Speculation: Caps Roster General Discussion (Coaching/FAs/Cap/Lines etc) - 2023 Off-season

[Empty Goal Net]

Not likely at first. It's hard to predict how an SHL standout might transition to North America. He plays a complete and tenacious game, which definitely works in his favor if Alexeyev is the guy to beat. Works hard in both ends, pretty good in transition, passes well, good shot.

He's solid on both special teams units where he is now. Don't let his height get you too excited. He has a narrow frame that won't add bulk well, so he's likely to stay in the 210lb range. He does play physical though and uses his body well, just don't expect him to be a hitting machine in North America.

HAH is definitely an interesting prospect with NHL potential. He wouldn't make the jump if he thought the AHL was his ceiling. He's been the size he is now for several years and the SHL is no joke, so at 24 he's pretty much fully cooked. I would expect him to immediately be in the LHD mix for an NHL spot, but that has as much to do with our not-so-explosive LHD prospect pool than his likelihood of being NHL caliber right away.

So the comparisons to ol' double nickel aren't quite accurate? Sounds like he hits more even tho' he's shorter and carries fewer pounds.

 

[usiel]

Kinda a death knell for Johansen potentially.

 

[twabby]

Not likely at first. It's hard to predict how an SHL standout might transition to North America. He plays a complete and tenacious game, which definitely works in his favor if Alexeyev is the guy to beat. Works hard in both ends, pretty good in transition, passes well, good shot.

He's solid on both special teams units where he is now. Don't let his height get you too excited. He has a narrow frame that won't add bulk well, so he's likely to stay in the 210lb range. He does play physical though and uses his body well, just don't expect him to be a hitting machine in North America.

HAH is definitely an interesting prospect with NHL potential. He wouldn't make the jump if he thought the AHL was his ceiling. He's been the size he is now for several years and the SHL is no joke, so at 24 he's pretty much fully cooked. I would expect him to immediately be in the LHD mix for an NHL spot, but that has as much to do with our not-so-explosive LHD prospect pool than his likelihood of being NHL caliber right away.

Thank you for this info!

I know this is going to be an active offseason so any moves like this that give them flexibility is certainly a good thing. Looking forward to seeing this guy’s stats in training camp!

 

[Jags]

So the comparisons to ol' double nickel aren't quite accurate? Sounds like he hits more even tho' he's shorter and carries fewer pounds.

Again, it's hard to tell. I could see a scenario where I'm wrong and he's pushing for 2nd pair minutes with the Caps, and it could just as easily break the other way and he ends up pushing for 2nd pair minutes in Hershey.

He plays great, but that's how he looks versus SHL talent. He has enough sandpaper to be well-liked around here, but will that translate when he's checking an NHL power forward like Kreider or the Tkachuks? He moves well enough to really stand out in the SHL, but does SHL quickness and vision mean McDavid won't turn him into a pylon?

*shrug*

If he were a no-brainer, can't-miss prospect teams would be all over him, so don't get too excited. My gut says he might be one of those surprises Mac and his staff pull from out of nowhere, and could be a cheap, steady upgrade to Alexeyev if it works out. If it REALLY works out, he could possibly remind us that Fehervary is still more of a question mark than we like to admit. And if it doesn't work out I really do think he's better than what we have on the farm, but even that's still a guess.

Kinda a death knell for Johansen potentially

Yeah, that's my immediate takeaway. While it's difficult to ascertain what the North American equivalents are for Euro players, I think he's definitely the most complete LHD we'd have after Sandin and Fehervary. But that's not really saying all that much because our other current LHDs are pretty erratic.

I really don't know why this doesn't happen more often. The AHL is maybe the 7th or 8th best league worldwide. Proximity is key, obviously, but if you have a draft pick that is legitimately having trouble making it to the NHL, they're likely not much better at their position than many of their SHL, KHL, Finn, Czech, DEL, and Swiss league counterparts. There's a lot of talent out there.

 

[um]

I really don't know why this doesn't happen more often. The AHL is maybe the 7th or 8th best league worldwide. Proximity is key, obviously, but if you have a draft pick that is legitimately having trouble making it to the NHL, they're likely not much better at their position than many of their SHL, KHL, Finn, Czech, DEL, and Swiss league counterparts. There's a lot of talent out there.

That seems like a very low ranking for the AHL.

 

[Jags]

That seems like a very low ranking for the AHL.

To each their own, I guess.

I watch a lot of international hockey, and the AHL is pretty unique in that it benefits from its NHL association but takes a pretty big hit on the age restrictions that prop up other leagues. So the overall talent is all over the place, but spread pretty evenly around the league, so it's still a great, competitive league that's fun to watch.

