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

[Langway]

I don't think subtracting Mangiapane effects the vibes much. That said, they should aim higher. I do think Zegras has some ability to be an X factor but where would he play? 2LW alongside PLD and Wilson? Is he firm enough defensively for tougher match-ups? We also have to factor in systems unfamiliarity, which in itself is likely a strong factor against any middling upgrade. At least if they're looking to upgrade the top six. Upgrading over Raddysh/Frank is fine and likely easily doable. But even if they were to do so it seems unlikely Eller's line will truly be very good and trusted until Leonard is aboard.

Unless their possession team play and timing ramps way back up again it's going to be tough to have high expectations for any modest W upgrade making much of a difference. It's got to be more of a collective rising tide with realistically all of Ovechkin, Strome and McMichael consistently playing at much higher level again. Given their skating limitations (or strength/mindset limitations when it comes to McMichael IMO) I'm not sure how realistic that is. Hard then to place massive expectations on their playoff upside unless team defense and goaltending are pretty exceptional.

 

[qc14]

@qc14

My post wasn’t about Zegras. I’m not a huge fan of his, although I think he’d be a good buy low candidate to add skill to their top 9.

My post is about people thinking that Lapierre, Miro, and a 2nd is some wonderful offer that is worth a lot. It’s not. Miro is definitely a good piece. But adding “extra” stuff like Lappy and a 2nd doesn’t turn it into a “we can get Alex Tuch or maybe even JT Miller!!”

There’s a lot of Homer stuff going on here. About OUR prospects. Then I remember “you ARE on Hockeys FUTURE, Rids”

While I definitely agree to some extent I think at the same time people (in general, not just you or on this board) vastly over-estimate the prices you need to pay for good players in the NHL. Lapierre, Miro, and a 2nd isn't a lot because all those pieces are going to be future superstars or even top 6 forwards, it's a lot because it's three premium future assets in a league where great players rarely go for more than two. I would say it's pretty comparable or slightly better than what Pittsburgh got for Guentzel last year, for example!

I'm driving Mangiapane to the airport myself is he's the roster player Ducks would take for Zegras. Say what you want about Zegras but he's a real talent and he's young. Give me that over a $5M 4th liner.

Mangiapane is scoring at pretty much the exact same rate as Zegras over the last two years while putting up defensive numbers that are in a different stratosphere and getting worse deployments.

I don't think subtracting Mangiapane effects the vibes much.

I think that trading for someone in the offseason, having that player perform well (yes, Mangiapane is playing well even if he's not "worth" all of his cap hit), then trading that player while you're first in the league is horrendous vibes. It's certainly worth the hit to bring in a real difference maker, not a reclamation project

 

[ArmadilloThumb]

I’m not as fond of CMM as you are.

Obviously. I’d certainly deal him before Protas, Miro, Leonard, or Hutson.

But probably after Lapierre, Mangiapane, Milano, or lesser players like Alexeyev or any other Hershey Bear.

You gotta give to get. And making a true hickey trade (akin to what Carolina just did) to get a real difference maker for this squad, is going to take more than Lappy, Miro, and a 2nd.

I am just sayin’

And I will say it again!

And all that is valid. And it's fine for us to disagree on CMM's value/ceiling. And I absolutely respect your take while having different view. This board is excellent in that there are well reasoned and passionate views all round.

We do have to give to get. I say we offer cheap as much as possible... like we did successfully with Beck and Jensen. Hopefully BM/GMCP continue doing that.

Go Caps!

 

[wickedwitch]

People are talking about trading major pieces, but I don't think a player who would be worthy of trading those pieces for will be available.

Honestly, I expect this to be a very quiet trade deadline. Most teams are close enough to a playoff spot and won't sell and those who will have no top players to sell. I don't think Buffalo "sells" (although they might make hockey trades) and won't trade Tuch this year. Now I'm thinking the Isles won't sell either. Pittsburgh will probably sell, but again, no top forwards. And the Blackhawks and Sharks who will sell have nothing worthwhile to sell. So who does that leave? The Preds (who again, may not sell), the Ducks, and maybe the Flyers? I don't think ROR will be traded.

