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

[CapitalsCupReality]

Agree with these last two post. Caps have an open window right now so I don’t see them trading TVR. Their top 6 is strong and plenty of serviceable depth. That looks a lot different if TVR isn’t on the team.

I have also been on record saying Leonard will have no impact this year. I do think he will be a full time NHL guy next year but he won’t help the playoff run this year.

Separately on Dee prospects… they need to get Chesley under contract and then in the offseason we can look at what we want to do on the blueline.


TVR is an important piece. And with the window open, he is more valuable to us.

And i think our third line has looked much better the last few games.

Whoa…..very interesting. “No impact” to me, means he’s not even in the lineup.

Otherwise, I can’t see the kid we’ve all watched the last year+ actually being IN the lineup and having “no impact”.

I don’t think he’s necessarily going to be the offensive player some hope for instantly if inserted into the team this year, but he’s a difference maker. He’s going to instantly be a tiny pain in the ass when he’s out there….and he will contribute positively on offense pretty fast IMO.

 

[Kazer]

Cristall barely missed from the fan POV. Reality is he was probably being kept so late because the Caps see something special and wanted him around the big club as much as possible before sending him back.


Chesley is probably going to spend 1.5-2 years in Hershey unless he forces his way onto the roster via threat to not sign IMO. Caps slow cook their prospects, D even more than forwards. He doesn’t seem good enough to immediately take a spot from a vet. I’d love for him to prove me wrong.


On Leonard…..who are all these people saying he’s going to be an 80 pt guy? I’ve seen an Oshie comparison tossed around…not much more. I don’t think the “vast majority” see him as a superstar…..All Star potential, yes that’s the hope.

So since you’re cautioning the entire board, let’s get your position clear, you expect Leonard to be what SPECIFICALLY?

While it wasn't directed toward me, I thought it was an interesting question I wanted to dig in to. Leonard, to me, is going to be what Wilson has been this year, and will probably have a few years that are even better. Extrapolated over 82 games, Wilson is on pace for 60-61 points with 33 goals.

Here are a few players, from last season, who scored in that range over a full season (minimum 30 goals+ and 60 points+), listed by goals scored:
Chris Kreider
Brady Tkachuk
Carter Verhaeghe
Brock Nelson
Travis Konecny
Seth Jarvis

While those may not be superstars, that is some very good company to keep. I also view him as a player who, much like Protas this year, makes every line he is on better with his all-around game (skill, speed, size, physicality, defense, tenaciousness). And while 33 goals and 60-61 points would be a high water mark for Wilson, Leonard may have a couple years where he scrapes 40 goals and 80+ points.

Maybe my expectations are too high, but I believe he has that kind of game. While I believe Cristall has the potential to score more points than Leonard, I believe that Leonard will have more 'impact' if that makes sense.

Quickly on Chesley - the one thing that may speed up his development is that, assuming he signs, he will have three full college seasons under his belt before heading to Hershey. Having said that, I agree that he would likely spend at least one full season in the NHL before coming up.

 

[Roshi]

No love for TvR?? Can eat any kind of minutes all year long without hurting his team, move up and down and from right to left.

He is the son of Mr Stability and Mrs Versatility. And the brother of one called James.

His cap hit aint hurting. Its not even a sting with what he brings to the table. One of the best 6D-guys in the galaxy. Never complains, never fails. And yet, he is the kind of guy that can be sidelined by a upcoming youth if needs to be. Why would you not have him here.

Every team needs an TvR. We are lucky to have him as mainstay for 5th year, the kind of guy that makes it ”feel home” for everyone else. Its safe and room filled with love.

 

[Melkor]

So since you’re cautioning the entire board, let’s get your position clear, you expect Leonard to be what SPECIFICALLY?

Ryan Callahan or along those lines..if anyone remembers him. Poor man's Konecny is the best case scenario.

 

[Roshi]

Ryan Callahan or along those lines..if anyone remembers him. Poor man's Konecny is the best case scenario.

Not that bad of a find. Callahan sounds reasonable. Maybe a little more than that, something like Dustin Brown?

I dont think thats the upside though. Id see that sort of a player as the linear projection.

Downside is a step down of those guys and upside three steps up. Either case we should have exciting NHL player who brings great level of compete for what ever role he has carved out in the destiny stones.

Dustin Brown has a statue in front of the Crypto Arena, just to bring up some hype

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

Ryan Callahan or along those lines..if anyone remembers him. Poor man's Konecny is the best case scenario.

