What are your new lines for 2011-12? (with FanPoll)
by Scoops on Jul 1, 2011 5:52 PM EDT
Email
PrintWow... Merry Christmas in July! Finally a UFA Day that Caps fans can enjoy, too. In addition to snagging two tremendous picks for a goaltender that had reportedly already packed up his bags for the KHL, GM GM did some amazing McGeneral Management to lock up some tremendous talent and also Jeff Halpern for season.
Including Brouwer's acquisition and Laich extension, who was all but on the open market 2 days prior to the start of free agency, that makes for 5 players that were not expected to be on the Caps openning night roster in October, 2011. So, how about them Caps? Please weigh in your suggested new lines in the comments with a little justification and make sure to vote on your take of the day's efforts in the FanPoll below.
Seeing as we have a mere $2.044 million in remainin Salary Cap and that Ted has stated numerous times he likes to keep a few million on reserve, I don't see too many more moves to come. The exception to this would be if we were to ship someone off to create space (of course Semin's name already gets thrown in at this point). Regardless, assuming we only add a 4th line left winger somewhere between $525 - $850k, one may make a relatively safe assumption that we're quickly nearing what the Team may look like next season. That being the case, I offer up these lines:
Forwards
Ovie - Backstrom - Knuble
Semin - Laich - Brouwer
Chimera - Johansson - Ward/Fehr
Hendricks/Beagle - Halpern/Hendricks - Fehr/Ward
Defensemen
Alzner-Carlson
Shultz-Green
Wideman-Hamrlik
Goaltenders
Neuvirth
Holtby/Sabourin
Healthy scratches:
DJ King
Jay Beagle
John Erskine
Long-term Injured Reserve:
Tom Poti
You'll notice Laich and Semin both moving back to their natural positions: Center and Left Wing, respectively. While Beagle hasn't played a lot of LW, the above assumes he may be able to fill in from time to time if Hendricks is playing Center whilst Halpern isn't.
Regarding defensive pairings, this is where our club is going to continue shining. Due to the Hannon Hamrlik signing it was tough to decide which one was "top pairing" et cetera, so don't read too much into that. I think one could make a case that any of the three would be more than capable of going up against first line talent. Truly you can see where our priorities have shifted, which is great. Regarding the goaltending, as McPhee has already gone on record stating that we would either be going with the trio or the duo depending on Varlamov's mood de jour, it may be safe to assume we'll be seeing a lot more of Holtby next season.
I look forward to seeing your lines and reading all the great refutations input from everyone. Don't forget to vote on today's activity, too!
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.
52 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Your forgetting the Swedish kid we signed awhile back, I don’t remember his name though just his initials M.S.
by washfan29 on Jul 1, 2011 6:16 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Mattias Sjogren
No, I just don’t think that an undrafted forward who only scored 7 goals and recorded 14 assists with Farjestad in the Swedish Elite League will do much damage at the NHL level to begin with. He’ll likely get time with the Bears, or even Sting Rays, before ever seeing the light of day in a Caps uniform.
Then again, if he tears it up in Training Camp, he could always earn a roster spot like Hendricks did…
"Baseball was my first love... hockey is a sultry temptress and stole my heart." - Corey Masisak
I thought he was basically signed to become our RW on the fourth line and hopefully work his way up to 3 line RW. He has been developing in a fairly good league the past cuple of years remember. Nice mock up though, your lines look about right until BB starts mixing alot
by washfan29 on Jul 1, 2011 6:45 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I think that was part of the intent, though if you read Carrera’s write-up in WaPo it made it sound like he was more of an insurance piece in case things went horribly wrong. Still, you never know what could happen.
Thanks. Any suggestions for your own? And good point about BB BB – it’s only a matter of time ;o)
"Baseball was my first love... hockey is a sultry temptress and stole my heart." - Corey Masisak
Didn’t expect this much of a different roster from last season, but we needed some change. Although we’re pretty screwed if we sustain any injuries.
True dat
All our “depth” will either be in Erskine or the AHL/ECHL next year… yikes!
"Baseball was my first love... hockey is a sultry temptress and stole my heart." - Corey Masisak
Have you already forgotten...
