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

[g00n]

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

Strome also had the third most 5v5 ice time among centers before Backstrom returned. He got fewer 5v5 minutes than both Lars Eller and Evgeny Kuznetsov despite *gestures toward Eller's and Kuznetsov's player cards*

I think Laviolette's actions prior to Backstrom's return, namely his ice time allocation, indicated that he valued Strome less than he should have. We don't need to make up stories to justify a poor decision!

I think it has zero to do with "valuing Strome" and more to do with knowing he had to reinsert a $9 mil a year guy back into the lineup.

I don't understand how you can chide someone for not being "privy to the inner workings" while full on assuming what those "privy inner workings" were.

Follow that up with just being wrong becaus Lavi told us why he did it. ‘Tough decisions:’ Laviolette scratched Strome to maintain balance

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Or maybe we look when he benched him for those "privy inner workings" Dylan Strome and Sonny Milano benched in game a week after re-signing longterm

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All that right after GMBM resigned them.

I know better than to take coach speak at face value.

I chide Twabby every chance I get.....it's part of our Caps "tet e tet"...

so relax Francis! Have some fun!

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

Two more years at $7.8M for an aging player with a checkered history isn't going to be easy to move. They may need to take someone else's problem, which defensively at least may be worthwhile. I doubt Mantha is overly easy to move either. Maybe later in the off-season when options dwindle and teams become desperate due to lacking internal options...but that requires some impatience to not wait and see what else becomes available. Even then there may be other expendable players more appealing. Older lazier players in general are tough to pawn off (unless they're injured and become accounting loopholes). It's hard to see any GM coveting either player to the point of being a prime target with positive value. Mantha may actually have more value between the two, in part due to less term remaining at a lower AAV but also because it's a lot easier to hide an unreliable winger compared to a center.

Maybe they can pawn 92 off on CHI or SJS but I don't doubt they'll need to add some modest futures as enticement. And 92 does have a 10-team NTC so he'd need to oblige. Even in an off-season lacking UFA center options it's hard to imagine legit competitive teams having interest. The variance in what to expect out of him is so vast that, with disappointment more likely than not, that opting for lesser but more reliable talents is more desirable. He's just not worth the headache and who knows to what degree a staff would be able to change that. In the absolute right scenario it could work. In Carolina maybe they'd be able to insulate him enough. But Carolina ought to be targeting different talents, more goal-scorers, if they want to break through.

If Kuzy gets moved, he's going to light it up to spite us, at least for a season, then he's in a contract year the year after, so he SHOULD be a good acquisition for the right team, but the dude is a flake so who knows?

I don't see a problem moving him. Moving him in a good hockey trade (that we have a chance to win) will be tougher.

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

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but but....that one game....

 

[Langway]

I don't see a problem moving him. Moving him in a good hockey trade (that we have a chance to win) will be tougher.

He'll be 31 next month and who knows what sort of motivation he'd have. It would need to be a competitive team around him. Or at least one that has some skilled players he'd play with where showing up every night would be enjoyable. Ditto the coach. With his limited NTC he'd have some pull. The amount of teams with a need that check off all those boxes is likely pretty small. CBJ? MTL? SJS? Not so much competitive really but maybe as good as it gets.

They could move him for an even worse contract, something with lots more term remaining, but that's likely counterproductive. It's hard to say just how easy it would be to dump him. Even with a weaker UFA group I doubt it would be really easy. I'd sooner add Kevin Hayes with retention if I was a GM. I'd not want to bank on being the one that solves the puzzle because what's the upside? A productive but very likely defensively limited one-way player that probably won't drive play? He should be able to play in the league another five years at his age, pace and skill level. But the compete is so bad and he's so unreliable that it also wouldn't be surprising if he's in the KHL after his current deal expires. Maybe a fresh start improves his habits to some degree but I wouldn't count on it. The epitome of a joker with trends not in his favor.

Edit: I think just dumping him would be considered a win given the cap space it would open up to use elsewhere. That space could just be wasted again but it would at least provide the flexibility to offer a different look. When it comes to Mantha I think a buyout needs to be on the table as a fallback should assets be required to move him.

 

[Random Comment]

Is Ovi playing tonight ?

 

[AlexModvechkin8]

Is Ovi playing tonight ?

Won’t know until closer to game time probably since they won’t have a pregame skate after having played last night.

 

[AlexModvechkin8]

He'll be 31 next month and who knows what sort of motivation he'd have. It would need to be a competitive team around him. Or at least one that has some skilled players he'd play with where showing up every night would be enjoyable. Ditto the coach. With his limited NTC he'd have some pull. The amount of teams with a need that check off all those boxes is likely pretty small. CBJ? MTL? SJS? Not so much competitive really but maybe as good as it gets.

They could move him for an even worse contract, something with lots more term remaining, but that's likely counterproductive. It's hard to say just how easy it would be to dump him. Even with a weaker UFA group I doubt it would be really easy. I'd sooner add Kevin Hayes with retention if I was a GM. I'd not want to bank on being the one that solves the puzzle because what's the upside? A productive but very likely defensively limited one-way player that probably won't drive play? He should be able to play in the league another five years at his age, pace and skill level. But the compete is so bad and he's so unreliable that it also wouldn't be surprising if he's in the KHL after his current deal expires. Maybe a fresh start improves his habits to some degree but I wouldn't count on it. The epitome of a joker with trends not in his favor.

