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

[DWGie26]

I’m not moving a 6’4 220 RD who is 22 and trending just fine (especially for Caps who like to cook). he will not be waivers exempt next year, but there is no book on him. He will likely be the 8th Dee in Washington next year and will be treated like Alexyev. Too good to send through waivers and not good enough to crack the top 6. There is no way they move TVR if winning a cup is important to them (and Cap is not a problem next year). But then Chesley and Iorio compete for 3RD/4RD. But that is a long ways away. Full cupboard is good!

 

[SecretaryofDefense5]

I’m not moving a 6’4 220 RD who is 22 and trending just fine (especially for Caps who like to cook). he will not be waivers exempt next year, but there is no book on him. He will likely be the 8th Dee in Washington next year and will be treated like Alexyev. Too good to send through waivers and not good enough to crack the top 6. There is no way they move TVR if winning a cup is important to them (and Cap is not a problem next year). But then Chesley and Iorio compete for 3RD/4RD. But that is a long ways away. Full cupboard is good!

I’m not convinced they are high on Iorio.

 

[DWGie26]

I’m not convinced they are high on Iorio.

I have been up and down on him as well. I would like to see him taking down bigger minutes and in a higher role. That is actually happening now as he has been mostly been playing first pairing with Ness. Caps may not think he is a top pair or even top two pair. But right now we have exactly one NHL “prospect” on Dee on the bears. maybe that changes in a couple/few years with Chelsey, Allen, Hutson, and Muggli. But many top out in the AHL and we already know Iorio can play a limited role in the NHL.

 

[Battleship]

I believe Iorio is waivers exempt next season. He signed at 19, so he gets a fourth year if I am not mistaken.

It does seem unlikely that the Caps would have three RHD in Hershey. At least one of Iorio, Chesley, Allen, or TVR(unlikely) will probably be traded.

 

[hb13xchamps]

I believe Iorio is waivers exempt next season. He signed at 19, so he gets a fourth year if I am not mistaken.

It does seem unlikely that the Caps would have three RHD in Hershey. At least one of Iorio, Chesley, Allen, or TVR(unlikely) will probably be traded.

Chesley has to sign first. They could easily keep all three prospects in Hershey next year. The young guys usually are in a rotation the first year until they get used to the pro schedule. That’s assuming all are in Hershey.

Iorio is also playing very well. I wouldn’t be shocked if he gets games this year, especially if there’s injuries to deal with to any of the RD

 

[Kalopsia]

I rely on PuckPedia who has him on LTIR. Searched Caps and i don’t see where they announced it but RMNB reported on it nov 20.

Sonny Milano moved to long-term injured reserve after not traveling with team on three-game road trip

The Washington Capitals don't plan on getting Sonny Milano back from his upper-body injury anytime soon. As part of their flurry of…

russianmachineneverbreaks.com

View attachment 939177

That's interesting then, because that means not only do puckpedia and capwages differ on whether or not he's on LTIR, there's some other discrepancy at work too. Even if you move Milano to LTIR on capwages to match puckpedia, the cap room won't match up between the sites, with the former giving the Caps an extra $599,166. They've got all the same players active/on IR/on LTIR otherwise, so I'm at a loss on where the difference comes from.

 

[MW6]

Wasn’t there talk on bonus-overages (?) on the Pacioretty contract carrying over from last year?

 

[Battleship]

Chesley has to sign first. They could easily keep all three prospects in Hershey next year. The young guys usually are in a rotation the first year until they get used to the pro schedule. That’s assuming all are in Hershey.

Iorio is also playing very well. I wouldn’t be shocked if he gets games this year, especially if there’s injuries to deal with to any of the RD

True about Chesley. If he signs, I will be very surprised if it is Iorio, Chesley, and Allen as the regular right side D in Hershey. All 3 are way too good to be getting 3rd pair time in the AHL. In my viewings, all could easily play shelteted minutes in the NHL. Chesley maybe more.

I do have a hard time seeing any of the three getting time over TVR at this point.

 

[trick9]

Cam Allen is too good to play 3rd pairing minutes in Hershey? With what logic? He's having a good bounce-back season but the 2 seasons before were bad and you could have doubted if he ever was even an AHL-player to begin with.

I'd love it if he joined next season and blew everyone out of the water to force a move up the depth chart but let's not be kidding here. He's far from "way too good" for that role.

 

[Holtbyisms]

Chesley has to sign first. They could easily keep all three prospects in Hershey next year. The young guys usually are in a rotation the first year until they get used to the pro schedule. That’s assuming all are in Hershey.

Iorio is also playing very well. I wouldn’t be shocked if he gets games this year, especially if there’s injuries to deal with to any of the RD

So underrated around here. People act like he's a 30 year old tweener. lol He's playing tremendous this year and has improved every season he's been in Hershey. No reason to believe that won't continue at the next level. I'd be surprised if he's not in Washington next year.

 

[Holtbyisms]

Cam Allen is too good to play 3rd pairing minutes in Hershey? With what logic? He's having a good bounce-back season but the 2 seasons before were bad and you could have doubted if he ever was even an AHL-player to begin with.

