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

[CapitalsCupReality]

Benching Kuznetsov doesn't seem to have had an amazing effect on performance last night.

Sometimes players get heat for problems that run deeper than one player. For example, Jack Eichel used to get heat in Buffalo.

…..and sometimes, you sacrifice short term success to make a disciplinary point….this is that. Did everyone expect to beat AZ with or without him? Probably not.

 

[Langway]

 

[Misery74]

What does the Captain have to saw about the poor, uninspired play of the veterans?

BMac too?

 

[traparatus]

One thing that Kuznetsov has absolutely excelled at this season is being the lightning rod for criticism. Remove him from the lineup and some hard questions will be asked of players who are left in. Kuznetsov isn't single handedly making them the lowest scoring team in the league.

I stated my concerns prior to this healthy scratch. You remove Kuznetsov and the team loses 2-3 games on the trot. Now what? Are you going back to him with some stupid 'I hope you learned your lesson' speech? Never mind the notion of waiving him. Very romantic up until the team finds itself in the midst of 3W-7L stretch and is carrying a $7.8m contract in the minors.

At the end of the day, this is a management issue. If you chose to go into the season with Kuznetsov on the roster, you should expect the expected and have a plan for it. You can hope for whatever but this Kuznetsov problem didn't just show up out of the blue.

 

[AlexModvechkin8]

I wonder if the drug use had long term effects on Kuzy. He just doesn't care out there most nights.

Total speculation on my part but it could be the other way around. The drug use could be a coping mechanism if he's dealing with mental health issues. Athletes get paid very well but they also live in the pressure cooker every day, travel away from families a lot, have their job performance dissected and discussed by tons of strangers, and are one play away from losing their livelihood. Some people handle this better than others -- athletes are not immune to burnout, depression, anxiety, etc.

I've known a few pro athletes and while they're all grateful for the talent they were given and the life being good at a sport provided them, they almost all also felt feelings of being trapped at various stages as well.

Kuzy may have used drugs to cope with life's pressures and stresses, just like many of the rest of "normal' people do.

 

[AlexModvechkin8]

What does the Captain have to saw about the poor, uninspired play of the veterans?

BMac too?

BMac has been loud and clear for a while that this team needs an infusion of youth and talent in the top six. He knows what ails this team and there is zero doubt he's doing whatever he can to try and improve the roster.

He called out the vets last year before the season even started. He said last year was a tipping point and that if the veterans couldn't prove that they deserve more bites at the apple then changes were going to happen.

BMac knows his hands are largely tied and he can't just erase a quarter of this team's cap hit even though none of them are earning their wage.

 

[IafrateOvie34]

I’m over Kuzy. Thank goodness for retro games that were entertaining on YT and old VHS copies. Also, damn expansion!

 

[kicksavedave]

Total speculation on my part but it could be the other way around. The drug use could be a coping mechanism if he's dealing with mental health issues. Athletes get paid very well but they also live in the pressure cooker every day, travel away from families a lot, have their job performance dissected and discussed by tons of strangers, and are one play away from losing their livelihood. Some people handle this better than others -- athletes are not immune to burnout, depression, anxiety, etc.

I've known a few pro athletes and while they're all grateful for the talent they were given and the life being good at a sport provided them, they almost all also felt feelings of being trapped at various stages as well.

Kuzy may have used drugs to cope with life's pressures and stresses, just like many of the rest of "normal' people do.

Kuzy also lost a brother at a younger age. Its hard to know exactly how much long term impact things like this have in each individual. Its also not out of the realm of possibility that he used cocaine to get focused and motivated to play in the NHL and, without it, its just not that exciting to him. Without knowing exactly what is or isn't motivating Kuzy, it kinda just is what it is - he's just not motivated anymore. New coach doesn't seem to matter. Time to move on at whatever the cost.

 

[HTFN]

Kuzy also lost a brother at a younger age. Its hard to know exactly how much long term impact things like this have in each individual. Its also not out of the realm of possibility that he used cocaine to get focused and motivated to play in the NHL and, without it, its just not that exciting to him. Without knowing exactly what is or isn't motivating Kuzy, it kinda just is what it is - he's just not motivated anymore. New coach doesn't seem to matter. Time to move on at whatever the cost.

