Speculation: Caps Roster General Discussion (Coaching/FAs/Cap/Lines etc) - 2022-23 Season Part 2: Regular Season

[SherVaughn30]

Eller should be gone. Give the youth a chance. CMM is going to be benched and my head is going to explode.

He's only 21 years old. How many 21 year olds have a big impact. The coach we have in Lavi and the state of the team, it's not time to give 18 mins a night to CMM.

 

[Hivemind]

He's only 21 years old. How many 21 year olds have a big impact. The coach we have in Lavi and the state of the team, it's not time to give 18 mins a night to CMM.

He'll be turning 22 in January. Jason Robertson just broke out last year at age 22. Same with Robert Thomas, also 22. Nick Suzuki, yet another 22 year old last year taking a big jump in his production. Jake Guentzel put up 33 points in 40 games en route to a Stanley Cup at age 22. Mark Schiefele jumped to nearly 30 goals (29) and over 60 points during his age 22 season. Timo Meier slightly bested both of those numbers with 30G and 66P during his age 22 season.

Do I think Conor McMichael is going to burst out to a 70+ point season? No, almost certainly not. But the folks who are arguing the team should continue to suppress his opportunities because "he's not ready" are deceiving themselves about how long high-end talents need to marinate before they're ready to break out. This won't be his last opportunity, but the Capitals absolutely need to provide CMM enough runway to see what he can do with it. Burying him under Lars Eller and Marcus Johansson certainly isn't the solution.

There's no guarantee that CMM breaks out this year. Maybe he takes another year (like Jordan Kyrou) or two more (like Troy Terry). But there's a lot more upside to giving him a chance to succeed at center, a legitimate chance with quality wingers and real ice time, than there is wearing what little tire tread is left on Lars Eller out well before the playoffs start. Let the kids play, let them play for real, and manage the veteran's minutes. This team is banged up before the season even starts, and y'all want them trotting the veterans out there for 18+ minutes a night in October games.

 

[SecretaryofDefense5]

He's only 21 years old. How many 21 year olds have a big impact. The coach we have in Lavi and the state of the team, it's not time to give 18 mins a night to CMM.

Eller shouldn't be playing 18 minutes either at this point so I'll take my chances with someone who still has upside.

He'll be turning 22 in January. Jason Robertson just broke out last year at age 22. Same with Robert Thomas, also 22. Nick Suzuki, yet another 22 year old last year taking a big jump in his production. Jake Guentzel put up 33 points in 40 games en route to a Stanley Cup at age 22. Mark Schiefele jumped to nearly 30 goals (29) and over 60 points during his age 22 season. Timo Meier slightly bested both of those numbers with 30G and 66P during his age 22 season.

Do I think Conor McMichael is going to burst out to a 70+ point season? No, almost certainly not. But the folks who are arguing the team should continue to suppress his opportunities because "he's not ready" are deceiving themselves about how long high-end talents need to marinate before they're ready to break out. This won't be his last opportunity, but the Capitals absolutely need to provide CMM enough runway to see what he can do with it. Burying him under Lars Eller and Marcus Johansson certainly isn't the solution.

There's no guarantee that CMM breaks out this year. Maybe he takes another year (like Jordan Kyrou) or two more (like Troy Terry). But there's a lot more upside to giving him a chance to succeed at center, a legitimate chance with quality wingers and real ice time, than there is wearing what little tire tread is left on Lars Eller out well before the playoffs start. Let the kids play, let them play for real, and manage the veteran's minutes. This team is banged up before the season even starts, and y'all want them trotting the veterans out there for 18+ minutes a night in October games.

This. It feels like folks don't watch any other teams if they think his age has anything to do with this.

 

[John Price]

Presale for Stadium Series started for us Capitals STH, tickets are reasonable so far in the higher sections (105 before fees)

Too lazy to go but just a heads up

 

[John Price]

Washington Capitals 2022-23 promotional schedule:
• Oct. 12 vs. Boston Bruins - 2022-23 Schedule Magnet presented by GEICO
• Nov. 19 vs. Colorado Avalanche - Hockey Fights Cancer Rally Towel presented by Leidos
• Nov. 25 vs. Calgary Flames - T-Shirt
• Dec. 9 vs. Seattle Kraken - Snapback Hat courtesy of Capital One
• Dec. 19 vs. Detroit Red Wings - Holiday Blanket
• Jan. 3 vs. Buffalo Sabres - Pennant
• Jan. 8 vs. Columbus Blue Jackets - Drawstring Backpack presented to the first 5,000 kids
• Jan. 14 vs. Philadelphia Flyers - Commemorative Giveaway presented by Caesars Sportsbook
• Feb. 12 vs. San Jose Sharks - Youth Hockey Bag Tag presented to the first 5,000 youth hockey players
• Feb. 14 vs. Carolina Hurricanes - Fan-designed Rally Towel presented by MedStar Health
• March 21 vs. Columbus Blue Jackets - Alex Ovechkin Goal Counter Bobblehead courtesy of Capital One
• April 13 vs. New Jersey Devils - Fan Appreciation Night Poster

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

fans who watched him dont like his game. I would keep the hope low.