Wow….pretty low expectations production wise, as RC’s best season was only 54 pts (twice) and 29 goals. Hell he was only a 4x 20g scorer in the NHL.

I’d say RC is on the low side numbers-wise for what I’m hoping for out of Leonard. If Leonard turns out to only have two 50pt plus and 4 20g plus seasons, he’ll be a big disappointment.

As @Kazer said…some 30/60 seasons sound very reasonable to me, with some upside potential.

 

[Melkor]

Not that bad of a find. Callahan sounds reasonable. Maybe Dustin Brown?

I dont think thats the upside though. Id see that sort of a player as the linear projection.

Downside is a step down of those guys and upside three steps up. Either case we should have exciting NHL player who brings great level of compete for what ever role he has carved out in the destiny stones.

I think Brown was a true power forward. Like he played big and felt big from the TV screen if you get what I'm saying. Leonard seems more like a shit stirrer who's trying to be everywhere, sometimes excessively, he needs to manage that a bit wiser.

 

[DWGie26]

Whoa…..very interesting. “No impact” to me, means he’s not even in the lineup.

Otherwise, I can’t see the kid we’ve all watched the last year+ actually being IN the lineup and having “no impact”.

I don’t think he’s necessarily going to be the offensive player some hope for instantly if inserted into the team this year, but he’s a difference maker. He’s going to instantly be a tiny pain in the ass when he’s out there….and he will contribute positively on offense pretty fast IMO.

the reason I say no impact this year is because assuming BC goes to the Frozen Four that means he will only be able to play 1 or 2 NHL games after before the playoffs starts. The NHL game is a whole lot different than college. And NHL playoff hockey is yet another notch above that. I don’t believe the caps are going to jump to put him in the lineup ahead of people who have a significant NHL experience. I think it is highly likely Leonard doesn’t play unless caps go down a couple of forwards. But i think he is a regular next year. No Hershey time.

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

the reason I say no impact this year is because assuming BC goes to the Frozen Four that means he will only be able to play 1 or 2 NHL games after before the playoffs starts. The NHL game is a whole lot different than college. And NHL playoff hockey is yet another notch above that. I don’t believe the caps are going to jump to put him in the lineup ahead of people who have a significant NHL experience. I think it is highly likely Leonard doesn’t play unless caps go down a couple of forwards. But i think he is a regular next year. No Hershey time.

Very interesting, so you don’t think he plays at all.…..that would seem to indicate Leonard won’t be their only deadline pickup for some depth.

I think he plays immediately with whatever is left of the regular season. Postseason, totally dependent on whatever regular season taste and how he does.

 

[Ridley Simon]

I think Brown was a true power forward. Like he played big and felt big from the TV screen if you get what I'm saying. Leonard seems more like a shit stirrer who's trying to be everywhere, sometimes excessively, he needs to manage that a bit wiser.

I’d wager as a 19yr old, he should gain some wisdom?

Just a thought

 

[Roshi]

I think Brown was a true power forward. Like he played big and felt big from the TV screen if you get what I'm saying. Leonard seems more like a shit stirrer who's trying to be everywhere, sometimes excessively, he needs to manage that a bit wiser.

Well thats a teenager and growing ”pains”. I think Leonard definately has elements of that feel of ”real power forward” in his game and he is still maturing into the shoes.

Some shit stirring is nice though, just dont build the identity on that alone.

 

[Melkor]

Wow….pretty low expectations production wise, as RC’s best season was only 54 pts (twice) and 29 goals. Hell he was only a 4x 20g scorer in the NHL.

I’d say RC is on the low side numbers-wise for what I’m hoping for out of Leonard. If Leonard turns out to only have two 50pt plus and 4 20g plus seasons, he’ll be a big disappointment.

As @Kazer said…some 30/60 seasons sound very reasonable to me, with some upside potential.

I mean Callahan was still a captain and a very good player in his Rangers days, I hated him. Made an olympics team too. I just don't see any special trait about Leonard offensively that brings confidence that he's going to deliver in the show.

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

I mean Callahan was still a captain and a very good player in his Rangers days, I hated him. Made an olympics team too. I just don't see any special trait about Leonard offensively that brings confidence that he's going to deliver in the show.

Wow…..we will agree to disagree.

 

[Melkor]

I’d wager as a 19yr old, he should gain some wisdom?

Just a thought

Wisdom about picking your battles but you can't teach being a prototypical power forward. You're either one or not. I feel like Leonard has that Marchand character, body of Konecny/Oshie and an offensive talent of Callahan. Don't see the likes of Brown in him, those LA boys had just a different, more of a systematic - dare I say boring - heavy vibe to their game.