I’m hoping the abysmal FA class means teams will be looking to tinker with trades and banking on rebound performances. The centers on the UFA market are Ryan O’Reilly, Jonathan Toews (likely retiring), Patrice Bergeron (Boston or retiring), Sean Monahan (injured and may not play again), Alex Kerfoot, Ivan Barbashev, JT Compher, Lars Eller, etc. Except for maybe ROR there’s not a single passable top six center available. Barbashev has an argument for being the top UFA center available.

It’s why I think penciling in McMichael is the way to go next season. He’s likely better than any UFA option and he’s certainly better than Kuznetsov defensively. Getting rid of Kuznetsov is a net positive at this point even if there’s no return.

 

[pman25]

He'll be 31 next month and who knows what sort of motivation he'd have. It would need to be a competitive team around him. Or at least one that has some skilled players he'd play with where showing up every night would be enjoyable. Ditto the coach. With his limited NTC he'd have some pull. The amount of teams with a need that check off all those boxes is likely pretty small. CBJ? MTL? SJS? Not so much competitive really but maybe as good as it gets.

Colorado has a need for a 2c, would be a good fit for him there. Salary issues though, they need to move out Girard, ideally to a 3rd team and not us. Carolina could use a 2c as well unless Kotkaniemi is ready to fill that hole which he just might be. Boston has Krejci and Bergeron pending as UFAs, Nashville & Chicago could use a center and have plenty of cap. Detroit could use a guy behind Larkin. I see a lot of fits for Kuz out there

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

He'll be 31 next month and who knows what sort of motivation he'd have. It would need to be a competitive team around him. Or at least one that has some skilled players he'd play with where showing up every night would be enjoyable. Ditto the coach. With his limited NTC he'd have some pull. The amount of teams with a need that check off all those boxes is likely pretty small. CBJ? MTL? SJS? Not so much competitive really but maybe as good as it gets.

They could move him for an even worse contract, something with lots more term remaining, but that's likely counterproductive. It's hard to say just how easy it would be to dump him. Even with a weaker UFA group I doubt it would be really easy. I'd sooner add Kevin Hayes with retention if I was a GM. I'd not want to bank on being the one that solves the puzzle because what's the upside? A productive but very likely defensively limited one-way player that probably won't drive play? He should be able to play in the league another five years at his age, pace and skill level. But the compete is so bad and he's so unreliable that it also wouldn't be surprising if he's in the KHL after his current deal expires. Maybe a fresh start improves his habits to some degree but I wouldn't count on it. The epitome of a joker with trends not in his favor.

Edit: I think just dumping him would be considered a win given the cap space it would open up to use elsewhere. That space could just be wasted again but it would at least provide the flexibility to offer a different look. When it comes to Mantha I think a buyout needs to be on the table as a fallback should assets be required to move him.

I think he needs to go to a good team with a hole at C, but a strong room and talent around him. I bet he would be a PPG guy minimum in that scenario.

 

[AlexModvechkin8]

I think he needs to go to a good team with a hole at C, but a strong room and talent around him. I bet he would be a PPG guy minimum in that scenario.

He also can’t be counted on to be the top guy. A team with a strong 1C like MacKinnon will be good for him.

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

He also can’t be counted on to be the top guy. A team with a strong 1C like MacKinnon will be good for him.

Yup agree totally.

 

[twabby]

Peter Laviolette's status, offseason changes: What I'm hearing about the Capitals

Big decisions loom everywhere in Washington. Here's what I'm hearing about them as the season winds down.

theathletic.com

Key points:

-Laviolette returning is "50/50" according to TEB
-Ovechkin's injury not serious
-Oshie's current injury is the same back injury that has affected him this season. Surgery is currently not on the table, but rather rest and rehab
-Sheary, Smith, and Irwin are goners

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

50/50……lol….heads will explode….

 

[Brian23]

I hope that's just them putting out good PR, and I'd feel like that would make some sense. But the fact anyone see's Lavi being back as 50/50 is just so disappointing to me.

 

[Langway]

He also can’t be counted on to be the top guy. A team with a strong 1C like MacKinnon will be good for him.

He also can't be counted on to be reliable defensively at all so it also depends on deployment, playing style and the overall center mix. It would take a GM seeing the upside a lot more than the downside and I'm not sure the reward at this stage outweighs the risk. At least not at full value. With $1.5-2M retained that may be enough to up his positive value and put him more in demand. I guess there's always someone that thinks they can get more out of him but it would indeed need to be a very strong culture. And even then I think some would rather not bother in favor of someone that brings more competitive elements. With a strong playoffs I can see JT Compher cashing in as a right shot that does a bit of everything. ROR would also be preferable for most. Kevin Hayes with retention is probably a better bet, though he's got a third year remaining.