THE SLOAN!!!
"Baseball was my first love... hockey is a sultry temptress and stole my heart." - Corey Masisak
by Scoops on Jul 1, 2011 10:04 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Erskine is good depth. He is a legit 6D
"By far the worst performers on the (Redskins) are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
True, true. Our entire D corps looks pretty sick to be honest with you. The past few years we always had some holes there, but now even if 2 guys ent down we’d still have some beast pairings.
"Baseball was my first love... hockey is a sultry temptress and stole my heart." - Corey Masisak
by Scoops on Jul 2, 2011 10:23 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I wanted to vote “same old, same old” since I’m under the impression McPhee did okay (not great, not terrible), but then again he actually signed a player or three. And good ones at that.
CAPGEEK.COM CAP CALCULATOR
FORWARDS
Alexander Ovechkin ($9.538m) / Nicklas Backstrom ($6.700m) / Mike Knuble ($2.000m)
Alexander Semin ($6.700m) / Marcus Johansson ($0.900m) / Troy Brouwer ($2.025m)
Joel Ward ($3.000m) / Brooks Laich ($4.500m) / Eric Fehr ($2.200m)
Jason Chimera ($1.875m) / Jeff Halpern ($0.825m) / Matt Hendricks ($0.825m)
D.J. King ($0.637m)
DEFENSEMEN
Mike Green ($5.250m) / Jeff Schultz ($2.750m)
John Carlson ($0.845m) / Karl Alzner ($2.675m)
Dennis Wideman ($3.937m) / Roman Hamrlik ($3.500m)
John Erskine ($1.500m)
GOALTENDERS
Michal Neuvirth ($1.150m) / Chris Osgood ($0.800m)
BUYOUTS: Tyler Sloan ($0.233m)
CAPGEEK.COM TOTALS
SALARY CAP: $64,300,000; CAP PAYROLL: $64,367,628; BONUSES: $0
CAP SPACE (22-man roster): -$67,628
Not sure, maybe Fehr starts on LTIR and Eakin or Sjogren start up with the big club instead. Ideally, drop Chimera from the roster. Problem solved.
Red Line Station and @RedArmyLine, featuring coverage of the most frustrating team in the NHL
To help with basic Timeonice functions.
If I reference a lot of stats, just assume I haven't seen anything to contradict or invalidate them.
Nice. I LOVE the idea of dropping Chimera. He’s had his chance and hasn’t shown anything worthy of tying up a roster spot while Eakin or others could give it a shot… though we are somewhat short natural Left Wingers.
"Baseball was my first love... hockey is a sultry temptress and stole my heart." - Corey Masisak
I’m not liking that they haven’t gotten a goalie, and I’m not sure why they got Ward. I’m withholding judgement until I see if they make a trade to free up space, since they currently cannot re-sign both Alzner and Brouwer.
Matt Bradley: He has sensitive skin, no?
As for new lines, I’d say:
Ovie-Backs-Brouwer
Semin-Mackan-Knuble
Ward-Laich-Fehr
Chimera-Halpern-Hendricks
Beagle
Carlson-Alzner
Green-Schultz
Wideman-Hamrlik
Erskine
Neuvy-?
Haven’t done Capgeek on this yet, but I think if Poti and King are out, it will work.
Matt Bradley: He has sensitive skin, no?
I have nearly the same right above. King, no Beagle, and added Osgood.
Ward is a really good checking line forward. 1/3 of that tough-minutes line we all want.
Red Line Station and @RedArmyLine, featuring coverage of the most frustrating team in the NHL
To help with basic Timeonice functions.
If I reference a lot of stats, just assume I haven't seen anything to contradict or invalidate them.
by red army line on Jul 1, 2011 8:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Alzner's a RFA
He can be signed anytime during the next season. Our Cap space next year is stellar.
