Speculation: Caps Roster General Discussion (Coaching/FAs/Cap/Lines/etc) | 2024-25 Summer Edition

[Ridley Simon]

I’d rather he didn’t sign. Hutson. Assuming it won’t create a situation where “he WON’T sign”.

The team has too much going on right now to try and worry about force feeding this young stud “NHL ready” minutes.

 

[Calicaps]

I’d rather he didn’t sign. Hutson. Assuming it won’t create a situation where “he WON’T sign”.

The team has too much going on right now to try and worry about force feeding this young stud “NHL ready” minutes.

Agreed. I want him back at BU for one more year. Maybe another Hobey candidate for the Caps trophy case?

 

[Kazer]

I’m not touching any of the 6 d. We dont have a true no1 defenseman anymore with Carlson’s decline but overall 1-6 we are very solid. I think Sandin, Roy, Fehervary and TVR must be the best bottom 4 defensemen in the league and none would look out of place on other teams top pairing or top 4.

Carlson is still a 1D. He's not a top 10 D anymore, but he's 13th among D in points, plays more minutes than Victor Hedman and Adam Fox, and has the best play driving (xGF%) on the team. Don't let his absurdly low shooting percentage (3.5% vs career average of 6.2%) outweigh the rest of his game. John has only two less even strength assists than Cale Makar.

On the other discussion, Hutson won't be in the NHL next year. As we argued pre the forums blowing up, it's really a question of college for another year or the AHL.

 

[qcal1427]

I think if you have a young, mega talented up-and-comer that looks line an NHLer - you better make sure he's indeed an NHLer. And I don't care who's solid and what have you. They can go and be solid somewhere else.

If he's really an NHLer (let alone a star) he'll beat out other guys for a spot when he signs. Not smart to plan what your current group looks like based off of what a guy who has never played a minute of pro hockey might be in 3-4 years

 

[Calicaps]

Carlson is still a 1D. He's not a top 10 D anymore, but he's 13th among D in points, plays more minutes than Victor Hedman and Adam Fox, and has the best play driving (xGF%) on the team. Don't let his absurdly low shooting percentage (3.5% vs career average of 6.2%) outweigh the rest of his game. John has only two less even strength assists than Cale Makar.

On the other discussion, Hutson won't be in the NHL next year. As we argued pre the forums blowing up, it's really a question of college for another year or the AHL.

And let's not forget that John's had 4 goals taken off the board this year on some questionable challenge calls. Not sure how that has affected his SH% but it has to be a factor.

 

[Ridley Simon]

Carlson is still a 1D. He's not a top 10 D anymore, but he's 13th among D in points, plays more minutes than Victor Hedman and Adam Fox, and has the best play driving (xGF%) on the team. Don't let his absurdly low shooting percentage (3.5% vs career average of 6.2%) outweigh the rest of his game. John has only two less even strength assists than Cale Makar.

On the other discussion, Hutson won't be in the NHL next year. As we argued pre the forums blowing up, it's really a question of college for another year or the AHL.

Heck Yes to all of this. (I’d use stronger than heck, but this is a family show)

We’ve been debating Gr8’s next contract. For good reason.

But Carlson is as important as anyone. The man has been amazing for the past few seasons, doesn’t seem to be slowing down, and is the backbone of a terrific team.

JC6 just got paid (deserved).

What is JC74’s next contract going to look like? I cannot imagine it will go down much. But I also don’t expect a raise? Everyone still has time, to see where they are, but….. defenseman can age well.

Removing JC74 from this team, is like puncturing a huge hole in the bottom of your dingy. You are gonna sink unless you figure something out, really fast

 

[kicksavedave]

And let's not forget that John's had 4 goals taken off the board this year on some questionable challenge calls. Not sure how that has affected his SH% but it has to be a factor.

Was curious so I added his 4 overturned goals and his shooting percentage jumps to, magically, 6.25, which is basically his career average.

 

[Melkor]

If he's really an NHLer (let alone a star) he'll beat out other guys for a spot when he signs. Not smart to plan what your current group looks like based off of what a guy who has never played a minute of pro hockey might be in 3-4 years

That's basically what I said. If he outplays his opposition for a spot in the camp, they need to move out somebody else. And I really don't care if someone's feelings on the team are going to get hurt off of that. Nobody was talking about force feeding anybody. I see that the common opinion here is that he needs to stay in college because they're a good team so let's marinate him there for another year, who cares. I don't think so, I think that's how you lose top level college talent to free agency - because you think somebody like TvR or Sandin are irreplaceable.

