Speculation: Caps Roster General Discussion (Coaching/FAs/Cap/Lines/etc) | 2023-24 Regular Season Edition

[CapitalsCupReality]

I think Tom Wilson displays rather poor on ice leadership more often than not because of his tendency to take stupid penalties that hurt the team. Or starting a fight when we’re losing bad. Those are crybaby qualities in my opinion and someone not in control of their emotions.

But what I think doesn’t seem to matter, the guys love him

athletes rally around players that hate to lose…..Tom Wilson is that kinda influence IMO. Fans like you don’t appreciate it, but it’s valuable.

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

And how many do you want to trade right now? It sounds like 2-3 first round picks/top prospects to trade for a center.

I’d trade the 2024 first top-3 protected now…..for the right core addition. I’d supplement with 2nds and prospects. Can’t tell you more than that until I know who we are targeting.

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

I'm just saying that being a championship franchise doesn't mean that your team now has the key to fast rebuilds. There are plenty of examples of winning franchises who prioritize continuity, leadership, winning pedigree and take forever to rebuild, including having to go through multiple iterations of the same rebuild.

There are also examples of teams over-emphasizing continuity and leadership. Detroit, for example, really doubled down on maintaining continuity. It worked in the sense that they won more games than a typical rebuilding team for a while. It also kept them out of the top of the draft and added years to their rebuild. So now Dylan Larkin is quite possibly a better leader because of this but he is also 27, hasn't been to the playoffs and is on a large contract.

Detroit’s problem wasn’t maintaining continuity….its been drafting so poorly that Larkin was the best they could come up with in many many years.

Mantha is their 2nd best drafted point producer since 2010 if my quick glance was accurate….

 

[traparatus]

Detroit’s problem wasn’t maintaining continuity….its been drafting so poorly that Larkin was the best they could come up with in many many years.

Don't you think that drafting 1st overall a couple of times would have helped their drafting record?

 

[Ovechkins Wodka]

None of that is relevant. The team isn't very good. There is a lot of underlying weakness, even in the games we've won recently. I don't expect this team to make the playoffs.

They have some strong stats about making the playoffs if you have a spot at thanksgiving

Why NHL standings at U.S. Thanksgiving have huge playoff implications

There's no foolproof way to predict which teams will end up qualifying for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, however the standings at U.S. Thanksgiving are often a strong indicator.

www.sportsnet.ca

 

[twabby]

They should still buy on some younger players that might be available, but avoid rentals. The Sandin pickup was a shrewd move and they should be looking for more additions like him.

 

[Ovechkins Wodka]

They should still buy on some younger players that might be available, but avoid rentals. The Sandin pickup was a shrewd move and they should be looking for more additions like him.

If we are a serious contender at the trade deadline and a guy like Tarasenko is available for let’s say a fourth rounder and all we have to do is give up our cap space. That would be something I would seriously consider.

 

[alphabetical]

But remind me, what did Vegas ultimately pay for Eichel? (sincerely asking) Was it worth it? (I'd say yes.) And how did it compare to the prognostications about his price. (IIRC, people thought he'd cost far more.)

Vegas paid a first, a second, a fourth liner, and Tuch. The caps wouldn't be able to match that offer, as they have no players who are as promising as Alex Tuch was at that point in Time.

But the issue you don't seem to be capable of comprehending is that in the next few years the caps will have to replace a half dozen high end pieces. They need a top pairing defender right now, and they'll need another in a few years as Carlson ages. They need one top line winger right now, and they'll need another in a few years when ovechkin stops playing or sooner when he drops off. Their current top centre is Dylan strome, and he's really more of a 1b/2a option. They also need at least one second line winger right now.

This team isn't one piece away from being fixed. They need to buy cheap, let the kids progress, and try to sign some free agents as their shittier contracts come off the books. They also need to have some good draft picks to help fill the impending holes in the lineup, especially on the backend. First pairing defenders/first line forwards do not get traded or come to free agency often, and they tend to cost a f***ing fortune on the open market.

 

[SherVaughn30]

None of that is relevant. The team isn't very good. There is a lot of underlying weakness, even in the games we've won recently. I don't expect this team to make the playoffs.

Man you are negative. I'm realistic as I'm not thinking playoffs right now and it's too early to be thinking about it. Mantha can play again, as he has shown some production while Oshie should be scratched because he has done nothing offensively. Lindgren has been playing his best since BMac signed him and maybe there is a chance Kuemper comes around. The only 2 things that really concerns me right now is OV scoring goals and the PP, which is the worst in the NHL.

 

[SherVaughn30]

If we are a serious contender at the trade deadline and a guy like Tarasenko is available for let’s say a fourth rounder and all we have to do is give up our cap space. That would be something I would seriously consider.

Why Tarasenko? We already have an injury prone goal scorer in Patches. I'm probably one of the few who thinks Patches can help the Caps PP once he's back. He's the type of power forward who scores his goals from inside the circles. Tom Wilson might be the next closest who can play that way, but is not as productive as Patches.