But I wouldn't hesitate to put the KHL, SHL, Liiga, and Extraliga ahead of the AHL, and in that order (best first). The NLA and DEL are also definitely in the conversation for maybe being ahead of the AHL. And if not, it's close.

That said, it's just my personal opinion and I do watch far more international than AHL games, so that might skew my perspective a bit.

 

[Ridley Simon]

Well I knew well in advance that Cal would tie the record on my birthday. Crazy thing was my GF at the time got 4 tickets for $5 each from Univ MD Baltimore as she was on faculty there. Huge score.

With the goal record, its really hard to predict so I would not be buying expensive tickets to that... just gotta get lucky. Hope its at home though.

You’re a September 6rh baby?

 

[usiel]

To each their own, I guess.

I watch a lot of international hockey, and the AHL is pretty unique in that it benefits from its NHL association but takes a pretty big hit on the age restrictions that prop up other leagues. So the overall talent is all over the place, but spread pretty evenly around the league, so it's still a great, competitive league that's fun to watch.

But I wouldn't hesitate to put the KHL, SHL, Liiga, and Extraliga ahead of the AHL, and in that order (best first). The NLA and DEL are also definitely in the conversation for maybe being ahead of the AHL. And if not, it's close.

That said, it's just my personal opinion and I do watch far more international than AHL games, so that might skew my perspective a bit.

Jags I respect your opinion as anyone here but dropping it down as low as your previous post mentioned seems somewhat hyperbole. Top league in the world for skill and money is the NHL. Give me some feeder stats of all those leagues over the AHL and I'll change my opinion.

 

[Jags]

Jags I respect your opinion as anyone here but dropping it down as low as your previous post mentioned seems somewhat hyperbole. Top league in the world for skill and money is the NHL. Give me some feeder stats of all those leagues over the AHL and I'll change my opinion.

I'm not basing it on stats of any kind, nor am I aware of any stats that would measure the leagues in that way. It's definitely my personal opinion, though I bet I'm far from alone in thinking that the best Euro leagues rank right behind the NHL and KHL. How many is certainly debatable, though I don't think it's all that arguable with the SHL.

I'm not sure what you mean by feeder stats. Gauging leagues by how much they feed the NHL or other leagues (if that's what you mean) wouldn't be a good metric.

My intention wasn't for it to come off hyperbolic. I meant "maybe 7th or 8th" as in "it might be as low as that because there are 4 really great Euro leagues and the NHL and KHL are no-brainers," not "7th if they're lucky."

For my dollar, the KHL, SHL, and Liiga feel like superior leagues to me, and the others I mentioned seem close. *shrug* Your mileage may vary.

Sorry to derail the thread with this. I honestly didn't think it'd be that controversial a statement. It really does feel kinda obvious to me.

 

[Langway]

Trade Targets: Erik Karlsson’s value may never be higher for San Jose Sharks

As we unveil our first offseason Trade Targets board, a weak UFA class and rising cap create optimal dealing conditions.

www.dailyfaceoff.com

Lindholm and Hall would be sort of interesting. Slim pickings if that's all that's available but you'd think Schmaltz will move. Provorov or Sanheim may move.

 

[twabby]

Trade Targets: Erik Karlsson’s value may never be higher for San Jose Sharks

As we unveil our first offseason Trade Targets board, a weak UFA class and rising cap create optimal dealing conditions.

www.dailyfaceoff.com

Lindholm and Hall would be sort of interesting. Slim pickings if that's all that's available but you'd think Schmaltz will move. Provorov or Sanheim may move.

I’ve soured a bit on Lindholm after this past season. I get that Sutter probably negatively impacted his play this season but even the isolates kind of paint him as a middling player since he arrived in Calgary:

I think Tkachuk’s season in Florida really drives home the idea that he was the primary driver on that line in Calgary.

I’d pass on Lindholm, especially if it means they have to trade McMichael or Lapierre to get him. I’d much rather let McMichael play it out in DC this year.

Hall might be interesting but I also think he’d be expensive given his postseason so far. If they are going to buy this offseason then I think they need to aim a bit higher than Hall.

I think they’ll need to get creative. I don’t know that I want any of those guys on Seravalli’s list.

 

[Silky mitts]

Haman Aktell, a former Nashville draft pick, has been a quality member of a top SHL team this season in Vaxjo. Haman Aktell is a huge defenseman who was often injured shortly after Nashville drafted him. He’s been healthy the last few years, though, and his offensive touch has taken off this season. I don’t view him as a big points producer in North America, but he can make a good first pass and has a strong point shot. His skating will be a major limitation in the NHL, but I think he defends well enough to potentially overcome that and be a third-pair defenseman in the league.

