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

[twabby]

Classic case of you arguing a straw man, show me the defensive liability posts.

I won’t speak for others but my position on Phillips is pretty backed up by these stats: he can’t convert on his defensive contribution because he’s too easy to erase from play and it’s the same reason his even strength offense is essentially replacement level, which has always been your favorite of saying “provides nothing”

So we’ve got a tiny guy who could maybe take more minutes but would ultimately just be providing checking line impacts. Now we need to look at how to make that happen with a guy whose zone starts are similar to Evgeny Kuznetsov and take a more offensive tilt than powerhouses like Lapierre and Milano and hope that doesn’t have any disadvantages built in…

Like people have actually said to you, he just needs to provide one extra tool and he doesn’t, which makes him hard to fit. If he were thicker and could stay on pucks maybe you can deploy him defensively more but his frame makes him more effective in transition than in-zone play to these eyes and I think that’s what’s reflecting in his stats. If he had more even strength offense he’d be actually creating chances and it wouldn’t matter what his size was because he’s making it work both ways but what we're seeing is a good IQ player with good touches and hands still providing very little offense because _____ and I invite you to tell me what you think _____ is.

I think his offensive ability might be limited. I'm not trying to say he's some 60 point guy if given the right teammates. I think his value is that he's smart and gets play going in the right direction.

The thing I think you're missing is that he doesn't need to be nearly as effective offensively to provide a winning impact because he's been so effective defensively. He's not giving up chances and goals against so in order to break even or better his offensive neutral baseline is much lower. And indeed his goal differential is a +0.3 goals per 60 while the team as a whole is at -0.5 goals per 60.

I'd play him in defensive situations. He shouldn't have been benched at the end of last game when the Stars were mounting a comeback. Maybe play him with Ovechkin or Kuznetsov to mitigate their defensive issues and get the puck going in the right direction. It's a weak argument to say he's a hard fit on the team.

 

[DWGie26]

Phillips is what he is. An AHL stud. NHL tweener. A good 13F who both earned some games and got some games due to injury. I mean, when he was playing who would be in instead of him.

He’s good enough not to embarrass himself (or club) in the NHL. But he isn’t going to move the dial either. He has performed well for the contract he signed. One way minimum contract to get him and he is easily moved in and out of the lineup and will probably pass waivers in 2-3 weeks since he is on a one-way. Smart (but not sexy) signing. Got exactly what we bought.

 

[hockeykicker]

 

[Langway]

TVR for Kuzmenko maybe? Not a key cog type but some upside there.

 

[Holtbyisms]

You've got to think Alexeyev or Lujo go to Hershey and potentially get claimed. But can't imagine Bear will sign here under the assumption that he be #7 battling for ice time with Jensen and TVR. Maybe one of them goes on the block. I'd prefer to keep TVR over Jensen at this point.

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

TVR for Kuzmenko maybe? Not a key cog type but some upside there.

I’m dying to know what’s going on.behind the scenes….I’d love to see a surprise big name add out of nowhere…

TVR for Kuzmenko maybe? Not a key cog type but some upside there.

Where does he fit in here?

 

[Langway]

Where does he fit in here?

Shrug. Put him with Kuznetsov and see if they can't make some Russian magic? He put up 39 Gs last year but has quickly fallen out of favor (due to laziness I guess). Not sure how they'd work him in on the PP (Oshie off?).

With the bottom six playing pretty well together it's Milano and Oshie that stand out as most vulnerable in the lineup. Will be interesting at least what ends up happening when Pacioretty is ready. Could be that Milano has to fight to stay in but were they to add someone like Kuzmenko you'd really wonder about Oshie's place.

 

[Marshall]

I still don't get the Bear thing.

 

[usiel]

I still don't get the Bear thing.

Does seem a bit puzzling. Might allow them to make a potential trade. LuJo getting sent would seem logical if no trade.

 

[Holtbyisms]

Does seem a bit puzzling. Might allow them to make a potential trade. LuJo getting sent would seem logical if no trade.

I don't think there's really any takers via trade for lujo out there. He's unfortunately only an NHL defenseman in title. I could see someone taking a shot at him on waivers though...which might not be a bad thing for all parties. I'm also puzzled Bear would sign here if he's not promised a starting job because there are other teams he could certainly get one. Confusing.

 

[twabby]

It makes sense if they trade Jensen or Edmundson. I still don't really get why Washington got Joel Edmundson in the first place. A consistently dreadful performer.

I like the idea of Kuzmenko. Unlikely to be a 39 goal guy again but GAR still rates his impacts this year being near the top of the league despite getting his ice time reduced. Buying low would be a smart option.

 

[SecretaryofDefense5]

I don't think there's really any takers via trade for lujo out there. He's unfortunately only an NHL defenseman in title. I could see someone taking a shot at him on waivers though...which might not be a bad thing for all parties. I'm also puzzled Bear would sign here if he's not promised a starting job because there are other teams he could certainly get one. Confusing.

I’m sure he is being promised a spot if he signs.

 

[Ridley Simon]

I doubt they sign Bear. It just doesn’t seem to make any sense.

They have too many players as it is?

I’ve long been advocating a “thinning of the ranks” trade, for futures or 3 for 2, etc.

I’m still bullish on the lads. They have the ability to have a LOT of 20-30 goal scorers. Depth in waves, perhaps.