 

[Roshi]

Wisdom about picking your battles but you can't teach being a prototypical power forward. You're either one or not. I feel like Leonard has that Marchand character, body of Konecny/Oshie and an offensive talent of Callahan. Don't see the likes of Brown in him, those LA boys had just a different, more of a systematic - dare I say boring - heavy vibe to their game.

The guy is fierce puck hound/competitor, not just shit stirrer. He makes those little power forwardy things, screens and battles, to win ice for his team mates.

Should fit pretty nicely to a - boring, heavy vibe - team, such as the Brown’s Kings, and say, current league leading Washington Capitals

But i actually liked/hated Callahan, so im not going to feel down on the comparison.

 

[Ridley Simon]

Wisdom about picking your battles but you can't teach being a prototypical power forward. You're either one or not. I feel like Leonard has that Marchand character, body of Konecny/Oshie and an offensive talent of Callahan. Don't see the likes of Brown in him, those LA boys had just a different, more of a systematic - dare I say boring - heavy vibe to their game.

Leonard has stated that he knew at an early age, that he was pretty much stronger/more powerful than most other skaters. It’s continued thru College and the WJC’s.

Now, that’s a *challenging* leg up to maintain. Especially once you to get to the NHL. But he certainly could.

We shall see

 

[qc14]

I mean Callahan was still a captain and a very good player in his Rangers days, I hated him. Made an olympics team too. I just don't see any special trait about Leonard offensively that brings confidence that he's going to deliver in the show.

Leonard has significantly outproduced Callahan at every age group so far in their respective junior careers. His shot, vision, and puck handling are all better than Callahan's was. If you want a better "low end" comp I think Conor Garland is much closer to Leonard than Callahn

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

Leonard has significantly outproduced Callahan at every age group so far in their respective junior careers. His shot, vision, and puck handling are all better than Callahan's was. If you want a better "low end" comp I think Conor Garland is much closer to Leonard than Callahn

Too low still…..2x 20g/one time 50pt plus guy…..no…..at least I sure hope not.

I’m hoping Landeskog….maybe Matthew Tkachuk’ish…

 

[Melkor]

Leonard has significantly outproduced Callahan at every age group so far in their respective junior careers. His shot, vision, and puck handling are all better than Callahan's was. If you want a better "low end" comp I think Conor Garland is much closer to Leonard than Callahn

Me personally I'm taking Callahan's career over Garland every day of the week and twice on Sunday. But that's just me.

 

[Calicaps]

Obviously it’s all tbd, but the low expectations for Leonard are weird to me. He’s outplayed every low projection by a mile so far. At his draft he was “third-line grinder” material. Now he’s 1RW/WJC captain and MVP. His compete and motor are second to none.

 

[qc14]

Me personally I'm taking Callahan's career over Garland every day of the week and twice on Sunday. But that's just me.

I agree -- I'm more saying that I think Leonard's career has not looked very much like Callahan's at all so far.

Too low still…..2x 20g/one time 50pt plus guy…..no…..at least I sure hope not.

I’m hoping Landeskog….maybe Matthew Tkachuk’ish…

Yea it's not that I think he will be a Conor Garland, but rather that's what I imagine his mid-low end would look like. I haven't heard Landeskog as a comp really at all yet and the more I think about it the more I really like it.

 

[Jags]

I think Brown was a true power forward. Like he played big and felt big from the TV screen if you get what I'm saying. Leonard seems more like a shit stirrer

In addition to everything else being said about his potential, I'd add that another similarity with Brown is the easy chemistry and camaraderie Leonard established in camp. There was something about the excitement and personality he brought to those sessions that elevated things for everyone.

Dustin Brown was beloved in LA for similar reasons. Quieter guy, but he led from the front, and that team and town adored him for it. Leonard's got that vibe. If he's got that going on for real, 60 points suits me just fine. I'll happily take more, but this team will need leaders.

 

[Holtbyisms]

Uhh, what?

I thought this would be in reference to one of Sandin or Fehervary but I guess not. I mean, they seem to love Muggli, Chesley hasn't even signed (maybe he doesn't, but if he does I dunno how to value him, and Iorio is all they have on the right side.

I don't understand this report, it feels like just throwing shit at the wall and hoping it sticks. I think they'd be much more likely to move Lapierre or Miro for a bigger upgrade then any of the aforementioned 3.

Bad article from someone with absolutely no connection to the team. You could probably ask AI what the Washington Capitals have a surplus of to use at the trade deadline and get a similar(maybe better) article.