I'd love Zegras and think he will be available at some point within the next 6 months, but I'm not sure we have the return Anaheim would want in season.

The other potential move I could see them doing is for Pettersson, but he's going to be expensive and require roster players and I can see the Caps not wanting to make that big of a move in-season.

So my official prediction as of January 27: the Caps don't do anything remotely major.

 

[stanleycaps18]

There are too many examples over the years, particularly in the GMGM era, of trade deadline moves that ended up destroying the locker room. I would rather stand pat this year and see what happens with this particular team.

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

There are too many examples over the years, particularly in the GMGM era, of trade deadline moves that ended up destroying the locker room. I would rather stand pat this year and see what happens with this particular team.

Please do tell….I can’t recall that ever being the issue at least in public discussion.

Were you in these rooms to know this, or are you assuming because they simply lost a playoff matchup?

 

[Silky mitts]

There are too many examples over the years, particularly in the GMGM era, of trade deadline moves that ended up destroying the locker room. I would rather stand pat this year and see what happens with this particular team.

There is one example of trading a first for a guy, incorporating him into the lineup wasn't worth it in terms of on ice chemistry, but if you don't trade a 1st or top prospect for guy you're not asking top guys to change roles like in 17

 

[Langway]

I think that trading for someone in the offseason, having that player perform well (yes, Mangiapane is playing well even if he's not "worth" all of his cap hit), then trading that player while you're first in the league is horrendous vibes. It's certainly worth the hit to bring in a real difference maker, not a reclamation project

Horrendous vibes for him maybe. This is a player that's played about 50 games for this team. He's been a part of it but not for very long at all. Even he's playing alright he's still just playing about 13 minutes a night. He remains easily the most replaceable, least disruptive means toward upgrading more significantly. They need someone that not only will play higher in the lineup 5v5 but ideally also solidify PP2. In the moment maybe it sucks but then focus shifts to the New Guy. Shift Raddysh back to 4RW and suddenly there's new life in the top nine where it matters most.

The challenge ahead will be a lot tougher. Keeping them together and expecting a rookie in Leonard to be the big splash add puts too much on him off the bat. Based on how they've been playing offensively for the last month or so they need someone else that can help elevate scoring lines. Maybe ten plus years ago managing egos would have been more delicate. With this group I think that's a lot less of a concern. A lot less of a concern when it comes to the leadership group keeping the team together, their depth players knowing their roles and also the coaching staff communicating and smoothing out concerns. The one risk I suppose would be McMichael getting shuffled down the lineup and struggling...but I wouldn't let that stop me. They're going to need more weaponry.

 

[ArmadilloThumb]

If, as some suggest, the market is thin and BM/GMCP indeed do not want to move out any "good prospects with potential" (to keep from over -valuing on here...) ...I'm going back to an idea I've been posting for years on here, now that we are talking Ducks....

6'5" 220 forward, a $1M RFA, with the same number of goals as Zegras and a point more overall... and a proven high level of chemistry with... Alexeyev Protas.

So maybe our adds are Ryan Leonard AND Brett Leason. Maybe we can get Leason cheap.

 

[Chokingdogs]

Please do tell….I can’t recall that ever being the issue at least in public discussion.

Were you in these rooms to know this, or are you assuming because they simply lost a playoff matchup?

Well, I can think of a summer trade that disrupted the locker room, the team, on ice performance, got 2 coaches ( deservedly ) fired and a fan belly bumped by Teddy on the concourse, but I digress.

The linden trade/deal ruffled a certain future ex coache’s feathers at the time. But I believe that was an early season one.

The one deadline where makfi brought in like 5 players, that was a quagmire.

The Jason Christ deal, IIRC, was also a bit of a poison pill. That was during the heyday of Bruce’s fun n gun, score one more than the other team, country club experience.