I feel like that’s pretty low for 2C….

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

Eller shouldn't be playing 18 minutes either at this point so I'll take my chances with someone who still has upside.


This. It feels like folks don't watch any other teams if they think his age has anything to do with this.

It’s his game, not his age. If he can’t win the spot, why participation trophy it to him?

You say upside, I’m hearing “not ready”….but damn if I don’t want him to take that roster spot.

 

[Holtbyisms]

It’s his game, not his age. If he can’t win the spot, why participation trophy it to him?

You say upside, I’m hearing “not ready”….but damn if I don’t want him to take that roster spot.

I get that thought process but unless guys are put in a position to succeed they'll never develop into what they could be. No amount of time in the AHL or the 4th NHL line creates a 2nd line center. Think about most peoples jobs...rarely is someone hired into a role and they dive right in with no training and no trial and error. They get hired for a role based on their skillset and potential. They learn into the role and as time goes on they get better at their job. Hopefully in time they can master their job.

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

I get that thought process but unless guys are put in a position to succeed they'll never develop into what they could be. No amount of time in the AHL or the 4th NHL line creates a 2nd line center. Think about most peoples jobs...rarely is someone hired into a role and they dive right in with no training and no trial and error. They get hired for a role based on their skillset and potential. They learn into the role and as time goes on they get better at their job. Hopefully in time they can master their job.

I get that thought process, but pro sports is about results. Wins, losses, performance….

He can be put in a position to succeed when he’s ready. Rushing him, well, some might say that’s detrimental.

He was 100% NOT ready for full time (C) duty last year IMO. I hope that’s changed.

 

[hockeykicker]

 

[Calicaps]

I get that thought process but unless guys are put in a position to succeed they'll never develop into what they could be. No amount of time in the AHL or the 4th NHL line creates a 2nd line center. Think about most peoples jobs...rarely is someone hired into a role and they dive right in with no training and no trial and error. They get hired for a role based on their skillset and potential. They learn into the role and as time goes on they get better at their job. Hopefully in time they can master their job.

What's interesting to me is that I hear this argument in the abstract all the time. But the examples of young players that typically accompany it aren't guys "learning into the role." It's guys who earned the job and are doing well at it. That's a different thing. They were not usually put there and allowed to struggle until they finally succeeded.

The expression "put in a position to succeed" doesn't mean risking failure in the hope of growth. It means being given a job you can do effectively now so you build enough confidence and skills to do the next, more demanding job later. That's why folks argue that CMM (or any of the kids) has to demonstrate that he can succeed in the job before he gets it full time. If he does that, he'll be put in that position with the expectation of success. Otherwise, he's going to be put in whatever position he's demonstrated he can be successful and no more.

 

[YippieKaey]

He'll be turning 22 in January. Jason Robertson just broke out last year at age 22. Same with Robert Thomas, also 22. Nick Suzuki, yet another 22 year old last year taking a big jump in his production. Jake Guentzel put up 33 points in 40 games en route to a Stanley Cup at age 22. Mark Schiefele jumped to nearly 30 goals (29) and over 60 points during his age 22 season. Timo Meier slightly bested both of those numbers with 30G and 66P during his age 22 season.

Do I think Conor McMichael is going to burst out to a 70+ point season? No, almost certainly not. But the folks who are arguing the team should continue to suppress his opportunities because "he's not ready" are deceiving themselves about how long high-end talents need to marinate before they're ready to break out. This won't be his last opportunity, but the Capitals absolutely need to provide CMM enough runway to see what he can do with it. Burying him under Lars Eller and Marcus Johansson certainly isn't the solution.

There's no guarantee that CMM breaks out this year. Maybe he takes another year (like Jordan Kyrou) or two more (like Troy Terry). But there's a lot more upside to giving him a chance to succeed at center, a legitimate chance with quality wingers and real ice time, than there is wearing what little tire tread is left on Lars Eller out well before the playoffs start. Let the kids play, let them play for real, and manage the veteran's minutes. This team is banged up before the season even starts, and y'all want them trotting the veterans out there for 18+ minutes a night in October games.

If we lose enough games in October, we're probably not playing hockey in May. That's the problem. I agree CMM needs a shot but we alao need every W we can get

 

[Hivemind]

If we lose enough games in October, we're probably not playing hockey in May. That's the problem. I agree CMM needs a shot but we alao need every W we can get

If you think having Lars Eller play 2nd line center minutes is going to get us more wins in October, then I think we have very different assessments of where Lars Eller is at in his career trajectory.
(Same also applies to Marcus Johansson at 2nd or 3rd line winger positions)

 

[Ovechkins Wodka]

If we lose enough games in October, we're probably not playing hockey in May. That's the problem. I agree CMM needs a shot but we alao need every W we can get

Lavi has been pretty good when we had to use alot of AHL guys. Its when we have all the old Vets is when he doesnt do as well.

 

[DWGie26]

Looks like Strome is the answer at 2C. Like that because we need it!