 

[wickedwitch]

That's basically what I said. If he outplays his opposition for a spot in the camp, they need to move out somebody else. And I really don't care if someone's feelings on the team are going to get hurt off of that. Nobody was talking about force feeding anybody. I see that the common opinion here is that he needs to stay in college because they're a good team so let's marinate him there for another year, who cares. I don't think so, I think that's how you lose top level college talent to free agency - because you think somebody like TvR or Sandin are irreplaceable.

Practically, it's hard to move someone with a significant salary in September. It's much easier to move them in the summer.

(And yeah, I'm worried about Hutson requesting a trade and we end up with terrible value, but that's a problem for year from now.)

 

[Calicaps]

Practically, it's hard to move someone with a significant salary in September. It's much easier to move them in the summer.

(And yeah, I'm worried about Hutson requesting a trade and we end up with terrible value, but that's a problem for year from now.)

100% not worried about that. This is a top-tier organization. Guys want to be here.

 

[qcal1427]

That's basically what I said. If he outplays his opposition for a spot in the camp, they need to move out somebody else. And I really don't care if someone's feelings on the team are going to get hurt off of that. Nobody was talking about force feeding anybody. I see that the common opinion here is that he needs to stay in college because they're a good team so let's marinate him there for another year, who cares. I don't think so, I think that's how you lose top level college talent to free agency - because you think somebody like TvR or Sandin are irreplaceable.

Yea totally agree.

If he wants to sign this summer (or even after this season!) I'm sure they would love to, although I doubt they would give him any guarantee of an NHL spot. I just don't think Hutson himself will want to sign this year, and that's completely fine too both for his development and his future prospects of signing with the Caps.

Practically, it's hard to move someone with a significant salary in September. It's much easier to move them in the summer.

(And yeah, I'm worried about Hutson requesting a trade and we end up with terrible value, but that's a problem for year from now.)

Problems with college draft picks not signing have only really occurred when a player has one specific destination they want to play for (Vesey, Fox in NYR), the team that drafted them has a history of not developing prospects well (McGroarty in WPG), or the team doesn't want to sign them when they're ready to sign (Gauthier with PHI). Don't think Hutson is the kind of guy that wants #1, Caps are not the org that has done #2 or #3.

I am extremely not worried about signing any of our college picks

 

[Melkor]

I think Montreal has a history of going after other teams' young players when there's a bit of a hesitation on the negotiations front: see Sebastian Aho's RFA contract saga. With Lane already there, I bet they gonna jump on any little opportunity to pry Cole away from the Caps.

 

[Silky mitts]

I think Montreal has a history of going after other teams' young players when there's a bit of a hesitation on the negotiations front: see Sebastian Aho's RFA contract saga. With Lane already there, I bet they gonna jump on any little opportunity to pry Cole away from the Caps.

I don't know if you really want a team of Hutsons like you want a team of Protases, only 1 puck, only so much pp time

 

[Melkor]

I don't know if you really want a team of Hutsons like you want a team of Protases, only 1 puck, only so much pp time

They will think about it when they get him, the idea itself is what drives those guys, they are going to try any marketing tool in their disposal to make themselves relevant again.

 

[Kazer]

And let's not forget that John's had 4 goals taken off the board this year on some questionable challenge calls. Not sure how that has affected his SH% but it has to be a factor.

I looked it up earlier. If John was shooting his career average (6.2%), then he would have about 9 goals. He currently has 5.

@Ridley Obviously the main factor is how long John wants to keep playing for, but my inclination now would be to sign him to a 2 year deal at slightly above JC6 (maybe 9.5 or 10 aav)? If John wants to sign longer than 2 years, then that AAV number needs to come down to account for the additional years (similar to Letang who got 6 x 6.1 when he re-signed at age 35. Carlson will be 36 when his current deal expires.

 

[Coldnwindy]

I think Montreal has a history of going after other teams' young players when there's a bit of a hesitation on the negotiations front: see Sebastian Aho's RFA contract saga. With Lane already there, I bet they gonna jump on any little opportunity to pry Cole away from the Caps.

Judging from the WJC interviews, Cole seems to be pretty competitive with regards to Lane. He wants to make a name for himself outside his brother's shadow, so there's no chance he goes to MTL imo. Probably plays for another year in BU before signing with the Caps, even moreso if his brother Quinn sticks around as well.

