Speculation: Caps Roster General Discussion (Coaching/FAs/Cap/Lines etc) - 2022-23 Season Part 3: Drop the puck!

[Raikkonen]

one more season for NB and he's either retired or bought out perhaps

they can't do anything if he wants to play next season

and he's actually a 3C

kuzy and strome aren't that expensive for top6 centers duo too

have to have very cheap wingers

 

[SecretaryofDefense5]

one more season for NB and he's either retired or bought out perhaps

they can't do anything if he wants to play next season

and he's actually a 3C

kuzy and strome aren't that expensive for top6 centers duo too

have to have very cheap wingers

They will NEVER buyout 19. He will have to want to retire or leave and I don’t see that happening.

 

[Langway]

Let's say for the sake of argument they trade Mantha for Boeser with slight retention. Maybe a little something extra added to make it happen. They trade for Chychrun and run...

Ovechkin - Kuznetsov - Wilson
Milano - Strome - Boeser
Johansson - Backstrom - Oshie
Protas - Dowd - NAK

Chychrun - Carlson
Fehervary - Jensen
Gus - TVR

...is that enough to be a playoff team? I haven't done the math 100% but I think it would be very tight so even that may not be feasible. That may be a fairly realistic best-case at this point...unless they do manage to move out Kuznetsov or Backstrom LTIRes.

They're going to need to do very well with their top ten pick. They're going to need to square Wilson away if he's going to stay. And then they may need to be prepared for the possibility that more selling off could be in order next season at some point if they can't manage to get it together.

 

[caps4cup]

Let's say for the sake of argument they trade Mantha for Boeser with slight retention. Maybe a little something extra added to make it happen. They trade for Chychrun and run...

Ovechkin - Kuznetsov - Wilson
Milano - Strome - Boeser
Johansson - Backstrom - Oshie
Protas - Dowd - NAK

Chychrun - Carlson
Fehervary - Jensen
Gus - TVR

...is that enough to be a playoff team? I haven't done the math 100% but I think it would be very tight so even that may not be feasible. That may be a fairly realistic best-case at this point...unless they do manage to move out Kuznetsov or Backstrom LTIRes.

They're going to need to do very well with their top ten pick. They're going to need to square Wilson away if he's going to stay. And then they may need to be prepared for the possibility that more selling off could be in order next season at some point if they can't manage to get it together.

That defense is more than fine. Gustafsson in his current form is playing like a legit top pairing guy and Carlson/Chychrun are both medium/lower end #1’s, while Jensen is playing like a 2/3 and TVR is a great 6.

The problem once again is the forwards. Strome is fine as a 2C. But Kuznetsov is one of the worst 1C’s in the league as he’s currently playing, Ovechkin is 1st line caliber but needs a play driver, and Backstrom/Oshie are fine ability wise on the 3rd line but not good value wise with their cap hit. 4th line is good, but they need Kuznetsov to play like a real 1C and then add another legit top line guy (over Boeser) and then we’re probably talking about them being closer to 3rd in the division than praying for a wildcard.

 

[ClevelandCapsfan]

Just a friendly reminder.

 

[BiPolar Caps]

Let's say for the sake of argument they trade Mantha for Boeser with slight retention. Maybe a little something extra added to make it happen. They trade for Chychrun and run...

Ovechkin - Kuznetsov - Wilson
Milano - Strome - Boeser
Johansson - Backstrom - Oshie
Protas - Dowd - NAK

Chychrun - Carlson
Fehervary - Jensen
Gus - TVR

...is that enough to be a playoff team? I haven't done the math 100% but I think it would be very tight so even that may not be feasible. That may be a fairly realistic best-case at this point...unless they do manage to move out Kuznetsov or Backstrom LTIRes.

They're going to need to do very well with their top ten pick. They're going to need to square Wilson away if he's going to stay. And then they may need to be prepared for the possibility that more selling off could be in order next season at some point if they can't manage to get it together.

No. The way Buffalo and Detroit have come on this season, they're young, fast and hungry, then you have the likes of the Devils, Canes and Rangers in our Division. That lineup you propose doesn't address the need to get younger and faster come next season.

I know you used Boeser's name for sake of argument purposes, but that does intrigue me. Don't forget about Connor Brown as well. That being said, in all of this we are still suppressing the youth movement coming out of Hershey.

I think it's going to take more then just the pieces we received from Boston to get Chychrun. That's why, though it won't be a popular move, I think one of the more attractive assets we have is TJ Oshie. After his performance this weekend, he's still bringing it and that may appeal to the likes of Seattle. Package Oshie with one of the UFAs, not sure we'd be able to dislodge the Kraken of their 1st round pick but they have 3 2nd round picks and we might be able to pick up two of them (one of which, the Winnipeg one, we had sent to them for Vanecek).