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

Well, I can think of a summer trade that disrupted the locker room, the team, on ice performance, got 2 coaches ( deservedly ) fired and a fan belly bumped by Teddy on the concourse, but I digress.

The linden trade/deal ruffled a certain future ex coache’s feathers at the time. But I believe that was an early season one.

The one deadline where makfi brought in like 5 players, that was a quagmire.

The Jason Christ deal, IIRC, was also a bit of a poison pill. That was during the heyday of Bruce’s fun n gun, score one more than the other team, country club experience.

Jagr broke the whole franchise. Since Ovechkin, no trades come to mind that “destroyed the room”….

To me this is fearmongering to support standing pat.

 

[ArmadilloThumb]

Worth reading all the way through, particularly the 'Analysis' section...

Aliaksei Protas and Brett Leason: Former Linemates On Different Paths To The NHL

Photo: Prince Albert Raiders June 22, 2019 will be a day that former linemates Brett Leason and Aliaksei Protas remember for a lifetime, as both of the Prince Albert Raiders were drafted in success…

novacapsfans.com

 

[Silky mitts]

Worth reading all the way through, particularly the 'Analysis' section...

Aliaksei Protas and Brett Leason: Former Linemates On Different Paths To The NHL

Photo: Prince Albert Raiders June 22, 2019 will be a day that former linemates Brett Leason and Aliaksei Protas remember for a lifetime, as both of the Prince Albert Raiders were drafted in success…

novacapsfans.com

He stinks

 

[Langway]

https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/washington-capitals/washington-capitals-podcast-thn/washington-capitals-should-add-deadline-brendan-morrison-explains-why-not

This is a different team with way more team-first guys and far more maturity generally to handle such things. Barring some terrible run of injuries they won't be bulk shopping anyway. One would think this coaching staff will also quickly look to avoid any rotations into and out of the lineup.

Whatever they do should be targeted, coordinated and a lot more understandable to everyone. Token depth adds should be the exact opposite of what they're seeking to execute. They don't need much at the moment but it should be fairly evident what it is. Less productive players have had their opportunities to produce. No one, McMichael included, should feel short-changed of opportunity should they go out and upgrade.

 

[qc14]

Jagr broke the whole franchise. Since Ovechkin, no trades come to mind that “destroyed the room”….

To me this is fearmongering to support standing pat.

I mean Penner was a notorious disaster on the ice and in the room. Shattenkirk I think was more of an on-ice fit issue but I don't think the off-ice one was great either.

I definitely don't support standing pat. I think there are very obvious ways to make significant improvements to the roster though without moving Mangiapane, and if you are doing it I would want the fit to be perfect or the player to be really fing good. I think a lot of the names thrown out here (Zegras and Miller especially) don't rise to that level and a lot of other good fits (Boeser, Nelson, etc.) don't require moving out anyone besides maybe Bear or Milano going the other way.

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

I mean Penner was a notorious disaster on the ice and in the room. Shattenkirk I think was more of an on-ice fit issue but I don't think the off-ice one was great either.

I definitely don't support standing pat. I think there are very obvious ways to make significant improvements to the roster though without moving Mangiapane, and if you are doing it I would want the fit to be perfect or the player to be really fing good. I think a lot of the names thrown out here (Zegras and Miller especially) don't rise to that level and a lot of other good fits (Boeser, Nelson, etc.) don't require moving out anyone besides maybe Bear or Milano going the other way.

Besides being conjecture….I’m still not seeing any room destroying trades…..this room is too strong IMO.

This is also why it’s silly to “throw out names”…..everything just gets picked apart.

 

[Chokingdogs]

Jagr broke the whole franchise. Since Ovechkin, no trades come to mind that “destroyed the room”….

To me this is fearmongering to support standing pat.

That was meant to be way more tongue in cheek than serious.

FTR, I’m neither for nor against standing pat. If a deal can be made that helps, do it. If there’s nothing out there fitting that, by all means keep the status quo.

