I gave him a 3, I expected a barely adequate replacement level player, and got less than that.

by Gunjin on Jun 10, 2011 11:51 AM EDT reply actions

I voted 5. I expected a player that I would watch and think to myself “he shouldn’t be in the NHL” and got a player that I would watch and think to myself “he shouldn’t be in the NHL”.

I have planned my grand attacks; I will stand behind their backs. With my brand new battle-axe, they will taste my wrath. They will hear me say as the pavement whirls, "I hate California girls."

by Steckel Me Elmo on Jun 10, 2011 12:02 PM EDT reply actions

5

Same ol same ol for Sloan

by Brainumbc on Jun 10, 2011 12:13 PM EDT reply actions

Is Whipping Boy Week finally done, now?

Lacking specific evidence to the contrary, I shall blame this on Chemmy and Two Line Pass.

by CapitalCentre on Jun 10, 2011 12:39 PM EDT reply actions

1

I expected Sloan to be bad, didn’t expect him to be replaced by Collins. Seriously, what is he doing taking up cap space? Trade, waive, or stash. Just get him off the Caps.

Proud member of the Popsicle Division of the Cupcake Conference.

by Bman21212 on Jun 10, 2011 12:40 PM EDT reply actions

Trade ain’t happening.. you have to have a partner. He’s likely destined for Hershey…

Winnipeg? Winnipeg??? Oy...

by MikeL-Pivonka on Jun 10, 2011 1:22 PM EDT up reply actions

Yea, I was thinking “Trade” in giving him to someone for “future considerations”. But whatever works

Proud member of the Popsicle Division of the Cupcake Conference.

by Bman21212 on Jun 11, 2011 8:39 AM EDT up reply actions

Will we ever see #89 play a forward position again?

I kind of hope so. I don’t mind him as a forward. Not a liability and his speed give the other team something to worry about.

by David Getz on Jun 10, 2011 1:13 PM EDT reply actions

Hopefully it’ll be in Chocolate and White…

Winnipeg? Winnipeg??? Oy...

by MikeL-Pivonka on Jun 10, 2011 1:24 PM EDT up reply actions

3

I had low expectations for Sloan going into 2010-11, and he failed to meet those expectations. A dreadful season, and he has no business being on an NHL roster anymore unless the NHL goes to 36 teams… then he’d be a 7th d-man for someone.

The Caps should assign him to the AHL and if he leaves via waivers of some kind… well that’s fine and dandy. Yes he’d have to go through re-entry waivers to come up, but with the prospects the Caps have in the minors on D (meaning Orlov) he should never get the call again…

To get a 10… I don’t even want to think about what it would take for him to get a rink wrap in summer, 2012.

Winnipeg? Winnipeg??? Oy...

by MikeL-Pivonka on Jun 10, 2011 1:24 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

Said everything I was thinking.

In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.

by skyywise on Jun 10, 2011 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions

amen

Atta dinnin stick a who!

by Gould Old Days on Jun 10, 2011 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions

For his pretty face :D

The twitters.
Currently Netflixing: Random episodes of lost.

See you in September Ovi, Green, and the man who claims to be Nick Backstrom.

by Ovechwin on Jun 10, 2011 1:51 PM EDT reply actions

That’s not how the voting works!!!!!!!!!!!!1111one

by David Getz on Jun 10, 2011 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs

I'm thinking more like

by Brainumbc on Jun 10, 2011 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions

reply fail.

by Brainumbc on Jun 10, 2011 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions

_____________

Atta dinnin stick a who!

by Gould Old Days on Jun 10, 2011 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions

OMG I never noticed the resemblance before. Now it’s stuck in my visual memory.

"Hockey won’t hold still for a portrait. To gain a glimpse inside you join it in progress—just as the players do." Epilogue of 24/7

by capsyoungguns on Jun 10, 2011 4:19 PM EDT up reply actions

6

I expected him to go to Hershey to be a call-up and he stayed with the big team all season. He played more games than I expected too though probably with less TOI/G.

by psujohn on Jun 10, 2011 1:59 PM EDT reply actions

4

I expected Sloan to be terrible, and he was terrible. Gets knocked down 1 for being so bad Collins passed him on the depth chart.

If he’s not reliable enough to be in the top 8 D for the playoffs, then he shouldn’t be on the Caps roster throughout the season, plain and simple. I have zero qualms about exposing him to waivers going down, since I’d be perfectly happy to see another team snatch him up (although I doubt that would happen). Paying $350K for him to play for another team if he gets taken on re-entry waivers wouldn’t be great, but it’s not a killer. Certainly not enough of a deterrent to keep him in DC instead of Hershey to start the season. If the Caps D are hit by the injury bug they can bring him up as an emergency call up and he doesn’t have to go through waivers anyway.

Release the Mackan!

by Killer_Carlson on Jun 10, 2011 2:11 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

I think he took a bit of a step back, as well.

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by red army line on Jun 11, 2011 4:18 AM EDT up reply actions

6

He met my expectations and was an absolute sweetie at Caps Con.

(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)

by oldemystix on Jun 10, 2011 2:46 PM EDT reply actions

5

I expected a subpar performance from an AHL-level dman, and got that. The Caps should send him to Hershey where he belongs.

Matt Bradley: He has sensitive skin, no?

by timmyv38 on Jun 10, 2011 2:57 PM EDT reply actions

3

See MikeL and K_C for my thoughts.

A kitten on fire, a baby in a blender, both sound as sweet as a playoff surrender.

by Rob Parker on Jun 10, 2011 3:25 PM EDT reply actions

See mine for what he was really thinking…

The twitters.
Currently Netflixing: Random episodes of lost.

See you in September Ovi, Green, and the man who claims to be Nick Backstrom.

by Ovechwin on Jun 10, 2011 6:29 PM EDT up reply actions

4

It’s been a long ride down hill since that memorable debut in Calgary.

I root harder for the doomed.

by bigonetimer on Jun 10, 2011 3:36 PM EDT reply actions

He is what he is.

When people start debating skating skills versus hockey sense and which is more important or more trainable I think of Sloan. A player either has good hockey sense or doesn’t.

He’s tall and he skates quickly. But he makes poor decisions with the puck. Or puts himself in the wrong position on the ice. Or plays his opponent incorrectly. Or misreads the developing play.

Nice guy. Enjoyed getting to know him in hockey diaries last season. I wish he were a better player and not a bubble guy. But I will perfectly fine if he goes to Hershey. He makes me nervous when he’s on the ice.

"Hockey won’t hold still for a portrait. To gain a glimpse inside you join it in progress—just as the players do." Epilogue of 24/7

by capsyoungguns on Jun 10, 2011 4:28 PM EDT reply actions