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

[wickedwitch]

Looking at next year's forward lines, this is who we already have signed + Leonard:
Protas-Strome-Ovi
McMichael-Dubois-Wilson
Miro/Leonard-Lapierre-Miro/Leonard
Duhaime-Rybinski-Trineyev

I assume these won't be the actual lines, a) because they are going to want to shield Miro and Leonard more and b) there will be a FA signing or two. But I don't think there will be a lot of FA signings, because I think getting Miro/Leonard in the lineup will be a big priority. But it gives you a sense of where the team is heading.

 

[Kazer]

I think it's a matter of expectations.

I've never viewed RMNB as anything other than a novelty website where you might see a gif or two from a recent game.

If you're expecting professional journalism, then yeah, it's not going to meet that.

I thought RMNB had a chance, similar to Japers, to cross into actual interesting analysis. And they chose clickbait instead.

I no longer follow RMNB on any social media and avoid them otherwise when possible. The hyperbole got to be too much. Not every game has to be 'CAPS FORGET HOW TO PLAY IN SECOND PERIOD' or 'CAPS = SADNESS'. Sometimes, you lose a game to a good team. Sometimes you have a bad night. It doesn't get as many clicks, but it's reality.

 

[qc14]

Looking at next year's forward lines, this is who we already have signed + Leonard:
Protas-Strome-Ovi
McMichael-Dubois-Wilson
Miro/Leonard-Lapierre-Miro/Leonard
Duhaime-Rybinski-Trineyev

I assume these won't be the actual lines, a) because they are going to want to shield Miro and Leonard more and b) there will be a FA signing or two. But I don't think there will be a lot of FA signings, because I think getting Miro/Leonard in the lineup will be a big priority. But it gives you a sense of where the team is heading.

I think there's no chance that Dowd doesn't come back (or they try to find the next Dowd in UFA). Having that 4th line be a no-doubt shutdown force is just too important to how the team is built and while I like Rybynski I don't see him being able to play anywhere close to that role.

I'd also assume Leonard starts in Hershey, Lappy is moved out, or both with a vet coming in UFA to play 3c or 3lw

Protas-Strome-Ovi
McMichael-Dubois-Wilson
Miro-XX-XX
Duhaime-Dowd-XX

lots of internal candidates to fill those slots but also plenty of space to go out and add again.

 

[DWGie26]

I thought RMNB had a chance, similar to Japers, to cross into actual interesting analysis. And they chose clickbait instead.

I no longer follow RMNB on any social media and avoid them otherwise when possible. The hyperbole got to be too much. Not every game has to be 'CAPS FORGET HOW TO PLAY IN SECOND PERIOD' or 'CAPS = SADNESS'. Sometimes, you lose a game to a good team. Sometimes you have a bad night. It doesn't get as many clicks, but it's reality.

I’m surprised there is still so much hate for RBNB. I feel like they have tightened things up a bunch. Much better prospect/AHL coverage. I read both NovaCaps and RMDB and both are good informational sites. But i don’t spend time on the boards piece. Especially RMNB. people just crazy. The hockey conversation and analysis is MUCH better here. And enough good posters that the dummies can’t take over. Can’t weed all of the bad posting out of the other sites… too late.

 

[Roshi]

I think there's no chance that Dowd doesn't come back (or they try to find the next Dowd in UFA). Having that 4th line be a no-doubt shutdown force is just too important to how the team is built and while I like Rybynski I don't see him being able to play anywhere close to that role.

I'd also assume Leonard starts in Hershey, Lappy is moved out, or both with a vet coming in UFA to play 3c or 3lw

Protas-Strome-Ovi
McMichael-Dubois-Wilson
Miro-XX-XX
Duhaime-Dowd-XX

lots of internal candidates to fill those slots but also plenty of space to go out and add again.

Agreed. The "fourth line" has been their cornerstone and sort of identity line for nearly a decade now.

They have always valued highly having that depth, and to appreciate it thats what kept us in the mix for the past few years - in controversy for a lot of up-front talented teams that have the strategy to see the fourth line as some sort of cast-away combo with unwanted veterans and not-sure-who-they-are rookies.

Rybinski, Sutter, Trineyev all seem like suitable fourth liners to NHL, but they'll have to push a war-tested veteran from their way to make it with Caps. And im very fine with it. Im hoping Dowd returns for another couple of years, and pretty sure we will have another Raddysh-type exploration too to push that internal competition for a spot (thats the guy Trineyev needs to pass to make it).

A bit worried Dowd could follow his bff to Ottawa, but its in Canada so propably not. Other than that I see very little reason for neither sides to part. Dowd gets the respect and security here at 34+ years and theres very little reason for Caps to lowball the next contract and lose him for a couple hundred k's when cap is going up and we dont have problems it to even start with. Dowd has been lowkey one of the best shutdown centers in the WORLD for years. Coaches and linemates can change but Nic will deliver.

 

[Ovechkins Wodka]

I think the fact we never traded Dowd is good for his extension. His age could be a worry.

Sign JC6, Figure out goalies next season. Save some money for CMM (hoping he gives a discount)

The more I think of it almost no chance we can afford Mangi next season.

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

NHL prospects I was wrong about, 2024 edition: Corey Pronman looks back — The Athletic

The Athletic's Corey Pronman reflects on some misses in his player evaluations and what can be learned from them.

apple.news

 

[Roshi]

I think the fact we never traded Dowd is good for his extension. His age could be a worry.

Sign JC6, Figure out goalies next season. Save some money for CMM (hoping he gives a discount)

The more I think of it almost no chance we can afford Mangi next season.

I see his age as a plus factor. He likely values stability over few bucks, and has been quite steady to play around 64 games a season. Theres quite a good 18 game window for someone in the system to step up as replacement candidate within the next couple years

 

[Ovechkins Wodka]

Having Beagle and Dowd 4th line centers for the last 10+ years has been nice. Im not sure we have someone like that in Hershey.

I would never suggest using a high draft pick on a Gordon or Steckel type player again. I think you can find them in FA with good scouting.