 

[Silky mitts]

LT 6X under $6M LFG!

 

[442]

 

[Ridley Simon]

I don't think subtracting Mangiapane effects the vibes much. That said, they should aim higher. I do think Zegras has some ability to be an X factor but where would he play? 2LW alongside PLD and Wilson? Is he firm enough defensively for tougher match-ups? We also have to factor in systems unfamiliarity, which in itself is likely a strong factor against any middling upgrade. At least if they're looking to upgrade the top six. Upgrading over Raddysh/Frank is fine and likely easily doable. But even if they were to do so it seems unlikely Eller's line will truly be very good and trusted until Leonard is aboard.

Unless their possession team play and timing ramps way back up again it's going to be tough to have high expectations for any modest W upgrade making much of a difference. It's got to be more of a collective rising tide with realistically all of Ovechkin, Strome and McMichael consistently playing at much higher level again. Given their skating limitations (or strength/mindset limitations when it comes to McMichael IMO) I'm not sure how realistic that is. Hard then to place massive expectations on their playoff upside unless team defense and goaltending are pretty exceptional.

Meaning? (The bolded). Not arguing, just looking for your stance. I think you are accurate

 

[Brian23]

Longer, and for more money then I'd like but you gotta pay your guys at some point.

 

[John Price]

WUSA9

Get the latest news and information from around the DC Metro area here on WUSA9-TV's You Tube page.

www.wusa9.com

Washington Capitals PA announcer hospitalized after medical emergency in Atlanta hotel room​

Johnson has been 'unleashing the fury' as the voice of the Caps for 25 seasons
Author: Matt Pusatory (WUSA9)
Published: 1:19 PM EST January 27, 2025
Updated: 2:37 PM EST January 27, 2025
WASHINGTON — Wes Johnson may not be a name you recognize, but if you are a fan of the Washington Capitals hockey team, you certainly recognize his voice. Johnson has been the team's public address announcer for 25 years and is best known for calling on fans to "unleash the fury."
Johnson has reportedly been hospitalized in intensive care following a medical emergency in an Atlanta hotel room. According to an online fundraiser organized by friends and family, Johnson was in Atlanta hosting a benefit for the National Alzheimer's Association.

 

[um]

I like the dollar and term is fine for a 27 year old, but goalies are weird.

I do think it’s nearly impossible to win without a good one, and we got one.

 

[Brian23]

WUSA9

Get the latest news and information from around the DC Metro area here on WUSA9-TV's You Tube page.

www.wusa9.com

Washington Capitals PA announcer hospitalized after medical emergency in Atlanta hotel room​

Johnson has been 'unleashing the fury' as the voice of the Caps for 25 seasons
Author: Matt Pusatory (WUSA9)
Published: 1:19 PM EST January 27, 2025
Updated: 2:37 PM EST January 27, 2025
WASHINGTON — Wes Johnson may not be a name you recognize, but if you are a fan of the Washington Capitals hockey team, you certainly recognize his voice. Johnson has been the team's public address announcer for 25 years and is best known for calling on fans to "unleash the fury."
Johnson has reportedly been hospitalized in intensive care following a medical emergency in an Atlanta hotel room. According to an online fundraiser organized by friends and family, Johnson was in Atlanta hosting a benefit for the National Alzheimer's Association.

From his GoFundMe. That is not a great thing to read.

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

Logan Thompson, Capitals agree to 6-year contract extension with $5.85 million AAV: Source — The Athletic

The Washington Capitals and Logan Thompson, surprisingly one of the top goaltenders in the NHL this season, agreed to a six-year extension with a $5.85 million average annual value, a league source said Monday.

apple.news

$5.85 per…..ouch….

That was meant to be way more tongue in cheek than serious.

FTR, I’m neither for nor against standing pat. If a deal can be made that helps, do it. If there’s nothing out there fitting that, by all means keep the status quo.

This is always my stance….