"Baseball was my first love... hockey is a sultry temptress and stole my heart." - Corey Masisak
I will say this – I think Semin is going to a team that loses out on the Brad Richards Extravaganza. So this is not final:
Ovechkin-Backstrom-Brouwer
Semin-Johansson-Knuble
Chimera-Laich-Ward
Hendricks-Halpern-Sjogren
Beagle
Green-Alzner
Carlson-Hamrlik
Wideman-Schultz
Neuvirth
Holtby
Explanation – I think the 2nd line stays reasonably the same. I think you try Brouwer with the best offensive weapons, as they spent significant stretches with Toews and Kane. I wanted the third line to be an extremely difficult line to bust – hard-forechecking, extremely hardworking, a little speed with Chimera. The checking line I also like with Sjogren as the main forechecking weapon, while Halpern is clearly the best defensive element.
Defense wise, I think you see the break-up of Carlson and Alzner, as both will be a year over and IMO time to maximize their strengths by spreading them out. Hamrlik can go with anyone, but I’d keep him with Carlson so he can mentor and teach starting out. If Schutlz and Wideman falter, can always re-adjust.
PS – Fehr isn’t listed as I was being conservative and guessing he’d miss the beginning of the season. With Fehr:
Ovechkin-Backstrom-Knuble
Semin-Johansson-Fehr
Brouwer-Laich-Ward
Chimera-Halpern-Hendricks
Sjrogen
Arguably stronger – I think the third and fourth lines are pretty damn strong here.
Your second set is pretty sick, and F16 is supposedly “well ahead” of schedule and should be ready for Training Camp. Due to experience I’d switch Brouwer and Fehr. Then… perfection!
"Baseball was my first love... hockey is a sultry temptress and stole my heart." - Corey Masisak
by Scoops on Jul 1, 2011 10:13 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
They’ll never tear Carlzner apart, except maybe to school others… they were our best defensive pair in nearly every metric last year bro!
"Baseball was my first love... hockey is a sultry temptress and stole my heart." - Corey Masisak
by Scoops on Jul 1, 2011 10:23 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I hope Scoops realizes that
These lines are not financially possible. First of all, the 2 mil in cap space does not include Holtby so subtract 600k. Also Chimera, Alzner, and Brouwer are not under contract. While these lines would be great they would leave us about 6 million over the cap. Semin trade?
Uh, Chimera is under contract until next year. 1.875 million.
by Charlie Foxtrot on Jul 2, 2011 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions
My bad on Chimer. Point remains the same though, we need to lose some salary.
by rockred19 on Jul 2, 2011 12:12 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Losing!
I only took personnel that are CURRENTLY on our financial payroll. Look it up yourself Holmes and better luck next time!
"Baseball was my first love... hockey is a sultry temptress and stole my heart." - Corey Masisak
by Scoops on Jul 2, 2011 4:10 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Anyone ready to take percentage odds on what is the likelihood of us signing Brouwer and Alzner and for how much?
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
100%.
Alzner – 2.850 million, 5 years
Brouwer – 2.25 million, 4 years
Someone is being moved, most likely Semin.
by Charlie Foxtrot on Jul 2, 2011 9:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Prior to Vokoun’s signing I would have said “George will find a way,” even if that meant burying Beagle, MS, and Erskine in the minors (the last one would have required clearing waivers so it would be very risky indeed). However, now all beta are off!
"Baseball was my first love... hockey is a sultry temptress and stole my heart." - Corey Masisak
by Scoops on Jul 2, 2011 10:05 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
CF – I can’t find those numbers. Where’d you get them?
If true, then even if DJ King clears waivers we’d still be $1.218 million over the Cap… which is disheartening.
Frickin’ crazy bargain Vokoun. Would rather keep Semin than keep Holtby twiddling his thumbs another year in the AHL, even with V in net.
"Baseball was my first love... hockey is a sultry temptress and stole my heart." - Corey Masisak
by Scoops on Jul 2, 2011 10:54 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
And what happens if Chimmer gets traded? Are we then compliant?
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
That’s a GREAT solution, CF75! If we offload Chimmer’s $1.875M then we’d just barely have enough to be under the Cap whilst getting Borque in to fulfill 4th line wingers duty.
Then maybe Fehr/Ward could anchor our checking line wings and we could retain Semin.