 

[Ridley Simon]

That's basically what I said. If he outplays his opposition for a spot in the camp, they need to move out somebody else. And I really don't care if someone's feelings on the team are going to get hurt off of that. Nobody was talking about force feeding anybody. I see that the common opinion here is that he needs to stay in college because they're a good team so let's marinate him there for another year, who cares. I don't think so, I think that's how you lose top level college talent to free agency - because you think somebody like TvR or Sandin are irreplaceable.

Sir — that is overly simplistic. You won’t find many posters that think anyone is irreplaceable (at least within reason, and those 2 guys are well within reason).

My reasoning for letting Hutson grow another year, is that I’d be hard to believe that Hutson will be better for a Cup run, than Sandin (for certain), or TVR (that’d be a stretch, IMO) for next season.

Hell, if he’s bent on signing, then do it and let the chips fall where they may! I simply think he’s getting waaaay too much credit here, at his age and ability.

YES, I think he could be an amazing get for this team, and I’m excited about it. I fully get that part. I also don’t think he’s close to ready. Certainly not start of next year.

Maybe like Leonard, after another year in HE? Just my perspective. He could have a monster summer and come in to rookie camp and demand a contract.

But again, I think that’s a year early.

 

[Ridley Simon]

100% not worried about that. This is a top-tier organization. Guys want to be here.

This is true. We don’t “chase” away prospects (see what I did there, LOL), and when we seemingly do, their stories dont “get better” at other places. People seeking away from here don’t get rewarded.

I mean shit, could a player have a burr up their butt to be at a certain locale?? OFC they could.

Would anyone leave “b/c DC??” That would be a jaw dropper.

 

[wickedwitch]

Players want to be here. But they also want playing time. See Siegenthaler, Jonas.

If Hutson knows he'll never get PP1 time, why sign here?

 

[Random schmoe]

Dowd next and soon, please and thank you.

 

[Ridley Simon]

I think Montreal has a history of going after other teams' young players when there's a bit of a hesitation on the negotiations front: see Sebastian Aho's RFA contract saga. With Lane already there, I bet they gonna jump on any little opportunity to pry Cole away from the Caps.

Yeah but .. that means Cole would have to postpone his pro career for (checks notes)….another THREE seasons to get a chance to join Montreal?

Uhhh, how likely is that? “See you kid, after you graduate in 2028”?

Really?

 

[Calicaps]

Players want to be here. But they also want playing time. See Siegenthaler, Jonas.

If Hutson knows he'll never get PP1 time, why sign here?

our 1D is 35 now. Cole will get his shot. but also, Siegs was here a long time and never stole a top spot. That wasn't just a matter of a logjam. ultimately though, this seems like catastrophizing for its own sake. The kid is playing in the NCAA tourney in his freshman year. The team will keep in touch with him and his reps and make sure everyone is clear on the plan.

 

[Devil Dancer]

Did anyone hear Patrick on Grant & Danny? Supposedly he said something about Leonard being on the team for playoffs but I missed the actual interview so IDK if it's news or the same old "we'd love to have him" kind of talk.

 

[Silky mitts]

Did anyone hear Patrick on Grant & Danny? Supposedly he said something about Leonard being on the team for playoffs but I missed the actual interview so IDK if it's news or the same old "we'd love to have him" kind of talk.

I heard typical we'd love to have him, but "be that last part of a playoff run" is a little juicy

 

[wickedwitch]

our 1D is 35 now. Cole will get his shot. but also, Siegs was here a long time and never stole a top spot. That wasn't just a matter of a logjam. ultimately though, this seems like catastrophizing for its own sake. The kid is playing in the NCAA tourney in his freshman year. The team will keep in touch with him and his reps and make sure everyone is clear on the plan.

For the record, I'm not catastrophizing; as I wrote, that's a problem for the future. I just think it's a possibility and it's okay to acknowledge that it's a possibility.

Hutson is incredibly competitive and ambitious. Those are good qualities. And he's seeing his brother make an enormous impact on a playoff contender in his D+3 year. He's going to think he's capable of the same. (And he probably is.) It's hard to show you're worthy of more PP time if you can't get any in the first place. So if he sees no path to PP time though his D+4 year (assuming Carlson is re-signed and giving him an extra year because the Caps have a better D than the Habs), I could see him wanting to go someplace where he would have that opportunity. That doesn't mean it will happen, of course.