Would Trotz take Kuznetsov in? I could see it but, then again, also not for cultural reasons unless it's super cheap. Plenty of teams could use a vet 2C for sure but would they want him in particular is a lot less clear. I don't think Detroit yet has the culture for it, nor CHI. SJS & CBJ also probably don't but may be desperate, CBJ in particular, to add more talent should they not wind up with Bedard or Fantilli.

 

[Misery74]

I hope that's just them putting out good PR, and I'd feel like that would make some sense. But the fact anyone see's Lavi being back as 50/50 is just so disappointing to me.

He’s not coming back. That is a trial balloon.

Anyone that wants Laviolette back doesn’t have an understanding of this team’s problems.

 

[AlexModvechkin8]

He also can't be counted on to be reliable defensively at all so it also depends on deployment, playing style and the overall center mix. It would take a GM seeing the upside a lot more than the downside and I'm not sure the reward at this stage outweighs the risk. At least not at full value. With $1.5-2M retained that may be enough to up his positive value and put him more in demand. I guess there's always someone that thinks they can get more out of him but it would indeed need to be a very strong culture. And even then I think some would rather not bother in favor of someone that brings more competitive elements. With a strong playoffs I can see JT Compher cashing in as a right shot that does a bit of everything. ROR would also be preferable for most. Kevin Hayes with retention is probably a better bet, though he's got a third year remaining.

Would Trotz take Kuznetsov in? I could see it but, then again, also not for cultural reasons unless it's super cheap. Plenty of teams could use a vet 2C for sure but would they want him in particular is a lot less clear. I don't think Detroit yet has the culture for it, nor CHI. SJS & CBJ also probably don't but may be desperate, CBJ in particular, to add more talent should they not wind up with Bedard or Fantilli.

Forgot Trotz will be GM. Can’t see him doing the Caps or BMac a solid by taking Kuzy but stranger things have happened and Kuzy was at his best under Trotz so who knows.

Nashville is an interesting team. They sold off but they have the best goalie in the world is Saros which is not what you want if you’re going to rebuild. Maybe Trotz thinks he can turn them around quickly in a weak Western conference. They also have Johansen, Duchene, Forsberg, Josi, McDonagh, and Saros locked up for at least two more seasons each so a rebuild seems unlikely.

 

[Bruinswillwin77]

No Ovi tonight?

 

[Ovi895]

Forgot Trotz will be GM. Can’t see him doing the Caps or BMac a solid by taking Kuzy but stranger things have happened and Kuzy was at his best under Trotz so who knows.

Nashville is an interesting team. They sold off but they have the best goalie in the world is Saros which is not what you want if you’re going to rebuild. Maybe Trotz thinks he can turn them around quickly in a weak Western conference. They also have Johansen, Duchene, Forsberg, Josi, McDonagh, and Saros locked up for at least two more seasons each so a rebuild seems unlikely.

Nashville has more forwards than they know what to do with and aren't rushing to contend at any cost, no way Kuzy goes there making what he is. They even dumped Tolvanen because they didn't have room

Novak
Evangelista
Glass
Forsberg
Duchene
Johansen
Afanaseyev
Parssinen
Sissons
Tomasino
Trenin

plus Kemell, Hereux, Schaefer potentially on the cusp

Carolina has 30 million cap space and weakness in offensive C behind Aho, Kuzy could be attractive to them if they think he can repeat his 2018 run.

 

[SkinsFan09]

If Sheary is gone, he should've been traded at the deadline.

 

[SkinsFan09]

Between Oshie, Kuznetsov, Mantha and Backstrom - two of them at least need to be gone this offseason. Unfortunately, one is basically unmovable so it's Kuz and Mantha.

 

[barriers]

Think Mantha gets bought out? I think it saves a smidge over $2M in cash and $4M in cap next season with a $2Mish penalty in 24/25

 

[g00n]

Last night was anti-tank kryptonite, though I'm pretty sure we've locked up at least a 3% shot at Bedard.

Note Caps are the only team with a chance at #1OA that has a win in the streak column. *Dalehunterbad.gif*

STL: Play Dallas twice to finish the season. Dallas have something to play for. Blues could lose both games.
DET: @car and @TB. Both strong playoff teams though TB may not have anything to play for.
VAN: @Ana and @Ari. Both dogs that could beat Vancouver, especially if the Ducks try to out-tank CHI and Cbus which they certainly should given their 11 game losing streak. So there's hope there.

WAS: @BOS tonight and the Bruins have nothing at all to play for. Could be an awful win for the Caps. Then NJ at home on Thursday to finish the season, and NJ could be playing for the division title.

If regulations wins are still the standings tiebreaker then things could get complicated with tiebreakers, as STL and DET are close to us in regulation wins.

If Sheary is gone, he should've been traded at the deadline.

Pretty sure they stated there wasn't enough value or interest to trade anyone else.

 

[um]

Think Mantha gets bought out? I think it saves a smidge over $2M in cash and $4M in cap next season with a $2Mish penalty in 24/25

I'd consider it if a trade wasn't there, which is very possible.