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

[LesDiablesRouges]

If we could get younger and unload Jensen and/or TVR, while bringing back Orlov, I would be all for it. Unfortunately, it wouldn't be a solid look to trade guys you just extended just a few months before. Dima definitely comes in cheaper than TVR + Jensen.

Sandin-Carlson
Orlov-Jensen/TVR
Fever-AA

If we unloaded one of the two, we could absolutely make the cap work and we are not even talking about the savings from moving Mantha and/or Kuzy.

Even after moving on from Eller, we still have a logjam at C, with multiple prospects better suited at C than W, waiting in the wings (CMM, Protas, Lapi).

Moving Kuzy on a number of levels makes a ton of sense. It opens up space for a mix of CMM, AP, and Lapi at C, with one or two others not at C, moving to W. I have no problem with Strome at 1/2C for the time being, with Backstrom slotting in as a tweener between 2/3C until the other youngins' are ready to take that roll and Nicky rolls off into the sunset.

Sidenote: out of all of our C prospects, I think Lapi is likely the best suited to move to W. Given his skating ability and hands. CMM is far better suited for C and I would argue that AP is the same, unless he learns to utilize his body on the boards even more and grow into his huge frame.

 

[Hivemind]

Here's the thing about Ovie's "request" of the Capitals. The Capitals contending again and the Capitals keeping the whole group together are not compatible with one another. This core group is not going to contend to win a Cup again. If Ovie wants to compete for a Cup with the Capitals before he retires, it's going to involve the type of hard choices that remove some long-time franchise fixtures. It's going to require a transition period, and there's going to be some heartburn during that period. If they keep with the status quo, they are going to struggle to make the playoffs, and certainly aren't going to make a deep run.

 

[Ovi895]

Here's the thing about Ovie's "request" of the Capitals. The Capitals contending again and the Capitals keeping the whole group together are not compatible with one another. This core group is not going to contend to win a Cup again. If Ovie wants to compete for a Cup with the Capitals before he retires, it's going to involve the type of hard choices that remove some long-time franchise fixtures. It's going to require a transition period, and there's going to be some heartburn during that period. If they keep with the status quo, they are going to struggle to make the playoffs, and certainly aren't going to make a deep run.

The Florida Panthers just beat the best RS team of all time that was built to do damage in the playoffs and look like one of the top contenders left. For reference they're spending 23 million on Bobrovsky, Hornqvist and a bunch of dead cap space from multiple buyouts and have Marc Staal in their top 4. Backstrom's 9 million is a drop in the bucket compared to all of that

The Capitals could have very easily done both but they have done everything from insisting on absurd 3 year deals to players of Orlov's caliber to blowing through a decade worth of picks (even though virtually the entire cup winning team was itself drafted), to having barely a clue in pro scouting, none of those are Ovechkin's fault. It was entirely possible to have gotten Kuzmenko instead of Milano for 850k this offseason, to have Vrana, Johnston and Knies instead of Mantha, to still have Stephenson (making 2.5 million as a top two way C), Siegenthaler or Samsonov with an NHL goalie coach instead of the random guy off the street they replaced Korn with, and hit on just a few of literally double digit blunders they've made instead since winning the cup

 

[John Price]

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

First off, appreciate the thoughtfulness of this and other responses to my original comment. Being able to discuss this stuff, and disagree about it in an amicable way is why I've been hanging out here for a lot of years.

I agree with the bolded part. But I think part of what that means is that Ovi has to change the way he plays to some degree, especially 5x5. He's been asked to do it before, and he did under Trotz - but now he needs to do it again because not only is he older and slower but the game itself is younger and faster. And that means it's more important than ever that he be connected with the other guys he's on the ice with, and be really selective about jumping the zone early, saving energy for the exit (that doesn't come) leaning the wrong way, or doing other things that a lot of goal scorers do - maybe especially as they get older.

If that means a drop in shot totals or scoring chances, then so be it - because the Caps of the last couple of years give up A LOT of high-danger chances. He can still feast on the PP and still score 5x5, but if part of the equation is not to suck, everybody has to do more to suppress scoring chances. I fear - and obviously I can be wrong on this - that the emphasis on the record as a team goal makes that kind of adaptation harder - for Ovi individually and the team.

Asking Ovechkin to play more conservatively, just does the hard lifting for the opposition in minimizing his impact. They need to build a team and a system that can utilize what he still does best, because nobody else scores much.

Dunno, am I understanding maybe your suggestion to be competitive is for them to be a much more defensive team? Don’t think they have the personnel. Of course they don’t have it to be more offensive today either.

 

[twabby]

I think it is at least fair to ask Ovechkin to be open to taking a patient approach for a year before going for it the following years.

The question becomes would Ovechkin be willing to sacrifice one year of competitiveness to maybe build a team resembling a contender, or does he want to go for it every year so long as the playoffs are within reach? The former seems like a better formula for going deep at least one more time in Ovechkin's career, the latter seems like it would result in more postseasons but with less success.