 

[um]

If we are a serious contender at the trade deadline and a guy like Tarasenko is available for let’s say a fourth rounder and all we have to do is give up our cap space. That would be something I would seriously consider.

Whoa! Slow down big spender.

But I agree, spending later picks is fine.

Why Tarasenko? We already have an injury prone goal scorer in Patches. I'm probably one of the few who thinks Patches can help the Caps PP once he's back. He's the type of power forward who scores his goals from inside the circles. Tom Wilson might be the next closest who can play that way, but is not as productive as Patches.

There’s no way to know what we’ll need at the trade deadline. It’s still so early in the season.

 

[Ridley Simon]

None of that is relevant. The team isn't very good. There is a lot of underlying weakness, even in the games we've won recently. I don't expect this team to make the playoffs.

Yes. We know. You’ve been very adept at making your feelings understood on this question.

Some of us are not quite so quick to bury this squad. It’s Pro Sports. Shit happens that no one expects.

The team is improving. Almost per game. 7-1-1 is a good stretch, and I think they have earned the points. No gimmies.

 

[bacchist]

Man you are negative. I'm realistic as I'm not thinking playoffs right now and it's too early to be thinking about it. Mantha can play again, as he has shown some production while Oshie should be scratched because he has done nothing offensively. Lindgren has been playing his best since BMac signed him and maybe there is a chance Kuemper comes around. The only 2 things that really concerns me right now is OV scoring goals and the PP, which is the worst in the NHL.

I'm just being realistic. Mantha is basically the same player he was last year. If anything, he might look better because the rest of the team has been floundering.

 

[Roshi]

None of that is relevant. The team isn't very good. There is a lot of underlying weakness, even in the games we've won recently. I don't expect this team to make the playoffs.

Every team has underlaying weaknesses. Its about hiding yours and exposing opponents. Thats why suprises happen every year in playoffs. Thats why Bruins lost in the R1 and Toronto is still looking for their run (although puck luck also plays a big part on a single matchup).

Sure we may have ”more” weaknesses than many other teams, but we also have a new upcoming coach, some young guys with room to grow, undeperforming older core that still has it in their backbone what it takes to win - and we have cap space and assets (something that many others dont have) to address some weaknesses if it looks like we are in a position where we want to do it. So while we have glaring weaknesses, we also have potential to be better.

Sitting second in metro and right there with all the big guys in the division aswell, with games in hand too, i think we are in a good place right now and this kind of a negativity is weird. We are winning games now and we have some fireworks in the system with a lot of cap space opening that can help us keep that up in the coming years too. And our farm system is doing great things for our young guys at the same time.

I dont really understand the ”blow it up” mentality right now. You are of course completely allowed to have and express that opinion, but why bring it up when everything is looking good. Thats just dooming and glooming and getting the mentality in the boards down. Why not try to enjoy it a little bit, you might have a lot of years ahead where we all can doom and gloom together.

i admit we’ve had semi easy schedule to open the season and that might make us look a little stronger than we are, but this could also impact positively on the long run. We’ve gained the start we hoped for, and now its time to see if we can keep it up.

It might all come crashing down fast, and at that point ill gladly join to entertain and discuss the doom and its sort of fun to think about the chances of a rebuild and the new arising of the team too. (Although rebuild is way over romantized and it mostly looks really ugly and is painful.)

But until that this could be go the other way too. Life is too short and hockey is too random to not appreciate when we are doing well!

 

[traparatus]

Why Tarasenko? We already have an injury prone goal scorer in Patches. I'm probably one of the few who thinks Patches can help the Caps PP once he's back. He's the type of power forward who scores his goals from inside the circles. Tom Wilson might be the next closest who can play that way, but is not as productive as Patches.

Pacioretty's bread and butter on the power play is his shot from the right hashmarks. Caps would to have to completely restructure their power play to make this work. If they put a primary shooter on the right side, who is setting up Ovechkin? I think as long as Ovechkin stays rooted in the left circle, Caps will need a playmaker and a pass first player on the right.

Caps have had that exact player that you are describing for a while now in Anthony Mantha. That's precisely the role that he played on the Red Wings power play.

Don't get me wrong. I like Pacioretty and watching Caps' power play gives me eye infections, so I hope you are right.

 

[HTFN]

Pacioretty's bread and butter on the power play is his shot from the right hashmarks. Caps would to have to completely restructure their power play to make this work. If they put a primary shooter on the right side, who is setting up Ovechkin? I think as long as Ovechkin stays rooted in the left circle, Caps will need a playmaker and a pass first player on the right.

Caps have had that exact player that you are describing for a while now in Anthony Mantha. That's precisely the role that he played on the Red Wings power play.

Don't get me wrong. I like Pacioretty and watching Caps' power play gives me eye infections, so I hope you are right.