Would hardly be the first performer to develop a reliance on cocaine to "bring it", stage performers get that all the time. Kinetic musicians and comedians seem pretty big on it

Hell, so do bartenders in my experience.

 

[max21]

The coke Kuznetsov talk is sorta bizarre to me, it’s like we’re looking for anything as an excuse. He just sucks now, and he’s sucked for a while

 

[g00n]

It's not just a talent issue to be plugged with next man up. There is a problem in the locker room and a cloud hanging over the team. This is early in the process, not the final step.

 

[SecretaryofDefense5]

BMac has been loud and clear for a while that this team needs an infusion of youth and talent in the top six. He knows what ails this team and there is zero doubt he's doing whatever he can to try and improve the roster.

He called out the vets last year before the season even started. He said last year was a tipping point and that if the veterans couldn't prove that they deserve more bites at the apple then changes were going to happen.

BMac knows his hands are largely tied and he can't just erase a quarter of this team's cap hit even though none of them are earning their wage.

I’ve always liked BMac but his bad contracts are starting to pile up. Kuemper looks to be the latest we can add to that list.

He has a part in where they are.

 

[bacchist]

It's not just a talent issue to be plugged with next man up. There is a problem in the locker room and a cloud hanging over the team. This is early in the process, not the final step.

It won't be over until Ovechkin retires. The team needs to establish their own identity free from all the baggage.

 

[Roshi]

I dont think the CBJ rumours are all that exciting as we want to think. Atleast id say its not about Kuzy for Laine kind of a thing..

1) If they knew Kuzy was under the radar of CBJ scouts, its weird timing to sit him out and put your coach roast about mentally charging and what not. Im pretty sure Kuznetsov is not amongst the guys they could be talking about.

2) Laine just isnt a fit for us. Its kind of a do-over Mantha trade. To trade for Laine you should have a shooter spot in PP and a playmaking center for him and we have neither. What is it he would be expected to do here, excel defensively? Tutor the young centers in CMM and Lapierre?

 

[SherVaughn30]

I’ve always liked BMac but his bad contracts are starting to pile up. Kuemper looks to be the latest we can add to that list.

He has a part in where they are.

Kuemper is leaning towards Holtby 2.0. Like Holtby, he's already won the Cup and now seems to be fading away as a #1 goalie. Just like with Holtby/Scott Murray, the same seems to be happening with Kuemper. Lindgren is being the exception like Grubauer was with Scott Murray. I'm starting the engine and revving it up with Scott Murray mostly ruins goalies. His track record is nowhere good enough. Forsythe was overdue a long time ago and seemed like he would never be rid of, but now that onus is on Scott Murray. Caps are arguably the best team at pumping out NHL goalies from the draft, but now they need a goalie coach who can create a positive track record with these goalies. That next goalie coach might be hiding in Hershey...

 

[SherVaughn30]

I dont think the CBJ rumours are all that exciting as we want to think. Atleast id say its not about Kuzy for Laine kind of a thing..

1) If they knew Kuzy was under the radar of CBJ scouts, its weird timing to sit him out and put your coach roast about mentally charging and what not. Im pretty sure Kuznetsov is not amongst the guys they could be talking about.

2) Laine just isnt a fit for us. Its kind of a do-over Mantha trade. To trade for Laine you should have a shooter spot in PP and a playmaking center for him and we have neither. What is it he would be expected to do here, excel defensively? Tutor the young centers in CMM and Lapierre?

I have to disagree. Laine in CBJ seems to be a stale situation and Kuzy with us. 1 for 1 would make some sense. Both players would be given a new chance at a fresh start. Laine is more of a shooter, while Kuzy is more of a playmaker. Caps need another talented shooter. CBJ might not necessarily need Kuzy, but they get out of a slightly smaller cap hit a year sooner.

 

[DWGie26]

Kuzy for Laine isn’t great for us other than it gets rid of Kuzy. But it leaves us short a center and forces Lapierre to play. I want him going back to Hershey to get minutes and situational play so he can be ready next year. It truly is a better development path than being in the NHL right now.

 

[Pigskin]

I think we have done really well so far in not spending for the sake of spending, letting our big contracts run down, while letting other teams make mistakes. I'd like to see it continue for another year or two, make solid purchases in FA, trade where it makes sense, build up our prospect cupboard.