I'd love it if he joined next season and blew everyone out of the water to force a move up the depth chart but let's not be kidding here. He's far from "way too good" for that role.

Cam Allen will need to really step in up to stay in the top six in Hershey probably. He's having a nice season but Hershey is always deep and you always have to earn your time there by beating out vets. It wouldn't surprise me if he saw some South Carolina action next year.

 

[Ridley Simon]

I’m not moving a 6’4 220 RD who is 22 and trending just fine (especially for Caps who like to cook). he will not be waivers exempt next year, but there is no book on him. He will likely be the 8th Dee in Washington next year and will be treated like Alexyev. Too good to send through waivers and not good enough to crack the top 6. There is no way they move TVR if winning a cup is important to them (and Cap is not a problem next year). But then Chesley and Iorio compete for 3RD/4RD. But that is a long ways away. Full cupboard is good!

So trade Alexeyev, is what you are saying? If Iorio is ready to replace him, and graduate Hershey, then we don’t need him.

I wouldn’t trade TVR. Like at all. He’s a defensive Swiss Army knife. What other D-man can play up and down the lineup, AND either side, pretty seamlessly?

He’s worth every bit of his 3m or whatever salary. Now that Jensen is gone, the redundancy issue is no longer a thing, and TVR is as versatile as they come!

 

[Ovechkins Wodka]

Do I have to remind anyone what our D depth was in the playoffs last season. You always need more

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

So underrated around here. People act like he's a 30 year old tweener. lol He's playing tremendous this year and has improved every season he's been in Hershey. No reason to believe that won't continue at the next level. I'd be surprised if he's not in Washington next year.

He should be if he’s not waiver exempt next year lol…probably enjoying nachos like AA and DM.

Anyone else confirm his waiver status for next year?

 

[Battleship]

Cam Allen is too good to play 3rd pairing minutes in Hershey? With what logic? He's having a good bounce-back season but the 2 seasons before were bad and you could have doubted if he ever was even an AHL-player to begin with.

I'd love it if he joined next season and blew everyone out of the water to force a move up the depth chart but let's not be kidding here. He's far from "way too good" for that role.

I am guessing you have not seen him play. He is finally healthy and a legit prospect. The Caps made sure to sign him before the season as he was impressive in camp and a definite risk to re-enter the draft. Also, he has a shot to make Team Canada's WJC team. So, by that logic, and my own eye test, he is way too good to play 3rd pairing AHL minutes. He would bring more value in a trade.

 

[Battleship]

Cam Allen will need to really step in up to stay in the top six in Hershey probably. He's having a nice season but Hershey is always deep and you always have to earn your time there by beating out vets. It wouldn't surprise me if he saw some South Carolina action next year.

I will take that bet. He would easily make Hershey rn. Top four might be a stretch with both Bear and Iorio on that side, but he is a better long term prispect than both. I am guessing you and Trick are going by stats and have not seen him actually play.

 

[MW6]

I wouldn’t mind buying low on Kakko if the Rangers are going to try and shake things up. Carbery is the “bust”-whisperer and would do wonders for him. I know he is from Finland and Caps don’t do Finland, but the upside is there, otherwise he’s a cheap 3rd liner with good underlying numbers. I’d rather him than Hoglander. Mangiapane @ 50% rsa could/should be enough.

 

[Kolzilla]

I wouldn’t mind buying low on Kakko if the Rangers are going to try and shake things up. Carbery is the “bust”-whisperer and would do wonders for him. I know he is from Finland and Caps don’t do Finland, but the upside is there, otherwise he’s a cheap 3rd liner with good underlying numbers. I’d rather him than Hoglander. Mangiapane @ 50% rsa could/should be enough.

Does anyone know why the Caps are so hesitant with finnish players?? Was Esa Tikkanean that annoying he ruined it for all his countrymen??

 

[Holtbyisms]

I will take that bet. He would easily make Hershey rn. Top four might be a stretch with both Bear and Iorio on that side, but he is a better long term prispect than both. I am guessing you and Trick are going by stats and have not seen him actually play.

You're really high on him, I appreciate that! There are some guys I feel like that about too. I hope you're right about him. I personally don't think Allen is a better long term prospect than Iorio but I could see him making the big show one day if he continues his trend this year not the previous couple. I've watched a lot of Iorio live, can't say the same about Allen but I have seen 4 maybe 5 of his games on TV this year and a handful last season. I can't imagine Hershey goes prospect heavy on D next year, they never really do. That's not how they build winners. I'd expect a guy like Priskie to be resigned and possibly Day. If Chesley signs that puts him there too. He probably completes for 3rd with a couple guys next year.

 

[DWGie26]

So trade Alexeyev, is what you are saying? If Iorio is ready to replace him, and graduate Hershey, then we don’t need him.

I wouldn’t trade TVR. Like at all. He’s a defensive Swiss Army knife. What other D-man can play up and down the lineup, AND either side, pretty seamlessly?

He’s worth every bit of his 3m or whatever salary. Now that Jensen is gone, the redundancy issue is no longer a thing, and TVR is as versatile as they come!