 

[marcel snapshot]

I think we need to be a team that attacks more aggressively and applies more pressure all over the ice. It requires a significant boost in our collective motor rate and in the consistency of our ability to play with pace. You can cover up somewhat for a lack of pace by being more synchronized as a group out there - but the teams that are succeeding today have high tempo and considerable connectedness. I don't think we really have either right now, except for that month in December.

 

[Jags]

Here's the thing about Ovie's "request" of the Capitals. The Capitals contending again and the Capitals keeping the whole group together are not compatible with one another. This core group is not going to contend to win a Cup again. If Ovie wants to compete for a Cup with the Capitals before he retires, it's going to involve the type of hard choices that remove some long-time franchise fixtures. It's going to require a transition period, and there's going to be some heartburn during that period. If they keep with the status quo, they are going to struggle to make the playoffs, and certainly aren't going to make a deep run.

I agree, but I feel like we make a lot of assumptions about what goes on behind the scenes. Ovi can be upset about Orlov, for example, without actually disagreeing with the move. He might be perfectly fine with moving Kuznetsov, and might agree that it's time for Nick and TJ to start being realistic about their futures.

In other words, I think he probably knows exactly what needs to happen going forward, so a lot of what we're talking about here is most likely already water under the bridge. Doesn't mean he'll be happy living through it or not be frustrated by it. He's a lead by example guy, so him behaving like "I hate losing, you should hate it too" can be a good thing so long as he's mature about it. He was a soldier all year till his dad died, so I'm not worried about him accepting the necessary struggles of the team's next chapter.

The only ones in the mix that might be in denial are Nick and TJ. But we do a lot of assuming there, too. Maybe they're right and there's brighter days ahead for them without retiring. Or maybe they'll see the light as their season prep escalates and shut it down.

As of right now, there's nothing definitive to be worried about. Nick and TJ want to give it a go, so we're in holding patterns there. MacLellan appears to have the right attitude and made moves and comments suggesting he's got his head on straight. There looks to be a willingness on all parts to solve the Kuznetsov problem. Given the silence on the coaching front, it sounds like Mac's waiting to meet with the right candidates (no talk of interest in any of the current castoffs, and rightfully so).

We're in about as good a spot as we could be; just gotta wait and see how it works out.

 

[Ridley Simon]

19's not hanging it up mid-summer based on lap times or something like that. He may not even be on the ice until much later. Who knows. They're just going to have to work around it or try to work out a trade if they're so impatient. He intends to play. He feels good. Either support him and let him give it a go or bail. Don't just sort of sit back and question him into retirement when by all accounts he feels physically great post-surgery. Forcing him to work on some accelerated timeline of their own making so they can spend his AAV elsewhere isn't a great look. I share the skepticism that he reverts back to form but he deserves respect and support at least.

It's a massive short-term obstacle to build around him to be sure but all of their issues don't boil away simply by having more money to throw around. It's still likely to be a short supply of impact talent to aggressively go after, esp. at center. More substantial upgrades may need to wait a year as a more equitable resolution materializes re: 19 and also when there's perhaps a deeper talent pool available.

Getting rid of Kuznetsov & Mantha will be a good first step. More modest younger upside plays ala Strome would be fine work. They should focus on value and then go from there. Additions don't need to be made all at once. Saving ammo for moves down the line may be the way to go if supply doesn't quite match up. They'll be motivated to be active but as much as they may want to make a statement it's hard to immediately buy your way back in. NYR/PIT may open the door for them some but more substantial improvement is more likely a longer timeframe kind of thing.

We can all think and want “what we want” re: Backstrom. No one (and I hope I mean NO ONE) wanted this to be “where we are”.

It’s painful, and it blows.

However, he’ll YES the team has a right to want him to improve. Specifically, his skating. If almost 3mo of time spent on JUST THAT doesn’t reward everyone with betterments? Then?

He’s gonna get his 9m regardless. The man should want what’s best for his mates and his team. I would.

LTIR gives him a LOT of time. He may never come back. But that’s better than the machinations Backstrom and the franchise would have to go thru by either trading him or waiving him.

Hoping for the “best option” isn’t a plan. And lord knows enough people complain that GMBM either has no plan or the team is doomed. You are the leader of the “they are doomed” brigade. You just do it in a way filled with prose and journalistic writing. But it’s there. You have no faith.

Well, it’s all starts with the 9m hole in the Cap. Kuz and Mantha may suck ass, but at least they are headcases that can be “fixed” (another team may think that). Backstrom’s situation isn’t seemingly fixable. So?

 

[Hivemind]

The Florida Panthers just beat the best RS team of all time that was built to do damage in the playoffs and look like one of the top contenders left. For reference they're spending 23 million on Bobrovsky, Hornqvist and a bunch of dead cap space from multiple buyouts and have Marc Staal in their top 4. Backstrom's 9 million is a drop in the bucket compared to all of that

The Florida Panthers have a grand total of four skaters over the age of 30 on their roster. Their entire core is made up of guys 27 and younger. They are a fast, relatively youthful team that plays a swarming, attacking style.