They don't really have to restructure much, they just have to let Pacioretty play the goal line/corner man.

The PP could easily work with Patches by the goal line doing the interchange with the half boards such that after Kuznetsov (or whoever) delivers to Carlson, they swap, and now Carlson can play either option, or Ovechkin can cross-ice for Pacioretty. It's more like one extra optional step than a complete reconfiguration

Could probably use him in the bumper spot too, though he loses his one-timer from the passing side he can still angle for tap ins. They've also been using that thing where Carlson and Ovechkin rotate positions, so if Carlson ever ends up in Ovechkin's spot while he's on the point I think Carlson can hit Pacioretty in the bumper slot (or from the corner/half boards if they play the rotation) and do a little double-swap for an opposite look.

 

[Calicaps]

Vegas paid a first, a second, a fourth liner, and Tuch. The caps wouldn't be able to match that offer, as they have no players who are as promising as Alex Tuch was at that point in Time.

But the issue you don't seem to be capable of comprehending is that in the next few years the caps will have to replace a half dozen high end pieces. They need a top pairing defender right now, and they'll need another in a few years as Carlson ages. They need one top line winger right now, and they'll need another in a few years when ovechkin stops playing or sooner when he drops off. Their current top centre is Dylan strome, and he's really more of a 1b/2a option. They also need at least one second line winger right now.

This team isn't one piece away from being fixed. They need to buy cheap, let the kids progress, and try to sign some free agents as their shittier contracts come off the books. They also need to have some good draft picks to help fill the impending holes in the lineup, especially on the backend. First pairing defenders/first line forwards do not get traded or come to free agency often, and they tend to cost a f***ing fortune on the open market.

I am perfectly capable of comprehending that, thanks. You asked about a 1C. I was responding to that. Stop moving the goalposts.

But to your new point, they have prospects and picks and cap space. They can and will use all of the available avenues to fill holes. Some pieces will be harder and more expensive to acquire than others, yes.

But if they tank and hope to fill them all with top picks who they then wait to develop, they're conceding years right away. So they are trying to avoid that by choosing a different approach. Will it work? Dunno.

 

[Ovechkins Wodka]

The senators are quite bad and could be sellers if they do something really stupid I would be all over Tkachuk.

On patches, he’s coming off some pretty big injuries and is an aging player. I hope he’s not another backstrom if he actually comes back.

 

[HTFN]

The senators are quite bad and could be sellers if they do something really stupid I would be all over Tkachuk.

On patches, he’s coming off some pretty big injuries and is an aging player. I hope he’s not another backstrom if he actually comes back.

I don't think they'll let him be, he doesn't have the same history and allegiance, he's a rehabbing freelancer.

If it works they'll play him, if he's on his way out he'll likely just be on his way out. Two Achilles tears is nothing to shake a stick at

 

[alphabetical]

I am perfectly capable of comprehending that, thanks. You asked about a 1C. I was responding to that. Stop moving the goalposts.

But to your new point, they have prospects and picks and cap space. They can and will use all of the available avenues to fill holes. Some pieces will be harder and more expensive to acquire than others, yes.

But if they tank and hope to fill them all with top picks who they then wait to develop, they're conceding years right away. So they are trying to avoid that by choosing a different approach. Will it work? Dunno.

I haven't moved the goalposts. I've simply pointed out that the caps don't have the capital to go after a modest improvement on Strome on the trade market. If you think the goalposts have moved, that trading for a 1C has no other implications, then you have not comprehended my point here.

I haven't advocated tanking this season, but thanks for throwing up a straw man. That's great fun.

 

[marcel snapshot]

Hopefully Kuzy's illness is that he's as sick of himself as the rest of us!

I expect I'm not the only one here who is dubious about Kuemper's return to net and what that's going to look like.

Columbus can’t score - like, at all. But opponents have been scoring on Kuemper. So either the BJs get better on Darcy, or Darcy gets better on them

 

[max21]

Wilson is the type of player teams, and other players, plan around. No fancystat can measure that.

I’m the biggest Wilson fan there is but I just feel like this isn’t very true anymore, we’ve lost with Wilson a lot.

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

Don't you think that drafting 1st overall a couple of times would have helped their drafting record?

Depends….but irrelevant to the counterpoint of the discussion. Detroit’s poor drafting is an issue; not some made up idea that they “held onto continuity”…draft f’ing better. Higher picks don’t always equate to better selections, but you know this.

 

[tycoonheart]

Kuzy out tonight. I'd love to see McMikey between 8 and 43.

 

[AlexModvechkin8]

2C McMike and 3C Lapierre should be fun to watch.

Sounds like we'll see Edmundson in as well. Wonder how they roll the defensive pairs... do they keep LuJo with JC since they've looked good together and put Edmundson w/ TvR on the third pair (hopefully) or do they put Edmundson up on the first pair with JC (hopefully not).