GDT: 2023 Caps NHL Draft Thread

[ArmadilloThumb]

That being said, GMBM isn't afraid to identify a target and move up for him.

Absolutely agree we could see us trying to move up from the 40, if our list has some targets in the late 1st/early 2nd. We may also try to somehow get an additional pick in that range, if we can't get another first by trading Kuzy (if they agree with my thesis that this is a great year to try and restock the prospect pool as much as possible).

From Bob's final list article:

 

[Langway]

NHL Draft: Why the Sharks might surprise with their crucial first pick

San Jose Sharks: One of either Matvei Michkov or Will Smith will likely be available, but might Mike Grier go in a different direction?

www.mercurynews.com

There are definitely some teams later in the first that could look to trade down. NYR, TOR, COL and VGK come to mind based on a lack of picks. But teams like DET, CHI, BUF, ANA and ARI are better positioned to move up based on picks this year. Hard to believe '24 3rds or '25 2nds are overly appealing to teams. Future picks could be used as ammo in deadline adds but if teams don't highly value picks this year they're likely better off staying put and taking the BPA. Depth is overrated unless it's a rebuilding team looking to take tons of swings (none of those teams are that). Likely better for all to stay put.

Based on McKenzie's list if they stay at 40 I'll be hoping for Molendyk, Edstrom, Halttunen, Hrabal or Wahlberg. All ranked 36-40 so not much of a slide needed. Hrabal seems the least likely to be available. I'd guess Halttunen or Wahlberg the most likely. Stramel also could be an intriguing power center project if still available. Among players ranked a bit later I could see Ziemmer, Dvorak, Nelson, Sawchyn, Lardis and Fisker Molgaard being of interest. Or one of the other top goalies Bjarnason/Augustine/Gajan. But in terms of value that first group of five stand out.

As far as trading up Brindley could also be strong value late first. Same for Sale/Musty/Cristall. But I suspect they stay put at 40...assuming they keep it.

 

[hockeykicker]

 

[HeyMattyB]

THE PLOT SICKENS

 

[LesDiablesRouges]

They obviously want Michkov.

 

[rt]

Hello Caps fans! I’m a Yotes fan. Yep, I’m the one - har har.

Bob McKenzie was on our local Coyotes podcast yesterday and sounded pretty certain that Arizona would not be the team to take the gamble on Michkov. Since Bobby Margarita don’t miss, I’m not about to argue.

Now with rumors that the Caps AND the Flyers want Michkov, I’m wondering what you all think would be a fair price to pay to move up to 6th from 8th, thus blocking Philly’s attempts to steal your guy?

Arizona needs defense. Not sure how you all value roster D like Fehervary or Alexeyev. Or prospects like Iorio or Chesley. The Yotes also have a four 3rd rounders this year (including yours), and eight 2nd rounders the next two drafts (including yours next years).

Any ideas how we can make something work?

 

[twabby]

Hello Caps fans! I’m a Yotes fan. Yep, I’m the one - har har.

Bob McKenzie was on our local Coyotes podcast yesterday and sounded pretty certain that Arizona would not be the team to take the gamble on Michkov. Since Bobby Margarita don’t miss, I’m not about to argue.

Now with rumors that the Caps AND the Flyers want Michkov, I’m wondering what you all think would be a fair price to pay to move up to 6th from 8th, thus blocking Philly’s attempts to steal your guy?

Arizona needs defense. Not sure how you all value roster D like Fehervary or Alexeyev. Or prospects like Iorio or Chesley. The Yotes also have a four 3rd rounders this year (including yours), and eight 2nd rounders the next two drafts (including yours next years).

Any ideas how we can make something work?

I’d move Fehervary + #8 for #6, provided Michkov is there when ARI is on the clock.

 

[rt]

I’d move Fehervary + #8 for #6, provided Michkov is there when ARI is on the clock.

I actually think AZ would do that. I would. But I also think our GM would.

 

[LesDiablesRouges]

Hello Caps fans! I’m a Yotes fan. Yep, I’m the one - har har.

Bob McKenzie was on our local Coyotes podcast yesterday and sounded pretty certain that Arizona would not be the team to take the gamble on Michkov. Since Bobby Margarita don’t miss, I’m not about to argue.

Now with rumors that the Caps AND the Flyers want Michkov, I’m wondering what you all think would be a fair price to pay to move up to 6th from 8th, thus blocking Philly’s attempts to steal your guy?

Arizona needs defense. Not sure how you all value roster D like Fehervary or Alexeyev. Or prospects like Iorio or Chesley. The Yotes also have a four 3rd rounders this year (including yours), and eight 2nd rounders the next two drafts (including yours next years).

Any ideas how we can make something work?

Hi RT!

Always love your posts and insights on the mains, happy to have you here.

I think it all depends on if Michkov is available at 6. There’s a chance he could be taken at 4 or 5. If I’m Washington, I likely wait until draft night when the pick rolls around and see what it takes to move up. If he’s available at 5/6 and neither the Habs nor ‘Yotes want him, I would have no problem with including a package of picks and/or prospects to move up to draft him.

