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

[AlexModvechkin8]

William Nylanders next contract could net him close to $10m per season.

As good as Nylander is, until Backstrom is gone, we just cannot pay that.

Backstrom is gone in two years, possibly sooner, as are Kuznetsov and Oshie. Mantha is gone after this year. They currently only have seven players signed for the 2025-26 season. It would be tight next year but the Caps are well positioned to be able to give him a big contract as they have no young guys that will need significant raises over the next few years and the team in two years is essentially a blank slate. That, and they have some talented prospects that should provide cheap depth over the next five seasons or so.

Nylander is one of the few guys I’d entertain attaching assets to in order to clear space. I’d part with a 2nd or a B level prospect to move Kuznetsov if it came to it. I don’t know that they have the assets to trade for Nylander though. If Toronto trades him I imagine they want pieces that can help them win now and the Caps don’t have a ton to offer in that regard. Would Fehervary, a 1st, and Lapierre even come close? Not sure. Would Milano interest them as a cheap, cost controlled middle six winger?

If they could somehow trade for Nylander in 2-3 years you could be looking at:

Miro-xx-Nylander
Ovechkin-Strome-Leonard
Milano-McMichael-Wilson
Malenstyn-Protas-xx

 

[twabby]

I think Toronto might have to add for Nylander/Wilson swap but, you know.

I really don’t think Nylander is in Toronto if he isn’t signed soon. I don’t think Treliving will risk losing him for nothing after what happened with Tkachuk and Gaudreau in Calgary.

 

[SecretaryofDefense5]

Now do Mantha. I don’t see the purpose in keeping this guy who has completely lost the trust of mgmt. Yes, he only has one more year but that is a big chunk of change for someone who contributes nothing.

 

[Kalopsia]

Now do Mantha. I don’t see the purpose in keeping this guy who has completely lost the trust of mgmt. Yes, he only has one more year but that is a big chunk of change for someone who contributes nothing.

Well, the Duchene buyout should put the final nail in the coffin for the idea of getting any value back on Kuznetsov. Duchene had an extra year remaining, but almost the same cap hit and better production each of the last two years. Crazy to see a guy bought out one year after a 43-43-86 season. That's a rough buyout too.

 

[Calicaps]

Now do Mantha. I don’t see the purpose in keeping this guy who has completely lost the trust of mgmt. Yes, he only has one more year but that is a big chunk of change for someone who contributes nothing.

Mac has consistently said he's not interested in buyout. And FWIW, I'm not sure Mantha's totally lost the trust or mgmt. I think they'd move him if they could, but they may also simultaneously believe (as I do) he was not put in a position to succeed by the prior coaching staff. Don't get me wrong, Anthony's been a massive disappointment, but it does seem like Lavi crushed his confidence.

 

[SecretaryofDefense5]

Mac has consistently said he's not interested in buyout. And FWIW, I'm not sure Mantha's totally lost the trust or mgmt. I think they'd move him if they could, but they may also simultaneously believe (as I do) he was not put in a position to succeed by the prior coaching staff. Don't get me wrong, Anthony's been a massive disappointment, but it does seem like Lavi crushed his confidence.

I don’t know. Mantha was inconsistent in Detroit as well which is one of the reasons Stevie Y moved him out. I guess I just feel the Caps need to move on from the player. I didn’t see any chemistry between Mantha and any other player on the roster. We have too many players who go through the motions and I feel like a change is so greatly needed and it’s so hard to find cap space right now that it would be worth jettisoning him off the roster. I know it won’t happen but I feel like it needs to occur in order to shake up the top six.

Oshie, Mantha, Backstrom, Ovechkin, Wilson, and Kuznetsov is a slow top six (and probably injured a lot). Carbery can’t fix that, hell Scotty Bowman can’t fix that. Bringing the same line up back means they don’t make the playoffs but you’re just good enough to not get great draft positioning in the next draft.

 

[Calicaps]

I don’t know. Mantha was inconsistent in Detroit as well which is one of the reasons Stevie Y moved him out. I guess I just feel the Caps need to move on from the player. I didn’t see any chemistry between Mantha and any other player on the roster. We have too many players who go through the motions and I feel like a change is so greatly needed and it’s so hard to find cap space right now that it would be worth jettisoning him off the roster. I know it won’t happen but I feel like it needs to occur in order to shake up the top six.

Oshie, Mantha, Backstrom, Ovechkin, Wilson, and Kuznetsov is a slow top six (and probably injured a lot). Carbery can’t fix that, hell Scotty Bowman can’t fix that. Bringing the same line up back means they don’t make the playoffs but you’re just good enough to not get great draft positioning in the next draft.

I don't necessarily disagree. I'd be happy to see him go. But with a year left, he's also not close to their biggest anchor. Mantha's biggest issue is he just doesn't have the drive. (That "compete level" thing I've been hearing lately is not important.) The single biggest problem on the roster is Kuzy. Backstrom is second, assuming he doesn't improve over last year.