"Baseball was my first love... hockey is a sultry temptress and stole my heart." - Corey Masisak
by Scoops on Jul 3, 2011 1:39 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Current cap number doesn't include Alzner and Brouwer...
because they aren’t under contract.
I think you forgot the above also presupposes that Poti and his $3.5M would come off the books due to being LTIR. That, my friend would make it financially possible even if we gave Alzner & Brouwer pay bumps.
"Baseball was my first love... hockey is a sultry temptress and stole my heart." - Corey Masisak
by Scoops on Jul 3, 2011 1:48 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Nice write-up. Looking at the new/current roster lined up this way really shows how different the team (atleast bottom 6) is going to look next year.
I’d go with something a little different…
Forwards
Ovie – Backstrom – Knuble (with Brouwer getting this spot soon)
Semin – Johansson – Brouwer (Knuble and Johansson have shown chemistry…expect him here soon)
Ward – Laich – Fehr
Hendricks – Halpern/Sjoren – Halpern/Sjoren
Defensemen
Alzner-Carlson
Green-Hamrlik
Schultz-Wideman
Goaltenders
Neuvirth
Holtby (Hopefully new back-up, but GMGM said it’s gonna be Holtby)
Nice
That’s an absolute
"Baseball was my first love... hockey is a sultry temptress and stole my heart." - Corey Masisak
by Scoops on Jul 2, 2011 4:13 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
BEAST of a third line! Kinda like a hidden 2.5th line. I also think its a good idea to have some space for MS to dable in the NHL a bit this season.
Also interesting idea of putting Hamrlik with Greenie… he and Shultz seem to have lost some chemistry anyway. Those pairings would be pretty boss.
"Baseball was my first love... hockey is a sultry temptress and stole my heart." - Corey Masisak
by Scoops on Jul 2, 2011 4:17 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
BEAST of a third line! Kinda like a hidden 2.5th line
Even better, it’s has the potential to be an old school blue-collar, lunch-pail, North Americanesque third line.
Nice… just when they think all our weapons are put away for at least 2 shifts we shalack them with a gritty-as-nails line to whittle away their wills to play. Love it!
"Baseball was my first love... hockey is a sultry temptress and stole my heart." - Corey Masisak
by Scoops on Jul 3, 2011 1:41 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I’ll reserve my judgments on free agency once all of our RFAs are signed. Brouwer and Alzner still remain a large mystery as to how they will remain on the team.
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
Brooks Laich completing everything from teams to tires and everything in between.
Now there’s even slightly less cap space available after the Vokoun signing. So someone will have to be moved. I think the players most likely in danger are Chimera and Erskine. If it were me, I’d take whatever low round draft picks if any, I could get for either player and sincerely wish them the best.
FORWARDS
Alexander Ovechkin ($9.538m) / Nicklas Backstrom ($6.700m) / Mike Knuble ($2.000m)
Alexander Semin ($6.700m) / Brooks Laich ($4.500m) / Troy Brouwer ($2.250m)
Mattias Sjogren ($0.900m) / Marcus Johansson ($0.900m) / Joel Ward ($3.000m)
Matt Hendricks ($0.825m) / Jeff Halpern ($0.825m) / Eric Fehr ($2.200m)
Jay Beagle ($0.512m)
DEFENSEMEN
Roman Hamrlik ($3.500m) / Mike Green ($5.250m)
Karl Alzner ($2.750m) / John Carlson ($0.845m)
Jeff Schultz ($2.750m) / Dennis Wideman ($3.937m)
Sean Collins ($0.525m)
GOALTENDERS
Tomas Vokoun ($1.500m) / Michal Neuvirth ($1.150m)
BUYOUTS: Tyler Sloan ($0.233m)
CAPGEEK.COM TOTALS
(these totals are compiled without the bonus cushion)
SALARY CAP: $64,300,000; CAP PAYROLL: $63,292,628; BONUSES: $0
CAP SPACE (22-man roster): $1,007,372
You my good sir, are a genius! Though Sean Collins wasn’t an asset when I originally posted this, I probably wouldn’t have put him in even if he was. I hope George decided to acharacteristically read some blogs today because this is golden.