I am probably biased (in that I think Michkov is the second best player in the draft and would be #1 any other year if it wasn’t for Bedard, the Russian factor, and his contract in the KHL [which Agent Ovi can help terminate early ]), but I would have no problem with parting with multiple 2nds or even one of McMichael, Lapierre, Protas, Iorio, Chesley, or Alexeyev - though I don’t think AA has that value right now, though I love his game, really - to move up to draft Michkov. I think it will all depend on what happens at 4 with SJ and then 5 with Montreal. I could see Washington trading up to 5 or 6 on draft night to draft Michkov before Philly. Hope this helps!

In terms of Fehervary, I am not as bullish on him as most (I think he should be better than he currently is, given his talent and pedigree). I would move him in the right deal for a solid, young top-six winger - I doubt the Caps would utilize him in a deal to move up to draft Michkov, with all of the higher-end prospects that they have to use instead.

Would definitely be open to a hockey trade involving Fever, however.

 

[twabby]

I actually think AZ would do that. I would. But I also think our GM would.

As @LesDiablesRouges mentioned they’d have to be reasonably sure PHI would take Michkov for me to part with Fehervary.

Also like @LesDiablesRouges mentioned I’d much rather try to use Fehervary as a trade chip to improve the roster than use him as a chip to move up to #6. If there was anyone else ARI would take instead of Fehervary I’d like to explore that avenue first.

However if the two choices are:

1. Keep Fehervary but lose out on Michkov
2. Trade Fehervary to ARI and get Michkov

I’m taking option 2 every time.

 

[EroCaps]

I’ve got to tune this shit out the next week or it’ll drive me (even more) crazy. It’ll add some sauce to the cray.

If Michkov is what some scouts think he is they should just let whoever have at their farm system/roster.

I’d try to hold onto Tommy Wilson, Miro, and Iorio and next years 1st. Otherwise, bon appetit.

 

[rt]

As @LesDiablesRouges mentioned they’d have to be reasonably sure PHI would take Michkov for me to part with Fehervary.

Also like @LesDiablesRouges mentioned I’d much rather try to use Fehervary as a trade chip to improve the roster than use him as a chip to move up to #6. If there was anyone else ARI would take instead of Fehervary I’d like to explore that avenue first.

However if the two choices are:

1. Keep Fehervary but lose out on Michkov
2. Trade Fehervary to ARI and get Michkov

I’m taking option 2 every time.

They’d probably also be interested in Iorio and Chesley. However there’s been lots of buzz around the Yotes wanting to add younger pieces that are NHL ready. Lots of rumblings on Rossi, for example.

 

[LesDiablesRouges]

They’d probably also be interested in Iorio and Chesley. However there’s been lots of buzz around the Yotes wanting to add younger pieces that are NHL ready. Lots of rumblings on Rossi, for example.

As Twabbs, mentioned, if the difference between getting Michkov and not getting Michkov is Fever, I’d do that in a nanosecond. Would the Capitals? I am not sure, but I personally would.

 

[rt]

As Twabbs, mentioned, if the difference between getting Michkov and not getting Michkov is Fever, I’d do that in a nanosecond. Would the Capitals? I am not sure, but I personally would.

I think Arizona is 100% all-in on Ryan Leonard. There’s been some careless comments from our leadership that make it pretty clear. If Montreal takes Leonard over Michkov, as has been rumored they might, I could see AZ trading down. They’re going to be heartbroken about Leonard and Bob McKenzie basically assured AZ won’t take Michkov.

Meanwhile AZ needs help on the NHL blueline BADLY and Fehervary fits in very well with what they’re trying to do. At 8th they’ll have their pick of whichever Philly doesn’t take of Dvorsky, Reinbacher and Benson.

Feels like a win-win (except for poor Fehervary - lol)

 

[HeyMattyB]

I actually think AZ would do that. I would. But I also think our GM would.

SOLD NO TAKEBACKS. (Unless you'd rather have Alexeyev + a later pick)

 

[ArmadilloThumb]

I’d move Fehervary + #8 for #6, provided Michkov is there when ARI is on the clock.

I actually think we have found a proposal that both twabby and I generally agree on!

 

[Langway]

I think Washington would probably prefer to trade the 40th pick and/or Chesley if that's enough. Part of the issue with trading Fehervary is he's unlikely to get a significant raise next season and they're probably not going to want to go with a Sandin/Alexeyev/Johansen blueline. Maybe someone like Dumoulin could fit in UFA. Maybe Edler in a third pair role. But they'd probably struggle in UFA to find a top 4 LD that doesn't cost more (there's not a long list of them overall). To subtract from next year's roster for Michkov is something of a tough ask.

I don't doubt they feel obligated to secure this player but I'd probably look for it to be more futures-based.

 

[ArmadilloThumb]

Hello Caps fans! I’m a Yotes fan. Yep, I’m the one - har har.

Bob McKenzie was on our local Coyotes podcast yesterday and sounded pretty certain that Arizona would not be the team to take the gamble on Michkov. Since Bobby Margarita don’t miss, I’m not about to argue.