 

[SecretaryofDefense5]

I don't necessarily disagree. I'd be happy to see him go. But with a year left, he's also not close to their biggest anchor. Mantha's biggest issue is he just doesn't have the drive. (That "compete level" thing I've been hearing lately is not important.) The single biggest problem on the roster is Kuzy. Backstrom is second, assuming he doesn't improve over last year.

True but I feel like I’ve become accepting of the fact that Backstrom deserves another chance and no one wants Kuzy at that AAV.

 

[twabby]

Duchene would be intriguing as hell in a “go for it” scenario but I’m just not sure he fits given them apparently choosing to take a step back this year.

He’ll be a great buy-low option for some team.

 

[Calicaps]

True but I feel like I’ve become accepting of the fact that Backstrom deserves another chance and no one wants Kuzy at that AAV.

I've definitely felt that Backs deserves to write his ticket for the time being. And as for Kuzy, this is where the whole, "it's still June" part comes into play. No one wants Kuzy now. Because there was the draft. Now there's free agency. Guys are getting bought out. Guys are getting dumped. Teams are making room to acquire players. And some won't get the guy they covet. That's when Kuzy becomes more marketable. Will he return a king's ransom? Most likely no. But will he be movable? Maybe. The no-trade list is a drag for sure (he ain't going to the 'Peg, for instance), but he could be moved to a team that thinks a change of scenery might get them a couple of years of good Kuz.

 

[SecretaryofDefense5]

I've definitely felt that Backs deserves to write his ticket for the time being. And as for Kuzy, this is where the whole, "it's still June" part comes into play. No one wants Kuzy now. Because there was the draft. Now there's free agency. Guys are getting bought out. Guys are getting dumped. Teams are making room to acquire players. And some won't get the guy they covet. That's when Kuzy becomes more marketable. Will he return a king's ransom? Most likely no. But will he be movable? Maybe. The no-trade list is a drag for sure (he ain't going to the 'Peg, for instance), but he could be moved to a team that thinks a change of scenery might get them a couple of years of good Kuz.

It would be a hoot if Trotz wanted him in Nashville

 

[twabby]

If in the calculation of the Predators no one’s taking Duchene then I highly doubt anyone wants to take Kuznetsov. Duchene has been a much better player over the years and is on a similar contract.

Hard to imagine a market for Kuznetsov or Mantha at this point.

 

[Calicaps]

Duchene would be intriguing as hell in a “go for it” scenario but I’m just not sure he fits given them apparently choosing to take a step back this year.

He’ll be a great buy-low option for some team.

Or Nashville wanted the space ahead of free agency more than they wanted to do the work on a trade. But also Duchene has more term left.

And I don't think for one second this is the choice they're making. It may end up being unavoidable, but BMac has consistently said the exact opposite.

 

[StrikingDistance]

Mac has consistently said he's not interested in buyout. And FWIW, I'm not sure Mantha's totally lost the trust or mgmt. I think they'd move him if they could, but they may also simultaneously believe (as I do) he was not put in a position to succeed by the prior coaching staff. Don't get me wrong, Anthony's been a massive disappointment, but it does seem like Lavi crushed his confidence.

This is my take as well. Think he and Kuzy were jerked around by Lavy. Deployed up and down the roster for no apparent reason. Still baffled why Mantha wasn't used on the PP. Like everyone else, if another team wanted to take them off our hands for a reasonable return, then let them go. Think this is what Bmac has been talking about in 'fixing the top 6'.

Worse case scenario, which isn't terrible:

Both guys are kept and maybe under Carbery they excel. There's nowhere to go up IMO (If I'm the new coach, this is a very frank and open conversation that has already happened). They add value to their names and someone offers something good for one or both during next season.

 

[twabby]

This is my take as well. Think he and Kuzy were jerked around by Lavy. Deployed up and down the roster for no apparent reason. Still baffled why Mantha wasn't used on the PP. Like everyone else, if another team wanted to take them off our hands for a reasonable return, then let them go. Think this is what Bmac has been talking about in 'fixing the top 6'.

Worse case scenario, which isn't terrible:

Both guys are kept and maybe under Carbery they excel. There's nowhere to go up IMO (If I'm the new coach, this is a very frank and open conversation that has already happened). They add value to their names and someone offers something good for one or both during next season.

This is where I’m at, though I have very little faith in Kuznetsov turning it around. Aside from short spurts under Trotz and 2/3 of a season under Laviolette, Kuznetsov has been really bad. It’s hard for me to imagine this being the magic bullet for Kuznetsov.

This is why I suspect they aren’t going for it this year (which is fine). Hoping Mantha and Kuznetsov turn it around isn’t a strategy. It’s running out the clock for a year.

