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

[Cappy76]

Probably have held out at this point due to Backstroms hip

 

[SecretaryofDefense5]

Not to be lost in that…



Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan did not deny the reports.

“I think we’re always open to trading people if it makes sense for what’s going on if it makes our team better,” MacLellan said. “I don’t think anybody’s off the table. We’re not going to trade Ovi or Backy, those types of people, but you have to be open on anything. So we would talk to anybody about any player.”

Isn’t that an old quote from two years ago?

I don’t and wont dislike him but I feel more like when a parent says, “I’m not mad, I’m just disappointed.” He was so fun to watch develop as a player and the “Kuzy Magic” stage was awesome and 2018 was obviously amazing but he’s been a headache ever since. The lackluster play, the Covid nonsense, late to team meetings, the cocaine incident, getting suspended for lying to the NHL, getting banned from IIHF competitions for drug use… it’s just been a lot. He looked like a budding superstar and then just kinda crapped out after he got paid and after they won. The joy he used to play with seemingly disappeared for whatever reason. Sucks but such is life.

People won’t agree but he still reminds me of Semin 2.0. All the talent in the world but his f give a sh*t meter is on zero.

 

[Calicaps]

Not sure how I feel about it. He obviously doesn’t like playing for Lavi but would he be reinvigorated with a new more dynamically minded coach?

 

[SecretaryofDefense5]

Not sure how I feel about it. He obviously doesn’t like playing for Lavi but would he be reinvigorated with a new more dynamically minded coach?

I could be wrong but feels like he has burnt bridges within the organization.

 

[Calicaps]

I could be wrong but feels like he has burnt bridges within the organization.

you're not wrong.

 

[SecretaryofDefense5]

you're not wrong.

That is a first.

 

[Brian23]

anyone shocked by that? anyone?

I actually am. I can't imagine what he expects will be better elsewhere so I just dont understand it. Let alone since like 2020.

Maybe Kuzya and Ovi don't have the greatest relationship. I could see Ovi barking at him annoying him I suppose.

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

Isn’t that an old quote from two years ago?


People won’t agree but he still reminds me of Semin 2.0. All the talent in the world but his f give a sh*t meter is on zero.

You think he’s changed his mind on that stance? With so many recently suggesting a Backstrom trade, felt worthy of pointing out their only public stance on the issue.

 

[Ovechkins Wodka]

why would we suddenly leak this two years after he requested an after the trade deadline?

 

[Brian23]

why would we suddenly leak this two years after he requested an after the trade deadline?

It was a Russian news source. One would assume it's leaked from Kuznetsov side, knowing this offseason is going to be a bit of a blow it up period.

Part of me wants to post in the Trade forum about it, see what people think his value is but I know their value is gonna be insane. It'll be very interesting to see how the NHL values him.

 

[max21]

I’m actually relieved to hear this, he’s an enigma at this point

 

[RedRocking]

why would we suddenly leak this two years after he requested an after the trade deadline?

I imagine this is coming from his people. Probably because Strome has recently replaced him on Ovi’s line, and PP1.

I know that’s happened intermittently this season, but last 5 games or so Ovi has a point streak, and PP1 along with Strome are doing well.

So I don’t think Kuzy is getting another chance this season, after being given all the leeway in the world to succeed.

 

[Brian23]

If they lose, and he's getting traded anyway, they should just sit him the rest of the year and call up McMichael or play Protas at center. Give the kids some actual time at their appropriate spots.

 

[max21]

The thing that’s annoying is he had the talent to really be a 1C but just was never in it most games.

 

[zappa4ever]

a little surprised by Kuz newz but not really

Last couple years it felt more and more he was happy to get them $Millions$ to play a game and didn't have the drive to be "The Best" and was satisfied he made a great living for his family

If he really wants out hope we can flip him for something good

 

[Ovie's Neighbor]

I would hope GMBM at least shopped him around during the deadline and I’m assuming the market wasn’t what he wanted. I think it will be tough to really get the right value for Kuzy but they don’t really have a choice now.

 

[Ovechkins Wodka]

Go get buffaloes first round pick. Kuzy and Skinner what a great foundation for an up-and-coming team.

 

[EroCaps]

He doesn’t want to play winning hockey he wants to play shinny.

These guys desperately needed Trotz.

 

[AlexModvechkin8]

Colorado could be an interesting trade partner. MacK’s extension kicks in next season and his cap hit will be nearly double of what it currently is so they’ll be up against it this off-season. They also have no real answer at 2C. Could they pluck Devon Toews or Sam Girard if they wanted to double down on having a strong blueline? Toews-Carlson, Sandin-Jensen, Fehervary-TvR is pretty darn solid.

I’d have to think more about how it works from Colorado’s perspective for the cap but they have Byram, Girard, and Toews on the left side so they have surplus to requirements if they want to deal from a position of strength to shore up a weakness up front.

 

[Raikkonen]

Well, now Kuzy's value is certainly even lower.

On the second thought though I think it would cover any buyer's question about his performance. GMBM can always say "this is 1C just doesnt go along with our now fired coach".

 

[Brian23]

Colorado could be an interesting trade partner. MacK’s extension kicks in next season and his cap hit will be nearly double of what it currently is so they’ll be up against it this off-season. They also have no real answer at 2C. Could they pluck Devon Toews or Sam Girard if they wanted to double down on having a strong blueline? Toews-Carlson, Sandin-Jensen, Fehervary-TvR is pretty darn solid.

I’d have to think more about how it works from Colorado’s perspective for the cap but they have Byram, Girard, and Toews on the left side so they have surplus to requirements if they want to deal from a position of strength to shore up a weakness up front.

I could see this if they plan on going rookie heavy in their forward lines, which is where their "strength" in potential graduates lies. But if that's the case, sadly, they'd probably be best served trading AA+ for some forward help.

I don't know, like I said it will be interesting to see how he's valued around the league. His cap hit isn't astronomical, but it isn't low either. Even with him basically phoning it in, he's been close to a PPG for most of his time here. That'll have value somewhere you'd think.

 

[pman25]

Colorado and Columbus appear to be fits as they could use a Center. Maybe Nashville as well, assuming Trotz likes Kuzy!

 

[EYEuhFRAYtee]

Adios Kuzy. Thanks for 2k18

 

[Calicaps]

That is a first.

I thought so too.

 

[marcel snapshot]

Colorado could be an interesting trade partner. MacK’s extension kicks in next season and his cap hit will be nearly double of what it currently is so they’ll be up against it this off-season. They also have no real answer at 2C. Could they pluck Devon Toews or Sam Girard if they wanted to double down on having a strong blueline? Toews-Carlson, Sandin-Jensen, Fehervary-TvR is pretty darn solid.

I’d have to think more about how it works from Colorado’s perspective for the cap but they have Byram, Girard, and Toews on the left side so they have surplus to requirements if they want to deal from a position of strength to shore up a weakness up front.

Feel like this is a lot more of a possibility if the Avs go out in the 1st or 2nd round due to their lack of a true 2C