There was always going to be some pain, but if done right, the pain won't last as long.

Goalies are fickle as we all know, DK has plenty of time to find some form, and then if we choose, we could sell him for some nice assets. Lets face it, he has pedigree, and lots of teams need a goalie.

I think patience is the key. Anybody who thought we were a playoff team this year is delusional in my view. Our decent start to the season if anything is just gonna hurt our draft position.

I'm not keen for a kuzy/laine trade. Trade Kuzy if possible, or ride out his contract. Cap space is gold.

 

[um]

Kuzy for Laine isn’t great for us other than it gets rid of Kuzy. But it leaves us short a center and forces Lapierre to play. I want him going back to Hershey to get minutes and situational play so he can be ready next year. It truly is a better development path than being in the NHL right now.

Protas is a center too.

 

[Holtbyisms]

Protas is a center too.

My thoughts... He's a natural center. Would like to see what he can do at 3c and send Lappy back to Hershey if we move kuzy.

 

[DWGie26]

yeah I like Protas at center so that is an option. Rather not force him in there because of a trade. And definitely want Lapps in Hershey. If we do that, we can try Protas at center and sit Kuzy.

 

[um]

We shouldn’t not trade Kuzy because we’re too worried about our 3C options. The reality is Kuznetsov is sucking and our offence is brutal.

Our season isn’t gonna implode because no one stepped up to be the next Eller, it’s cause they can’t score. We need top 6 forwards and a working powerplay.

 

[RedRocking]

I still can’t imagine the Jackets being interested in Kuzy. Just makes no sense (why get that stink on Fantilli), and he might not even waive to go there.

But, I could still see BMac trying to pry Laine loose with some picks + prospects. Which is why my bet has been that they were scouting Lappy on this road trip. And I’d be fine moving him for the right deal - how many middle 6 C’s do we need?

 

[HTFN]

I still can’t imagine the Jackets being interested in Kuzy. Just makes no sense (why get that stink on Fantilli), and he might not even waive to go there.

But, I could still see BMac trying to pry Laine loose with some picks + prospects. Which is why my bet has been that they were scouting Lappy on this road trip. And I’d be fine moving him for the right deal - how many middle 6 C’s do we need?

I've just been stewing on it but I wonder if there's not a three way situation between Columbus, Washington, and Edmonton. Wonder if either the Caps or Columbus would let a goalie go to Edmonton in a big swap.

Obviously the value is dependent on the goalie but it seems like the Caps could punt on one and negotiate that and a little extra into a potential value center or some workable scoring. Lindgren would hurt to lose based on his play and contract but it also means he's got a decent amount of value to give and is a "sell high" candidate in years they won't compete anyway...

Let Shepard eat some games, see if he's got NHL stuff worth signing, maybe parlay a goalie into something?

Just thinking outside the box on Columbus/Washington trades, saw a few Edmonton fans talking about Elvis and thought "doubt the Jackets want to give up Elvis, but I bet we could do something" and since they're scouting each other I thought it'd be fun.

 

[RedRocking]

I've just been stewing on it but I wonder if there's not a three way situation between Columbus, Washington, and Edmonton. Wonder if either the Caps or Columbus would let a goalie go to Edmonton in a big swap.

Obviously the value is dependent on the goalie but it seems like the Caps could punt on one and negotiate that and a little extra into a potential value center or some workable scoring. Lindgren would hurt to lose based on his play and contract but it also means he's got a decent amount of value to give and is a "sell high" candidate in years they won't compete anyway...

Let Shepard eat some games, see if he's got NHL stuff worth signing, maybe parlay a goalie into something?

Just thinking outside the box on Columbus/Washington trades, saw a few Edmonton fans talking about Elvis and thought "doubt the Jackets want to give up Elvis, but I bet we could do something" and since they're scouting each other I thought it'd be fun.

Yea, I like Chuck. But, he’s very streaky and isn’t really #1 goalie material imho. So, I’d be fine moving him too. If you’re Edmonton, it might be nice to have someone like him (that can get real hot) in the mix for cheap. Whereas a good chunk of Elvis’ salary would have to be retained in any deal.

Definitely some possibilities to chew on if it’s a three team deal - though not sure if we’d get an impactful player out of it. Maybe we weaponize our new found cap space down the line for futures.