"Baseball was my first love... hockey is a sultry temptress and stole my heart." - Corey Masisak
by Scoops on Jul 3, 2011 1:58 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
CAPGEEK.COM CAP CALCULATOR
FORWARDS
Alexander Ovechkin ($9.538m) / Nicklas Backstrom ($6.700m) / Mike Knuble ($2.000m)
Alexander Semin ($6.700m) / Marcus Johansson ($0.900m) / Troy Brouwer ($2.250m)
Jason Chimera ($1.875m) / Brooks Laich ($4.500m) / Joel Ward ($3.000m)
Matt Hendricks ($0.825m) / Jeff Halpern ($0.825m) / Ryan Potulny ($0.525m)
Jay Beagle ($0.512m)
DEFENSEMEN
Mike Green ($5.250m) / Roman Hamrlik ($3.500m)
John Carlson ($0.845m) / Karl Alzner ($2.750m)
Dennis Wideman ($3.937m) / Jeff Schultz ($2.750m)
John Erskine ($1.500m)
GOALTENDERS
Tomas Vokoun ($1.500m) / Michal Neuvirth ($1.150m)
BUYOUTS: Tyler Sloan ($0.233m)
CAPGEEK.COM TOTALS (follow @capgeek on Twitter)
(these totals are compiled without the bonus cushion)
SALARY CAP: $64,300,000; CAP PAYROLL: $63,567,628; BONUSES: $0
CAP SPACE (22-man roster): $732,372
If con is the opposite of pro, then what is the opposite of progress?
by Area 51 Forever on Jul 3, 2011 11:04 PM EDT reply actions
Excellent… everyone in and 3/4 mill to spare. Didn’t even see Potulny’s signing until after you referenced him. When did he sneak in here and mire importantly, what kind of numbers do you think he could put up in the big leagues?
"Baseball was my first love... hockey is a sultry temptress and stole my heart." - Corey Masisak
by Scoops on Jul 4, 2011 9:25 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
he put up good numbers for edmonton a couple of years ago he is capable of playing in the nhl he could definitely be an above average fourth liner and pot ten goals or so.
If con is the opposite of pro, then what is the opposite of progress?
by Area 51 Forever on Jul 6, 2011 5:58 PM EDT up reply actions
If that’s the case, I’d love for him to see some ice on the 4th line! Of course, then again 10 goals on the hapless Oilers is like 5 goals in real life, as I’m sure his ice time would be significantly diminished on a solid Team.
That being said, look for the Oil to crawl out if the basement for the first time in 3 years assuming T.Hall is ready at training camp.
"Baseball was my first love... hockey is a sultry temptress and stole my heart." - Corey Masisak
by Scoops on Jul 7, 2011 8:05 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
this could be the year that Bourque makes the team. His low salary may come in handy
In Soviet Russia you don't score goal, goal score you.
I know, ESPECIALLY since he’s a natural Left Winger. I hope he makes the most of his opportunities, starting with training camp!
"Baseball was my first love... hockey is a sultry temptress and stole my heart." - Corey Masisak
by Scoops on Jul 6, 2011 1:29 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Japers' Rink
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
FanShots
Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.
Recent FanShots
The Vault
In Association With
Latest Puck Daddy - NHL from Yahoo! Sports
- Who are the Non-Smythe candidates for the Devils, Kings?
- End is near for Rick Nash, Blue Jackets as trade discussions set to resume
- Why the Devils and the Kings are evidence the Capitals shouldn’t trade Alex Ovechkin
- Eulogy: Remembering the 2011-12 New York Rangers
- Stanley Cup Final: 5 keys for New Jersey Devils and Los Angeles Kings
Latest stories and headlines from NHL.com
- Throwing a curve: Marty McSorley hopes LA Kings straighten out the curse of his illegal stick
- Marty McSorley hopes LA Kings reverse his curse
- Driven DeBoer delivers Devils back to NHL's elite
- Driven DeBoer, fired by Panthers, delivers Devils back to the land of elite in just one year
- Bruins acquire son of Hall of Famer Ray Bourque
