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

[CapitalsCupReality]

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.

You do if you want to win, either that or we trade for better players.

 

[Ovechkins Wodka]

You do if you want to win, either that or we trade for better players.

I don’t know I think we might have better players in Hershey than going dumpster diving. For the most part Lavi has not promoted anybody for two seasons maybe longer if you count the Covid season

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

I don’t know I think we might have better players in Hershey than going dumpster diving. For the most part Lavi has not promoted anybody for two seasons maybe longer if you count the Covid season

Nobody said dumpster dive. There will be upgrades available either as FA’s or trade targets. Our young guys aren’t good enough to win in the NHL today.

 

[HTFN]

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.

I'm not sure I'm interested. Boudreau is a great guy but he's been around and his recent coaching stints haven't given the impression that he's particularly capable of coaching the new game. He was at one point, but the time has passed a little, I'd just as soon see them go with someone very up and coming and primed to engage with the new NHL.

 

[SecretaryofDefense5]

This is cool by Alexeyev

 

[Ovechkins Wodka]

Can he play?? I think hes allowed

This is cool by Alexeyev

 

[Ovi895]

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.

And they've put that team together from a bunch of smart show me signings, trades and waivers claims that could have been done by virtually any team despite inheriting a huge cap handicap courtesy of Dale Tallon. They traded about as much for Bennett and Reinhart combined as we did for Mantha and plucked Verhaeghe, Duclair, Cousins, Wennberg, Marchment, Forsling, Mahura out of thin air

 

[usiel]

I didn't realize that Verhaeghe was drafted by Toronto until one of the announcers mentioned it.

 

[OV Rocks]

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.

Doubt it happens but a combo of someone like Halpern as head coach with Gabby as an assistant/associate would interest me. Seems like a good opportunity to give Halpern the control over the team but a good support, a bit of the reverse of what NJ is doing with Ruff and Brunette, old school experience and new school thinking.

 

[crazy8888]

Doubt it happens but a combo of someone like Halpern as head coach with Gabby as an assistant/associate would interest me. Seems like a good opportunity to give Halpern the control over the team but a good support, a bit of the reverse of what NJ is doing with Ruff and Brunette, old school experience and new school thinking.

Not sure Bruce would take an assistant coach job. Maybe Caps would be the one exception due to history and all but my gut tells me for Bruce its either HC or nothing.

 

[twabby]

I’d pass on Bruce. He was a big part of turning the team into a winner but I want some fresh eyes to come in and assess the roster, with a slant toward youth.

Bruce has way too much history with guys like Backstrom and Ovechkin in particular where I think it could affect his ability to judge them for who they are currently rather than who they used to be. This might also be a slight reason to lean away from Halpern as well, though he didn’t really play much with 8 and 19. Lack of HC experience would be the biggest knock against Halpern, though he has been an impressive assistant. Certainly worth interviewing.

Carbery makes a ton of sense because he’s familiar with the new wave of Capitals and will in all likelihood give them a fair shake. He’s also shown aptitude in Hershey and Toronto in HC and assistant roles.

Brunette would also be interesting because he has helped develop modern offenses in Florida and NJ. I’d be interested to know how much of Florida’s success last year was due to Brunette vs. Quennville. Was Brunette simply running Quennville’s system, or did Brunette develop it and Quennville was just the overseer and manager of the team?

I think Carbery is my #1 option. Brunette #2. Then Halpern. I’m sure other guys I’m not thinking of could be interesting fits too.

 

[Misery74]

I’d pass on Bruce. He was a big part of turning the team into a winner but I want some fresh eyes to come in and assess the roster, with a slant toward youth.

Bruce has way too much history with guys like Backstrom and Ovechkin in particular where I think it could affect his ability to judge them for who they are currently rather than who they used to be. This might also be a slight reason to lean away from Halpern as well, though he didn’t really play much with 8 and 19. Lack of HC experience would be the biggest knock against Halpern, though he has been an impressive assistant. Certainly worth interviewing.

Carbery makes a ton of sense because he’s familiar with the new wave of Capitals and will in all likelihood give them a fair shake. He’s also shown aptitude in Hershey and Toronto in HC and assistant roles.

Brunette would also be interesting because he has helped develop modern offenses in Florida and NJ. I’d be interested to know how much of Florida’s success last year was due to Brunette vs. Quennville. Was Brunette simply running Quennville’s system, or did Brunette develop it and Quennville was just the overseer and manager of the team?