 

[SecretaryofDefense5]

No. The way Buffalo and Detroit have come on this season, they're young, fast and hungry, then you have the likes of the Devils, Canes and Rangers in our Division. That lineup you propose doesn't address the need to get younger and faster come next season.

I know you used Boeser's name for sake of argument purposes, but that does intrigue me. Don't forget about Connor Brown as well. That being said, in all of this we are still suppressing the youth movement coming out of Hershey.

I think it's going to take more then just the pieces we received from Boston to get Chychrun. That's why, though it won't be a popular move, I think one of the more attractive assets we have is TJ Oshie. After his performance this weekend, he's still bringing it and that may appeal to the likes of Seattle. Package Oshie with one of the UFAs, not sure we'd be able to dislodge the Kraken of their 1st round pick but they have 3 2nd round picks and we might be able to pick up two of them (one of which, the Winnipeg one, we had sent to them for Vanecek).

That’s kinda where I am at with this. No matter what they say, if there is a long list of untouchable players than it’s going to be hard to have any meaningful change.

 

[Langway]

I wouldn't be surprised if their youth movement doesn't happen until it's Miro, a top ten pick and one of Iorio/Chesley in '24-25. It seems like part of what they're currently assessing is whether either CMM or Lapierre can be counted on in the near-term to contribute much. I think it's hard to conclude either would without pretty actively building them up at the NHL level and having a higher degree of patience. Even with a coaching change I'm not sure they'll be any more patient. If they believe they're still up against it and desperate every game to make the playoffs again the mediocre ends will continue to justify the means.

I don't think we should expect anything substantially more developmental in intent until the Ovechkin Era ends and there's maybe a new front office or mindset generally. Players that knock the door down to earn an opportunity are a different story. They'll make room. But they'll force the kids to initiate that process for them and determination isn't exactly a strong suit for either of those two. Combine that with adding/extending Strome and it's a sensible surplus to exchange.

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

This.

You can’t come back next season again and ask a 38 year old to literally carry the team and play 20+ minutes a night. It’s not realistic, nor fair.

Literally WHO is suggesting that? Nobody.

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

The task is not just the core bouncing back but also replacing all of the various high ROI depth players (likely again on the cheap). Without much coming through the system providing high ROI it's hard to keep banking on UFA or very targeted trades. I think Wilson can bounce back. But who knows what Carlson's game will be like and Backstrom essentially seems cooked. Given the potential for further D turnover and at least the possibility younger teams like OTT/BUF/DET only improve further it's hard to like their projected chances.

Doesn't mean they can't thread that needle but it's going to be difficult.

I think everyone gets that, but my specific question was about the core. Seems like nobody believes they can play anymore. I’d like to see them trade out 1-2 of the core and build from there.

 

[SecretaryofDefense5]

Literally WHO is suggesting that? Nobody.

It’s literally what they did this season. Not every critique is to someone on the boards. I’m not passive aggressive lol. I’m very forward.

Ovi was put in a position this year where he quite literally had to carry this team on his back for wins. I guess I’m skeptical that management won’t put him in the same position next year considering the current contract structure of the team.

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

It’s literally what they did this season. Not every critique is to someone on the boards. I’m not passive aggressive lol. I’m very forward.

Ovi was put in a position this year where he quite literally had to carry this team on his back for wins. I guess I’m skeptical that management won’t put him in the same position next year considering the current contract structure of the team.

But we’re talking about next year. We’ll see.

 

[ClevelandCapsfan]

I wouldn't be surprised if their youth movement doesn't happen until it's Miro, a top ten pick and one of Iorio/Chesley in '24-25. It seems like part of what they're currently assessing is whether either CMM or Lapierre can be counted on in the near-term to contribute much. I think it's hard to conclude either would without pretty actively building them up at the NHL level and having a higher degree of patience. Even with a coaching change I'm not sure they'll be any more patient. If they believe they're still up against it and desperate every game to make the playoffs again the mediocre ends will continue to justify the means.

I don't think we should expect anything substantially more developmental in intent until the Ovechkin Era ends and there's maybe a new front office or mindset generally. Players that knock the door down to earn an opportunity are a different story. They'll make room. But they'll force the kids to initiate that process for them and determination isn't exactly a strong suit for either of those two. Combine that with adding/extending Strome and it's a sensible surplus to exchange.

Kind of like what Marchenko did with the call up to Columbus (16 goals) in 37 games.

 

[Langway]

I think everyone gets that, but my specific question was about the core. Seems like nobody believes they can play anymore. I’d like to see them trade out 1-2 of the core and build from there.

I think they're just too limited. Too old, too lacking in explosiveness. The game is fast and fluid. Hard to bottle that up running out the oldest team in the league and expect to have much success. It's possible in theory but they'd need to be true craftsmen managing games. This team isn't that.

At some point soon--if they're not there already--they'll realize the current course with this core won't be viable. Which of the core goes is the tougher question. Stripped of any sentiment it really should be Backstrom first. If he's now pain-free...I don't see much top six future there. How they resolve that situation seems like the biggest first step toward the next stage.