Here is what I love about CMM: He has acknowledged that he needs to compete and earn it. Listen to interviews. He gets it. Knows he needs to grow. Appreciates the confidence. What is happening in the locker room is much different from the Lavi hate here. At 21 (22 in Jan), he Is likely to be a key cog at 23. 23! Keep in mind Strome is 25 and Snively is 26. Players careers are not defined at 21-23. Same for Protas. Those at that age are rarely Overplayed unless you are in a complete rebuild. We are not.

 

[JayBeagleFanAccount]

just a reminder that Connor McMichael finished top 20 in xgpm among all NHL forwards (min 700 toi) last season, just because he wasnt producing tons of points doesnt mean he isnt a good player, in fact its the quite the opposite. He should absolutely be a full time NHLer this season and itll be a shame to waste another year of development behind the washed-up corpses of Lars Eller and/or Marcus Johansson.

 

[DWGie26]

just a reminder that Connor McMichael finished top 20 in xgpm among all NHL forwards (min 700 toi) last season, just because he wasnt producing tons of points doesnt mean he isnt a good player, in fact its the quite the opposite. He should absolutely be a full time NHLer this season and itll be a shame to waste another year of development behind the washed-up corpses of Lars Eller and/or Marcus Johansson.

that is one aspect. He has driven play, no doubt. but he needs to earn his way as a 2-way center. Doesnt produce enough Offense to compensate.

 

[JayBeagleFanAccount]

that is one aspect. He has driven play, no doubt. but he needs to earn his way as a 2-way center. Doesnt produce enough Offense to compensate.

2nd in xGF/60 and 2nd in xGA/60 on the caps last season with a 57.25 xG% at 5v5, imo offense consists of a lot more than raw point totals. I dont think hes going to have a superstar breakout year but he sure as hell is a better option than some of the other dudes on this team.

or we can just waste another young budding talent by burying them behind washed up vets and ship them off for a measly return and watch as they bloom into a high end player

 

[DWGie26]

After two games here is my early take (we have preseason game 3 and then 4 and 5 which will be the final lineups:

OV-Kuzy-Brown
Mahtha-Strome-Sheary (for defense)
Snively-CMM-Oshie (protect his minutes and add play drive)
Eller-Dowd-Hathaway
Mojo and xxx (could be AFJ or Leason)

Defense set. Although i think Johanson might be ahead of Irwin for 7th.

 

[Ovechkins Wodka]

2nd in xGF/60 and 2nd in xGA/60 on the caps last season with a 57.25 xG% at 5v5, imo offense consists of a lot more than raw point totals. I dont think hes going to have a superstar breakout year but he sure as hell is a better option than some of the other dudes on this team.

or we can just waste another young budding talent by burying them behind washed up vets and ship them off for a measly return and watch as they bloom into a high end player

If hes going to breakout he better start soon if he wants to play every night. Im rooting for this

 

[Ridley Simon]

just a reminder that Connor McMichael finished top 20 in xgpm among all NHL forwards (min 700 toi) last season, just because he wasnt producing tons of points doesnt mean he isnt a good player, in fact its the quite the opposite. He should absolutely be a full time NHLer this season and itll be a shame to waste another year of development behind the washed-up corpses of Lars Eller and/or Marcus Johansson.

Holy hyperbole. Slow your roll against Eller, man.

Lars had a bit of a down year (for him), and now he’s a washed up corpse? I can see the vitriol for Marge, but Lars?

Smells like an agenda to me. Guy is only 33 years old, and was coming off a one of his better seasons on 20-21…..23pts in only 44 games.

Lars is a warrior, he can play up and down the lineup, he’s a very good PK’er, and does little bit of everything.

 

[usiel]

Liking what I am seeing from Protas. Looks a little quicker in combination looks like the game is slowing down slightly so that translates to some speed on the ice. Good on the boards and that reach and puck protection plus with some passing ability looking like more valuable in the lower six. Not ruling McM here yet just one game in preseason wise.

Great to see what Strome/Brown are offering albeit preseason.

 

[YippieKaey]

Lavi has been pretty good when we had to use alot of AHL guys. Its when we have all the old Vets is when he doesnt do as well.

That's true actually. Last season showed us that.

If you think having Lars Eller play 2nd line center minutes is going to get us more wins in October, then I think we have very different assessments of where Lars Eller is at in his career trajectory.
(Same also applies to Marcus Johansson at 2nd or 3rd line winger positions)

Right now i think Eller is a better 2C than CMM. Preferrably Strome takes the 2C and runs with it but CMM does have holes in his games still. Compared to Eller his ceiling is higher but his floor is lower.

 

[g00n]

Freaking out over preseason lines. JFC

 

[twabby]

Washington Capitals 2022-23 season preview

Washington isn’t a playoff lock, but the Capitals have a strong chance as Alex Ovechkin's goal-scoring record chase enters another season.

theathletic.com

Analytical overview from Dom and Shayna at the Athletic.

About where you’d expect to see them: strongish depth, weakish top end forwards, good goaltending, and a strong defense except for a big question mark at 1LD.