I think Carbery is my #1 option. Brunette #2. Then Halpern. I’m sure other guys I’m not thinking of could be interesting fits too.

Someone a few days ago mentioned Federov, but he may have the same issues you stated with BB.

 

[twabby]

Someone a few days ago mentioned Federov, but he may have the same issues you stated with BB.

Yeah I don’t think I like the idea of Fedorov. He was invaluable as a mentor when Ovechkin and Semin were still in their early 20s but he’s been away from the NHL for so long now that I don’t know that he’d be familiar enough with what works and where the league is heading to be a great coach.

 

[OV Rocks]

Yeah I don’t think I like the idea of Fedorov. He was invaluable as a mentor when Ovechkin and Semin were still in their early 20s but he’s been away from the NHL for so long now that I don’t know that he’d be familiar enough with what works and where the league is heading to be a great coach.

Pretty sure he was just named the KHL coach of the year last year or two years ago...for what that is worth

Someone here brought up a good point about Brunette a few days ago that I agree with, we all saw him as a head coach in the playoffs, zero adjustments he was just lucky as could be Hathaway missed an open net and Caps didn't go up 3-1 or the Panthers of last year would have been just like the Bruins this year. Then he got out coached in the 2nd round, which might be an understatement, of how bad that went.


Other names behind the bench I wouldn't mind, Orpik and Ward

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

I would pass on Bruce. Fedorov I would kick the tires, but is he really interested? Seems unlikely to me. Also…..pass on Brunette.

 

[Rayquaza64]

Carbery, Nelson, Halpern. Pick one Brian!

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

Who are the top candidates for NHL coach, GM jobs?

Hiring season will be upon us before you know it. Here are the people that could be line for the opportunities, including Cammi Granato, Spencer Carbery and Joel Ward.

www.espn.com

Ready now:

Brunette
Carberry
Leach
Sturm
Warsofsky (former SC Stingrays Coach and Dir of Hockey Ops)
Vincent

lots of interesting names in the “next wave“ section…..

 

[Calicaps]

I would pass on Bruce. Fedorov I would kick the tires, but is he really interested? Seems unlikely to me. Also…..pass on Brunette.

Seen a few such comments on Brunette. I tend to lean toward the guy who's already taken his lumps in a first gig. Expect he's learned a thing or two. What's your objection?

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

Seen a few such comments on Brunette. I tend to lean toward the guy who's already taken his lumps in a first gig. Expect he's learned a thing or two. What's your objection?

Nothing specific….maybe I’m biased from my disappointment with him as a Capital player….

 

[ArmadilloThumb]

IIRC, the longest anyone has played after the same procedure that Backstrom had was just under 50 games. If a doctor advises against continuing to play at some point is that sufficient for LTIR? I want 19 to get his $$, but also not risk quality of life later on.

 

[Misery74]

IIRC, the longest anyone has played after the same procedure that Backstrom had was just under 50 games. If a doctor advises against continuing to play at some point is that sufficient for LTIR? I want 19 to get his $$, but also not risk quality of life later on.

If he is cleared to play, he can play. He can decide to retire, and they can move him to
LTIR, and still get his money. Similar to Shea Weber. I don’t believe they can force this though.

 

[ArmadilloThumb]

Caps very well may have another high-end C prospect on the roster very soon!!

I wish Kuzy well, I was a supporter, but would like to see him moved. Strategy might be clearer after the lottery. He absolutely has value to the right GM & right team. Would love another top 15 pick. Dangle him and see who bites...

Same with Mantha, but he may be worth hanging on, with potential for higher value return at next year's deadline.

Oshie should stay. Glue, just like Orpik.

 

[ArmadilloThumb]

Overall I hope we get CMM, AP, EF, and (if ready) HL on the Caps soon as possible. CMM & HL really rose to the occasion when then first were up and both did well. If they know they won't be jacked around anymore they can come up again with a fresh-start attitude and all the AHL experience.

Miro, Suzdelev, and whoever we get in the 1st round add to the potential for a faster than expected return to contention.

 

[ArmadilloThumb]

Also wanted to posit the Caps strategy right now faces a lot of decision trees. Some of those decisions may be best made over time. Not everything can or should be resolved right now. Chess rather than checkers...

 

[bacchist]

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.

I had high hopes for a while, but at this point I'd be shocked if Frank is productive at the NHL level. Watching the Bears playoffs, you wouldn't even know he's playing. Total non factor.