 

[Ridley Simon]

I’ve soured a bit on Lindholm after this past season. I get that Sutter probably negatively impacted his play this season but even the isolates kind of paint him as a middling player since he arrived in Calgary:

View attachment 697733

I think Tkachuk’s season in Florida really drives home the idea that he was the primary driver on that line in Calgary.

I’d pass on Lindholm, especially if it means they have to trade McMichael or Lapierre to get him. I’d much rather let McMichael play it out in DC this year.

Hall might be interesting but I also think he’d be expensive given his postseason so far. If they are going to buy this offseason then I think they need to aim a bit higher than Hall.

I think they’ll need to get creative. I don’t know that I want any of those guys on Seravalli’s list.

Have not read the article yet (I just wanted to read YOU @twabby

Boston is going to be in salary cap hell. Especially if the win the Cup. So Hall could be a salary dump. So either like for like (Mantha?), or a “take my bad contract for nothing” move.

Just IMO.

I’d be all over Hall for Mantha. Hall has 2yrs longer that Moe, however he’s the type of creative offensive forward the team needs. Even with his warts.

Mantha could be seen as a good risk for the Bruins. PLUS, our ex players have done decently for them!

Imagine Backstrom LTIR, sign Orlov’s for 8m/5yrs (yes, it’s a backtrack, but it’s a different team now, and we’ve seen how much we miss Dima….he could say the same thing, it could work).

Then we keep Oshie and Kuznetsov to start the season, new voice, new energy, etc etc

Ovechkin - Strome - Wilson
Hall - Kuznetsov - Brown
Milano - McMichael - Oshie
NAK - Dowd - Hershey F
Vet FA’s/Hershey F’s

Orlov - Carlson
Sandin - Jensen
Fever - TVR
Haman-Aktell/AA

Kuemper
Sideburns

 

[Ovechkins Wodka]

2 way deal
He needs a nick name. Im not typing all of that every time lol

 

[Peeri]

Literally WHO?

2 way deal
He needs a nick name. Im not typing all of that every time lol

 

[Langway]

I would have thought a 3LD needed to be more of a PKer type (similar to Alexeyev) but perhaps this is just next year's Gabriel Carlsson.

 

[Corby78]

To each their own, I guess.

I watch a lot of international hockey, and the AHL is pretty unique in that it benefits from its NHL association but takes a pretty big hit on the age restrictions that prop up other leagues. So the overall talent is all over the place, but spread pretty evenly around the league, so it's still a great, competitive league that's fun to watch.

But I wouldn't hesitate to put the KHL, SHL, Liiga, and Extraliga ahead of the AHL, and in that order (best first). The NLA and DEL are also definitely in the conversation for maybe being ahead of the AHL. And if not, it's close.

That said, it's just my personal opinion and I do watch far more international than AHL games, so that might skew my perspective a bit.

Having been to a number of DEL games, they aren’t at the same level as the AHL. Some nice players but honestly probably closer to the ECHL than AHL.

 

[um]

Trade Targets: Erik Karlsson’s value may never be higher for San Jose Sharks

As we unveil our first offseason Trade Targets board, a weak UFA class and rising cap create optimal dealing conditions.

www.dailyfaceoff.com

Lindholm and Hall would be sort of interesting. Slim pickings if that's all that's available but you'd think Schmaltz will move. Provorov or Sanheim may move.

Karlsson is still a very risky pickup , this was his first healthy season in San Jose.

 

[Holtbyisms]

2 way deal
He needs a nick name. Im not typing all of that every time lol

I mean HHA is a gimme?

 

[Calicaps]

2 way deal
He needs a nick name. Im not typing all of that every time lol

HardyBoy, obvs.

 

[um]

I'm liking this competition on the LD spot.

 

[HTFN]

2 way deal
He needs a nick name. Im not typing all of that every time lol

HaHaA

 

[usiel]

2 way deal
He needs a nick name. Im not typing all of that every time lol

Hardy Keitel

 

[kicksavedave]

You’re a September 6rh baby?

Sept 5th. He tied it on my birthday and broke it the next day on the 6th.

 

[Roshi]

If guys first name is Hardy i dont think we need a nickname..

Vibing this a bit as we are giving Fever the top pairing spot, and young guns + Hardy + another cheap UFA signing will battle out the 6-8 D out. Not sure how I feel about that...

Fever-Carlson
Sandin-Jensen
Hardy/UFA-TvR
Iorio-AA

But yeah, nothing to lose with this signing.