 

[HTFN]

But we’re talking about next year. We’ll see.

But some of us said this last year and were waiting for this year to fall where it may. It can't always be next year.

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

But some of us said this last year and were waiting for this year to fall where it may. It can't always be next year.

It is now. Now we wait and see what they can quickly rebuild into.

 

[marcel snapshot]

The Florida series last year told you everything you need to know - we out-schemed em, played craftier, played tougher, lead the series 2-1, had a lead in each of the last 3 games and lost them all cuz we were gassed halfway thru each of those games. We couldn’t sustain the pace and tempo that was required to win. We are way overdue to get - and play - less old.

 

[WanderingCapsFan]

Trigger alert.

Has anyone watched 8? 95% of the time he is standing upright on his skate, and his stick is not on the ice. 19 is performing below replacement level. That's $18.7 million right there. They will only get worse as they age.

92, making $7.8 million, hasn't shown up for years.

Your top 3 earners, at $25.5 million.

There is zero chance this goes well. It's the circle of life.

(necessary disclaimer.... OV and Backy are Caps all-time greats.....I'm not a hater, I'm a realist)

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

I think they're just too limited. Too old, too lacking in explosiveness. The game is fast and fluid. Hard to bottle that up running out the oldest team in the league and expect to have much success. It's possible in theory but they'd need to be true craftsmen managing games. This team isn't that.

At some point soon--if they're not there already--they'll realize the current course with this core won't be viable. Which of the core goes is the tougher question. Stripped of any sentiment it really should be Backstrom first. If he's now pain-free...I don't see much top six future there. How they resolve that situation seems like the biggest first step toward the next stage.

19 either retires here after his contract ends or he LTIRetires…..no other path really. They’re so unlikely to trade him.

Mantha and Kuzy must go and resources must be reallocated.

 

[Firsov99]

Trigger alert.

Has anyone watched 8? 95% of the time he is standing upright on his skate, and his stick is not on the ice. 19 is performing below replacement level. That's $18.7 million right there. They will only get worse as they age.

92, making $7.8 million, hasn't shown up for years.

Your top 3 earners, at $25.5 million.

There is zero chance this goes well. It's the circle of life.

(necessary disclaimer.... OV and Backy are Caps all-time greats.....I'm not a hater, I'm a realist)

So we should axe the record chase and trade or cut Ovi?

 

[marcel snapshot]

So we should axe the record chase and trade or cut Ovi?

No. We should grapple with the reality that in NHL 2023 you can have maybe one expensive, aging turret - not 4.

 

[Firsov99]

No. We should grapple with the reality that in NHL 2023 you can have maybe one expensive, aging turret - not 4.

It's a lot of people to move in one offseason. Gonna be tough to accomplish this. And what trade value do these aging players have? Minimal if any. And how much money could we free up if we cut some of them?

The Ovi era will be over soon in anyway.

 

[bacchist]

I wouldn't be surprised if their youth movement doesn't happen until it's Miro, a top ten pick and one of Iorio/Chesley in '24-25. It seems like part of what they're currently assessing is whether either CMM or Lapierre can be counted on in the near-term to contribute much. I think it's hard to conclude either would without pretty actively building them up at the NHL level and having a higher degree of patience. Even with a coaching change I'm not sure they'll be any more patient. If they believe they're still up against it and desperate every game to make the playoffs again the mediocre ends will continue to justify the means.

I don't think we should expect anything substantially more developmental in intent until the Ovechkin Era ends and there's maybe a new front office or mindset generally. Players that knock the door down to earn an opportunity are a different story. They'll make room. But they'll force the kids to initiate that process for them and determination isn't exactly a strong suit for either of those two. Combine that with adding/extending Strome and it's a sensible surplus to exchange.

Suzdalev could be in the mix by then.

 

[Corby78]

Behind the loop here big time, but I just realised Hathaway and Orlov got traded, not happy about either of those leaving, especially Hath. what's the feeling around here

We weren’t winning with them. I liked both and would have liked to have kept both, but this roster is broken and not trying to fix it is insanity.

 

[Corby78]

Trigger alert.

Has anyone watched 8? 95% of the time he is standing upright on his skate, and his stick is not on the ice. 19 is performing below replacement level. That's $18.7 million right there. They will only get worse as they age.

92, making $7.8 million, hasn't shown up for years.

Your top 3 earners, at $25.5 million.

There is zero chance this goes well. It's the circle of life.

(necessary disclaimer.... OV and Backy are Caps all-time greats.....I'm not a hater, I'm a realist)

No there is merit here. Ovie still has an awsome shot, but he doesn’t drive play that much and has never been awsome on defense. His hitting has also dropped as he has learned to protect himself. Honestly if we were really building a legit contender he would be on a second line and stay a pp specialist IMO.