 

[SecretaryofDefense5]

This is my take as well. Think he and Kuzy were jerked around by Lavy. Deployed up and down the roster for no apparent reason. Still baffled why Mantha wasn't used on the PP. Like everyone else, if another team wanted to take them off our hands for a reasonable return, then let them go. Think this is what Bmac has been talking about in 'fixing the top 6'.

Worse case scenario, which isn't terrible:

Both guys are kept and maybe under Carbery they excel. There's nowhere to go up IMO (If I'm the new coach, this is a very frank and open conversation that has already happened). They add value to their names and someone offers something good for one or both during next season.

I would buy the whole Lavi storyline is this hasn't happened under other coaches as well. Kuzy is inconsistent and frankly doesn't seem to give a shi*t sometimes (often). I think we need to accept that this is the player which is why I'd like to see him move on.

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

Backstrom is gone in two years, possibly sooner, as are Kuznetsov and Oshie. Mantha is gone after this year. They currently only have seven players signed for the 2025-26 season. It would be tight next year but the Caps are well positioned to be able to give him a big contract as they have no young guys that will need significant raises over the next few years and the team in two years is essentially a blank slate. That, and they have some talented prospects that should provide cheap depth over the next five seasons or so.

Nylander is one of the few guys I’d entertain attaching assets to in order to clear space. I’d part with a 2nd or a B level prospect to move Kuznetsov if it came to it. I don’t know that they have the assets to trade for Nylander though. If Toronto trades him I imagine they want pieces that can help them win now and the Caps don’t have a ton to offer in that regard. Would Fehervary, a 1st, and Lapierre even come close? Not sure. Would Milano interest them as a cheap, cost controlled middle six winger?

If they could somehow trade for Nylander in 2-3 years you could be looking at:

Miro-xx-Nylander
Ovechkin-Strome-Leonard
Milano-McMichael-Wilson
Malenstyn-Protas-xx

If I’m Toronto he’s only getting moved for help now, or I want Leo/Miro/Cristall, Chesley…..guys I can let percolate a few years….

 

[Calicaps]

I would buy the whole Lavi storyline is this hasn't happened under other coaches as well. Kuzy is inconsistent and frankly doesn't seem to give a shi*t sometimes (often). I think we need to accept that this is the player which is why I'd like to see him move on.

I don't think anyone denies that Kuzy is inconsistent and doesn't care. That's obvious. Point is, some things do motivate him. Barry found the right buttons. Maybe Spencer will. Or maybe Barry will take him back.

I don't think keeping these 2 guys and hoping Carbery is the answer is what Mac means when he says fixing the top 6. He's specifically said he's working to make trades. But it's probably his fall-back if trades don't work out.

 

[AlexModvechkin8]

I’ve never been a huge Duchene fan but the guy can score. He had 43 goals the season before last. I’d be highly interested in trading Kuznetsov to Nashville and signing Duchene to a short term deal. He can play center or wing which helps and is an upgrade over Kuznetsov.

Having someone like Duchene could help McMichael break into the top six I think.

 

[AlexModvechkin8]

If I’m Toronto he’s only getting moved for help now, or I want Leo/Miro/Cristall, Chesley…..guys I can let percolate a few years….

Yep, that’s why I said I don’t know that we have the assets for him. A team like Seattle or LA (before the PLD trade) makes sense because they have younger guys who can step in and play for them right away. Nashville makes sense to some extent as well if they want to rebuild sooner rather than later.

 

[SecretaryofDefense5]

 

[BiPolar Caps]

So Colorado who had originally drafted Duchene and where he played for 9 seasons opted for Johansen instead.

 

[BiPolar Caps]

DeBrincat is the one player that intrigues me as he has history playing with Strome. Just don't know how BMAC can do it without giving up too much.

 

[Holtbyisms]

Lol what assets do we have to trade for a 27yo, 40 goal scoring Nylander? Tom Wilson? He ain't going anywhere, if so many people believe Macs the straight shooter they say he is. He killed that chance. A bunch of first rounders? Idiotic for a cap strapped likely lottery team. No way would Mac do that. McMichael, Lappy, Iorio and Chelsey don't move the needle enough for a player like Nylander while the leafs are in win now mode. I can't imagine we're moving our new future stars from the past two drafts either. Miro, Leonard and Cristall are the only future we've got. You can't squeeze blood from a stone. The retool was desired but the ability to do it has been wildly exaggerated.

If Mac pulls something crazy off here in the next couple months I'll be the first to admit I was wrong...just not seeing it.

 

[Cappy76]

DeBrincat is the one player that intrigues me as he has history playing with Strome. Just don't know how BMAC can do it without giving up too much.

He scares me. I don't see him having the impact here that he does elsewhere with Ovie getting the full 2 minutes on the PP in the same spot that he plays. Unless Carberry has a completely different look for the PP going forward. Bringing in DeBrincat and not utilizing that shot on the PP is going to greatly diminish his value aka what we've done with Mantha the last several years.