BallardEra
Leafs&Caps Since 1982™
Caps also lucked out with Backstrom and Oshie going to LTIR which gave them flexibility to bring in Roy and Chychrun on D.Also doesnt help they spent the 5 years prior not really drafting any talent or adding youth. Caps have done well in that regard. They scooped up Strome when Chicago foolishly let him go for some reason (im sure they wouldnt mind him playing 1C rn with Bedard on the wing or something based on his recent struggles). McMichael seems to be hitting now. Protas is a nice surprise, developing an offensive game that you probably wouldnt have really expected when first drafted. Then they also made trades like getting Sandin.
Next year theyre likely adding Miroshnichenko and Leonard to their line up. Meanwhile you look at Pittsburgh and they might have McGroarty comin in next year that could make an impact and no one really else...
Caps definitely have better younger players than the Pens do.
It's going to be interesting to see it the Pens go full rebuild as that wasn't the plan that was sold to Sid.