No, the Capitals could not do that.

 

[um]

Really hoping we are in a position to draft Michkov. Can’t think of a better situation for team and player. Whether we move up in the lottery or he slips because of the Russian Factor (which has only benefited us over the last two decades). Bedard is a pipe dream.

Michkov dropping to 8 is a pipe dream.

Getting Bedard is a 6 percent odds dream.

 

[kicksavedave]

Lovely of them to put a pic of Halpern in a what, Coyotes uniform(?), for this article :p

 

[Brian23]

I feel like people thinking Backstrom goes on LTIR are kinda living in fantasy land. He wants to play, he'll play. LTIR is not some magic pill that fixes things or that they can just decide to do. You can't just make someone up injured if they want to play. The one that focus needs to be turned to is Oshie.

Also, pointing to Begeron and saying the Bruins are in Cap Hell because of it is kinda disingenuious. He had a 2.5 million dollar cap hit. Pointing out that Backstrom (and to an extent Ovi) made sure to maximize their returns on their contract is a valid point if they're also expecting to field competitive teams around them.

 

[IafrateOvie34]

Please no to Halpern. Loved the guy as a Cap though.

 

[kicksavedave]

The Florida Panthers have a grand total of four skaters over the age of 30 on their roster. Their entire core is made up of guys 27 and younger. They are a fast, relatively youthful team that plays a swarming, attacking style.

No, the Capitals could not do that.

But the reason they could not do what Panthers just did is not because of Backies contract. Its because their role and depth players are all average to meh. Even the rookies we did play when forced to aren't all speed burners who play a swarming style like FLA did. We need a new coach and players that fit a new system, not whatever *gestures to the entire roster* this is.

 

[AlexModvechkin8]

It seems like they’re looking in the right places.

 

[AlexModvechkin8]

I wonder if they’d actually consider Bruce. Also, Tarik says he thinks Kuznetsov’s time in DC has run its course and that he expects some surprises this off-season.

 

[Hivemind]

It seems like they’re looking in the right places.

What the hell is going on with Buccigross' twitter account? Is he trying to turn himself into some sort of Barstool-like brand?

 

[Ovechkins Wodka]

I don't think it's a surprise Orlov wants back, but the fit really isn't there for us at that money and the time-line doesn't fit very well for us to be his preferred destination. Let him take the UFA route and circle back if he's willing to come closer to 3-year deal.

Even then it's tough... we'd likely need to have dealt atleast 1 of Kuznetsov and Mantha first and then somehow have their replacements figured out, because bringing back Orlov means we can't really replace them with expensive forwards.

Time to get over the Backstrom dream. He's going to keep playing.

I count 4 rookies fowards that could be main stays next season. CMM, Protas, Lappy, Frank. We dont really need money to chase UFA forwards.

 

[Ovechkins Wodka]

Lovely of them to put a pic of Halpern in a what, Coyotes uniform(?), for this article :p

I was trying to remember when he paid there

 

[SecretaryofDefense5]

I don’t usually enjoy their articles but this one is interesting. I found the comments of the players down there interesting that they even feel the way the Caps managed McMichael wasn’t great.

What the Hershey Bears see in Connor McMichael: a hard worker, defensively responsible centerman, and growing leader

HERSHEY, PA -- Coming off a promising end to the 2021-22 season, Capitals top center prospect Connor McMichael seemed destined for a…

russianmachineneverbreaks.com

I count 4 rookies fowards that could be main stays next season. CMM, Protas, Lappy, Frank. We dont really need money to chase UFA forwards.

If they want a prayer to make the playoffs they do.

 

[Ovechkins Wodka]

Nice CMM post. We better not trade him before a new coach gets his hands on them.

And also when has an old team with no cap space ever gotten better by overspending on free agent

For me, it’s pretty clear our only way out of this Hell with old bad players is using our youth on rookie contracts

 

[Raikkonen]

Strome
CMM
Backstrom
Dowd

alternative 3C could be Protas

things could go south with this center axis... but with good mobile wingers maybe it won't be so bad

and you have deadline too

 

[Calicaps]

I'm not sure I agree that we can't play differently with Ovie in the lineup - we did. If I'm the Caps, I'd look real hard at why the team played well from the day after Thanksgiving until Jan. 1, when Ovie scored like 16 goals and the Caps were 13-4-1. That's the closest they came to playing a connected 5-man game with everybody playing solid at both ends of the ice. Figure out why they could play like that for 5 weeks, and then not do it again for the rest of the season. Obviously, Nick was out the whole time, and Osh was out for about half the time - that probably tells us something. But we also showed an ability to play like successful NHL teams in 2022-23 with Ovie playing and scoring.

Who said they can't? (Maybe I missed it.) I think @AlexBrovechkin8's point is that this is precisely what they are trying to do. Not rebuild but retool to be a better, more competitive team than they are now without blowing it up altogether.

 

[Carlzner]

What the hell is going on with Buccigross' twitter account? Is he trying to turn himself into some sort of Barstool-like brand?

He has been for years. It’s awful