Well we have carried 8 Dee the last couple of years. I think we do that again next year with Alexyev and Iorio. Which leaves Chesley and Allen as top 4 on right.

Totally agree on TVR. He needs to be part of the core through OV contract. If we lose him for free that means Iorio/Chesley/Allen has stepped up. I’m fine with that.

 

[Lou Sassole]

Does anyone know why the Caps are so hesitant with finnish players?? Was Esa Tikkanean that annoying he ruined it for all his countrymen??

Never forgave him for missing that empty net in '98.

 

[qc14]

Re: Iorio

I don't think the issue is that he's not good, but rather that I don't think he's good enough to force them to make space for him. If that's the case, I think he's in "danger" of becoming another AA -- the 7d that looks pretty solid for a five game stretch when someone gets hurt (I put danger in quotes here as that's a pretty solid career for a second round pick!). Does that have more value to the org than using him as part of a deal for another player? I have no idea and depends entirely on what the deal is. I do think it's very logical to see him as a trade chip though.

Re: Kaako

He's just a slightly better version of Hoglander. Not a need (or opening) for him in the short or long term and the team is still clicking so zero need to make a change for the sake of it.

 

[MW6]

Re: Iorio

I don't think the issue is that he's not good, but rather that I don't think he's good enough to force them to make space for him. If that's the case, I think he's in "danger" of becoming another AA -- the 7d that looks pretty solid for a five game stretch when someone gets hurt (I put danger in quotes here as that's a pretty solid career for a second round pick!). Does that have more value to the org than using him as part of a deal for another player? I have no idea and depends entirely on what the deal is. I do think it's very logical to see him as a trade chip though.

Re: Kaako

He's just a slightly better version of Hoglander. Not a need (or opening) for him in the short or long term and the team is still clicking so zero need to make a change for the sake of it.

Kakko is perhaps slightly better atm, but comes with a much higher upside. I think he’ll do really well away from the Garden and the pressure of being drafted 2nd OA.

There’s always a need for good players that fit the coaches need, is he one? I don’t know, but he seems like someone they should take a flyer on.

And I absolutely don’t think blocking someone’s path is a legit excuse for not going after a player since no one’s success/development is for granted. Players can always be moved if need be.

 

[trick9]

I am guessing you have not seen him play. He is finally healthy and a legit prospect. The Caps made sure to sign him before the season as he was impressive in camp and a definite risk to re-enter the draft. Also, he has a shot to make Team Canada's WJC team. So, by that logic, and my own eye test, he is way too good to play 3rd pairing AHL minutes. He would bring more value in a trade.

I have seen him play, plenty. I didn't say he was a legit prospect, either. Caps have a habit of giving their draft picks ELC's early so not reading too much into that. I liked his game at camp but it was a really short one, as he was among the first cuts. Nothing there really screams 'too good for Hershey', who are the best team in the AHL and could give a few NHL teams a good run for their money.

Watching him play vs. Juniors is one thing. As it is having a shot making the Canada's WJC team. Those do not guarantee success. Like i mentioned before, i'm glad he's having a great bounce-back season. But his last season was really bad, and there is a really long path to be penciled into a guaranteed top-4 role in the best AHL team. You aren't facing Juniors anymore at that stage, and Hershey isn't really the easiest place for a rookie to win a spot. It's a great developing system but one that makes the prospect earn everything they are given.

Connor McMichael, Aliaksei Protas, Martin Fehervary, Ivan Miroshnichenko, Hendrix Lapierre, Alexander Alexeyev, Alexander Suzdalev, Zac Funk and the recent list goes on. These players all had tremendous success vs. Juniors and some are better, some slightly worse prospects but none of these players were handed the keys to kingdom in Hershey. They each had to earn their roles. I hope Allen eventually makes the Canada's WJC roster because doing well in that tournament and finishing this season strongly would be a great sign towards next season.

I'm glad you are so high on him. Expecting good things from himself myself too but i'd pump the brakes a bit re: his starting role in Hershey.

 

[qc14]

Kakko is perhaps slightly better atm, but comes with a much higher upside. I think he’ll do really well away from the Garden and the pressure of being drafted 2nd OA.

There’s always a need for good players that fit the coaches need, is he one? I don’t know, but he seems like someone they should take a flyer on.

And I absolutely don’t think blocking someone’s path is a legit excuse for not going after a player since no one’s success/development is for granted. Players can always be moved if need be.

I totally agree that blocking paths for prospects isn't a good argument. I just don't think there's a path for Kaako himself here. He would go from 3rd liner with minimal 2nd pp time in NY to ... 3rd liner with minimal 2nd pp time here.

If they made a move for him in the offseason -- when there was a lot of uncertainty about how the team and many individual players would perform -- I would've totally been in favor. I think we can say a lot of those questions have been answered though, and I now think we're in the position where you have to start looking more at the sure things and not at the potential rebounds.

Sure in an EA Sports GM mode you probably are happy swapping him out with Mangiapane -- cheaper, younger, long-term control for a similar player -- but things like vibes and the locker room dynamics matter and I very much would not mess with them right now for a lateral move.