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

[Kolzilla]

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

We all know that had he scored, we would have an epic comeback and hoisted the cup...

 

[AlexModvechkin8]

Caps ranked 9th in salary cap outlook published by The Athletic. That’s good for 2nd in the Metro behind Carolina.

9. Washington Capitals​

2025-26 salaries: $64 million
RFAs estimate: Minimal
Dead money: $0

Notable UFAs: Jakob Chychrun, Charlie Lindgren, Logan Thompson, Andrew Mangiapane
Projected cap space: $29 million (8th)

Biggest decision: Who do they go with in goal long term?

The fourth-best record in the standings right now, no RFAs to re-sign, Nicklas Backstrom and T.J. Oshie’s contracts off the books, and nearly $30 million to play with in free agency?

That all sounds pretty good for 2025-26.

Significant rebound seasons for players on huge contracts like Pierre-Luc Dubois and Tom Wilsonmove them up this ranking, as does the rise of Dylan Strome, Aliaksei Protas and Connor McMichael — a nifty trio who are all signed for a combined $10.5 million through until 2026.

They do have some key parts they’ll have to pay or replace in free agency, but new GM Chris Patrick has a lot to work with here, especially if Alex Ovechkin keeps producing the way he has early this season.

 

[notDkristich]

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

My personal WAG is that generally speaking the country of Finland and Russia DO NOT like each other. Maybe trying to keep the locker room tight and avoiding any drama?

Some context: Finland–Russia relations - Wikipedia

 

[zappa4ever]

Fairly light sched next 16 days (along with an easier Strength of Schedule) , time for a reset, oppty for more practices, and at the end of all that, OV should be ready!

What a freaking unexpected Joy this season has been so far (minus Russian Machine in for repairs of course)

Fri, Dec 6 @ Toronto 7:00 PM
Sat, Dec 7 @ Montreal 7:00 PM
Thu, Dec 12 @ Columbus 7:00 PM
Sat, Dec 14 vs Buffalo 7:00 PM
Mon, Dec 16 @ Dallas 8:00 PM
Tue, Dec 17 @ Chicago 8:30 PM
Fri, Dec 20 vs Carolina 7:00 PM

 

[Kazer]

Fairly light sched next 16 days (along with an easier Strength of Schedule) , time for a reset, oppty for more practices, and at the end of all that, OV should be ready!

What a freaking unexpected Joy this season has been so far (minus Russian Machine in for repairs of course)

Fri, Dec 6 @ Toronto 7:00 PM
Sat, Dec 7 @ Montreal 7:00 PM
Thu, Dec 12 @ Columbus 7:00 PM
Sat, Dec 14 vs Buffalo 7:00 PM
Mon, Dec 16 @ Dallas 8:00 PM
Tue, Dec 17 @ Chicago 8:30 PM
Fri, Dec 20 vs Carolina 7:00 PM

I was thinking about that earlier. One advantage of this dead period (4 games in 13 days) is that it allows Ovechkin to heal while the team is not playing as much.

Four weeks from the original injury would have him returning December 16.

 

[Ovechkins Wodka]

Stars just lost Seguin 4-6 months to a hip

Hopefully, it’s not the same thing Backstrom got

 

[Ovechkins Wodka]

Full pads today

 

[AlexModvechkin8]

Fairly light sched next 16 days (along with an easier Strength of Schedule) , time for a reset, oppty for more practices, and at the end of all that, OV should be ready!

What a freaking unexpected Joy this season has been so far (minus Russian Machine in for repairs of course)

Fri, Dec 6 @ Toronto 7:00 PM
Sat, Dec 7 @ Montreal 7:00 PM
Thu, Dec 12 @ Columbus 7:00 PM
Sat, Dec 14 vs Buffalo 7:00 PM
Mon, Dec 16 @ Dallas 8:00 PM
Tue, Dec 17 @ Chicago 8:30 PM
Fri, Dec 20 vs Carolina 7:00 PM

Will be interesting to see how they do. Historically this team has done well when they don’t get a lot of time off and they have a tendency to play down to lesser competition but maybe there’s been enough turnover that those won’t be issues any more.

 

[Ridley Simon]

Will be interesting to see how they do. Historically this team has done well when they don’t get a lot of time off and they have a tendency to play down to lesser competition but maybe there’s been enough turnover that those won’t be issues any more.

Yeah. I am not sure the “easier” schedule benefits them that much, especially at home (Penguins, Islanders and Sharks all recently said — HELLO).

I’d love to be wrong?

And 7 games in 15 days isnt what I would call “light”. That’s a game every other day.

 

[Lou Sassole]

Thompson, Wilson, and Carlson, all got snubbed for the 4 nations. At least they will all be rested.

 

[Blades Ov Steel]

Thompson, Wilson, and Carlson, all got snubbed for the 4 nations. At least they will all be rested.

I saw that, not a single cap playing in the 4 nations, unless I missed one? enjoy the rest