 

[um]

I’m dying to know what’s going on.behind the scenes….I’d love to see a surprise big name add out of nowhere…


Where does he fit in here?

Given that he’d be tied for the lead in points on this team I’d think it wouldn’t be a problem.

Y’all acting like the Caps aren’t the 2nd worst offence in the league.

 

[RedRocking]

Given that he’d be tied for the lead in points on this team I’d think it wouldn’t be a problem.

Y’all acting like the Caps aren’t the 2nd worst offence in the league.

Yea, seriously. Not sure exactly what Tocchet’s issue is with Kuzmenko right now - but, he’s been displaced in the top 6 by the likes of Lafferty and Hoglander.

I think they have plenty of offense and need more of a balance with some effort guys that battle and go to the dirty areas.

Whereas the Caps could use all the offensive help they can get, and he’s a fairly elite finisher. He’s on a 2 year deal through next year at 5.5M AAV, so it’s not a huge risk time-wise.

He’s a righty, so he could take Oshie’s place on the PP - I’ve seen the Nucks use him in the bumper/slot.

 

[HTFN]

Yea, seriously. Not sure exactly what Tocchet’s issue is with Kuzmenko right now - but, he’s been displaced in the top 6 by the likes of Lafferty and Hoglander.

I think they have plenty of offense and need more of a balance with some effort guys that battle and go to the dirty areas.

Whereas the Caps could use all the offensive help they can get, and he’s a fairly elite finisher. He’s on a 2 year deal through next year at 5.5M AAV, so it’s not a huge risk time-wise.

He’s a righty, so he could take Oshie’s place on the PP - I’ve seen the Nucks use him in the bumper/slot.

oh man, I misread capfriendly earlier and I was like "they paid this dude 11M?!"

that's way more feasible. If it doesn't cost a future cornerstone we might as well just do it and see how it goes, not like we don't have LTIR money to spend and huge offensive problems all over the place.

Caps have battle material right now to free up some space for a non-Kuznetsov (not that he hasn't been doing better) to focus on what he can do and do it

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

Given that he’d be tied for the lead in points on this team I’d think it wouldn’t be a problem.

Y’all acting like the Caps aren’t the 2nd worst offence in the league.

Let’s see, I’ve been calling for a trade for offense…is that really what “y’all” are acting like? SMH…

 

[IafrateOvie34]

I still don't get the Bear thing.

Me either although I thought he was solid as an Oiler.

 

[Brian23]

TVR and Jensen just signed deals last off season, it makes no sense why they'd be traded now. I thought that, maybe, it could involve someone like Jensen wanting to be closer to home due to whatever happened in the off-season with him, but I don't think he's from anywhere close to Columbus.

I liked Bear, won't have any issues with him on the team, but man is that a weird signing when your RD seems pretty locked in for at least another year.

 

[Marshall]

TVR and Jensen just signed deals last off season, it makes no sense why they'd be traded now. I thought that, maybe, it could involve someone like Jensen wanting to be closer to home due to whatever happened in the off-season with him, but I don't think he's from anywhere close to Columbus.

I liked Bear, won't have any issues with him on the team, but man is that a weird signing when your RD seems pretty locked in for at least another year.

My thought as well - and the thought of TVR or Jensen wanting to leave never occurred to me. Seems unlikely, but not out of the realm of possibility.

(Jensen was born in Minnesota, which may or may not be relevant.)

 

[twabby]

TVR can play the left side so it's possible they'd look to slide him over.

It's still an odd fit but I'd certainly prefer TVR slide over to LD and have Bear take Edmundson's spot in the lineup for example. It's an upgrade but doesn't move the needle much and would restrict their ability to add a forward.

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

TVR can play the left side so it's possible they'd look to slide him over.

It's still an odd fit but I'd certainly prefer TVR slide over to LD and have Bear take Edmundson's spot in the lineup for example. It's an upgrade but doesn't move the needle much and would restrict their ability to add a forward.

Makes little sense….that can’t be the move if they sign him.

 

[um]

Let’s see, I’ve been calling for a trade for offense…is that really what “y’all” are acting like? SMH…

I was more responding to a group of people over thinking the acquisition of Kuzmenko.

Don’t be so sensitive.

TVR and Jensen just signed deals last off season, it makes no sense why they'd be traded now. I thought that, maybe, it could involve someone like Jensen wanting to be closer to home due to whatever happened in the off-season with him, but I don't think he's from anywhere close to Columbus.

I liked Bear, won't have any issues with him on the team, but man is that a weird signing when your RD seems pretty locked in for at least another year.

It’s not ideal to trade them. But a trade using your strengths to address your weaknesses always makes sense.

Let’s not be overly loyal to TVR and Jensen, of all people.

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

I was more responding to a group of people over thinking the acquisition of Kuzmenko.

Don’t be so sensitive.


It’s not ideal to trade them. But a trade using your strengths to address your weaknesses always makes sense.

Let’s not be overly loyal to TVR and Jensen, of all people.

Just responding to your direct quote….hardly sensitive or my issue not being clear.

 

[twabby]

Makes little sense….that can’t be the move if they sign him.

I agree there but there has to be some other moving part. They aren't signing Bear just to scratch him, so one of their top 6 would have to exit in one way or another. But aside from Carlson every one of their top 6 D-men was either recently traded for or recently signed an extension so it's tough to figure out who would be the odd man out.

We're missing something. Friedman isn't one to report the Caps are making a run at him without some good intel.