Now with rumors that the Caps AND the Flyers want Michkov, I’m wondering what you all think would be a fair price to pay to move up to 6th from 8th, thus blocking Philly’s attempts to steal your guy?

Arizona needs defense. Not sure how you all value roster D like Fehervary or Alexeyev. Or prospects like Iorio or Chesley. The Yotes also have a four 3rd rounders this year (including yours), and eight 2nd rounders the next two drafts (including yours next years).

Any ideas how we can make something work?

Hi rt,

Welcome, and I sincerely hope the Yotes stay in the valley and thrive! Love to see hockey do well there.

As others have said, this might be a worthwhile trade for all. I would start from a little different stance than a few others (as i suspect GMBM would). So...

ARZ - 8 0A + Alexeyev

WSH - 6 0A + 38 0A

or, as we value Fever higher

ARZ - 8 0A + Alexeyev

WSH - 6 0A + 38 0A + one of your FOUR 2024 2nd round picks.

Reason I think the extra value is warranted is you will also probably get your choice of
Reinbacher or Sandin Pellikka at 8 0A, which strongly helps address your D needs.

That would help with the Caps goal of restocking our prospect pool, so we could go ahead and pick both 38 & 40, or bundle them to move up...

 

[The Instigator]

I think Washington would probably prefer to trade the 40th pick and/or Chesley if that's enough. Part of the issue with trading Fehervary is he's unlikely to get a significant raise next season and they're probably not going to want to go with a Sandin/Alexeyev/Johansen blueline. Maybe someone like Dumoulin could fit in UFA. Maybe Edler in a third pair role. But they'd probably struggle in UFA to find a top 4 LD that doesn't cost more (there's not a long list of them overall). To subtract from next year's roster for Michkov is something of a tough ask.

I don't doubt they feel obligated to secure this player but I'd probably look for it to be more futures-based.

A Penguins defenseman? Signing in Washington? What are the odds?

 

[Brian23]

I'm not sure there's any reason they'd be adding if we're just putting AA or Fehervary with the 8th. I think it's basically 8+ one of them to get to 6.

I'd personally do it. I think, right now, I prefer AA to Fehervary. I think that'd also fit with a GMBM style of play. That'd give you a young top 4 in Sandin to develop, a bottom pairing guy to give some time to grow, and then they can go bargin bin shopping for a vet LD.

If you can trade one of them with 8th to get 6th and get some other picks? Oh hell yeah. No take backs.

 

[LesDiablesRouges]

Hi rt,

Welcome, and I sincerely hope the Yotes stay in the valley and thrive! Love to see hockey do well there.

As others have said, this might be a worthwhile trade for all. I would start from a little different stance than a few others (as i suspect GMBM would). So...

ARZ - 8 0A + Alexeyev

WSH - 6 0A + 38 0A

or, as we value Fever higher

ARZ - 8 0A + Alexeyev

WSH - 6 0A + 38 0A + one of your FOUR 2024 2nd round picks.

Reason I think the extra value is warranted is you will also probably get your choice of
Reinbacher or Sandin Pellikka at 8 0A, which strongly helps address your D needs.

That would help with the Caps goal of restocking our prospect pool, so we could go ahead and pick both 38 & 40, or bundle them to move up...

No Reason for ‘Yotes to add. If anything, it’d be us adding!

 

[The Instigator]

I'm not sure there's any reason they'd be adding if we're just putting AA or Fehervary with the 8th. I think it's basically 8+ one of them to get to 6.

I'd personally do it. I think, right now, I prefer AA to Fehervary. I think that'd also fit with a GMBM style of play. That'd give you a young top 4 in Sandin to develop, a bottom pairing guy to give some time to grow, and then they can go bargin bin shopping for a vet LD.

If you can trade one of them with 8th to get 6th and get some other picks? Oh hell yeah. No take backs.

This is basically where I'm at as well. I don't really want to trade Alexeyev until we really know what he have. Plus he just got the one-way extension on the cheap. He could be really useful to keep around.

 

[ArmadilloThumb]

If you can trade one of them with 8th to get 6th and get some other picks? Oh hell yeah. No take backs.

Our desert friend actually mentioned them... they have EIGHT 2nd rounders over the next two drafts. It helps us, and establishes a strong relationship between us which can help both teams in future trades.

 

[Brian23]

Our desert friend actually mentioned them... they have EIGHT 2nd rounders over the next two drafts. It helps us, and establishes a strong relationship between us which can help both teams in future trades.

No one is giving assets to "develop relationships". Come on now.

 

[Stan Galiev]

I think dealing with AZ makes a ton of sense. Seems tha Habs are passing on MM so trading for #6 is perfect and gets us ahead of the Flyers. I’d also part with Fever as well in that deal. I’d also request to add Mantha to that deal, not because I think he is worthless, but he would help us clear some cap space for a potential Orlov return or other move.

#8 + Fever + Mantha for #6 if MM is available is fair for me.