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

[hb13xchamps]

Milano was practicing in a non contact jersey and went on the last few road trips but there’s been very little update on him. Someone mentioned earlier this year that it could be a concussion.

 

[g00n]

Uh huh, good point. CMM scored today, so I'm betting you'll admit you're wrong soon.

He scored on a really good play by Protas and a horrible defensive lapse by Philly, but it was a great deflection.

The problem is he made 2 other boneheaded plays right before that that led to breakouts the other way.

If the rest of the team can compensate for it then you take the goalscoring, though. But he has to keep scoring.

 

[895]

1st + Lapierre


For ROR

Yes?

 

[Misery74]

1st + Lapierre


For ROR

Yes?

He’s not a rental. I am one that really likes Jimi..

But yes. He’d be here two more years.

 

[895]

Do we bench tvr and frank right before the break so AA and Vrana can get a game?

 

[Langway]

Caps talk at 25:48. Talks about them adding one more forward (no names linked) and some light Chychrun talk.

 

[hb13xchamps]

1st + Lapierre


For ROR

Yes?

He turns 34 today. Are we getting the same caliber of player or is this year an indicator of a decline coming? Some due diligence that needs to take place before pulling the trigger

 

[zappa4ever]

Do we bench tvr and frank right before the break so AA and Vrana can get a game?

I'm fine with them sitting anyone that needs recuperation time, and getting all the now-perennial benched ppl in
Hell, treat it like gm82 and sit some stars too for injury prevention purposes

 

[wickedwitch]

I think trading Lapierre now would be selling low. I'm not completely against it, but it wouldn't be my first choice.

 

[Coldnwindy]

"Consistency" is overrated. Every player has peaks and valleys over the course of the season. The only players who don't experience "slumps" like McMichael's are all-stars. Using Monthly stats as a quick shorthand, CMM's worst month was December, with 2G and 6P (13GP). That same month was Dylan Strome's 3G and 6P month (same 13GP). Jason Robertson had a 1G/7P (13GP) November. Matt Boldy had a 2G and 7P (14GP) December. Brady Tkachuk had a 3G/4P (15GP) January. Hell, Tom Wilson had back-to-back 3 point months last season. The ebbs and flows of a season happen to players. You don't trade quality players away simply because they the puck stops going in for a bit, or else you'd be stuck with very few players on your team. You *especially* don't trade them for 3rd liner centers based on the hope that a younger prospect will somehow be more consistent.

I disagree. You have to deal a position of strength to address a position of weakness. We don't have a 3C for next year, and Lapierre has shown to be unable to handle the role given the reins. We DO have multiple younger wingers ready to take the step into the NHL next season. You cherrypicked players who have had proven, multiple seasons of consistent production to compare Mike with. Apples to oranges. His value is high, so it's not like he'll generate a crappy "3rd liner" player as a return. I would be singing a different tune if Mike or Lapierre could handle 3C duties, but they can't.

 

[Misery74]

I disagree. You have to deal a position of strength to address a position of weakness. We don't have a 3C for next year, and Lapierre has shown to be unable to handle the role given the reins. We DO have multiple younger wingers ready to take the step into the NHL next season. You cherrypicked players who have had proven, multiple seasons of consistent production to compare Mike with. Apples to oranges. His value is high, so it's not like he'll generate a crappy "3rd liner" player as a return. I would be singing a different tune if Mike or Lapierre could handle 3C duties, but they can't.

Lapierre was great last year. Next year is a while away. I wouldn’t bury him yet.

But I would move him for a ready now 3c with term.

 

[Melkor]

I think trading Lapierre now would be selling low. I'm not completely against it, but it wouldn't be my first choice.

Depends on the return. I'd probably do that ROR trade but that would be the best offer they'd get. Wouldn't add neither picks nor prospects. ROR would definitely make the Caps better right now but the age brings an uncertainty in regards to him keeping his current level of play until the contract expires. I feel like he'd a be a rich man's Dowd for this team as it is currently constructed.

 

[Jags]

I’ve been touting Tuch for a few months, and wanted to offer CMM. That got shot down by the masses, PDQ.

I think a lot of people here would consider Tuch more seriously if it appeared that Buffalo was shopping him. Then there was the detour where you said you'd include McMichael in the deal, subtracting a player of comparable value instead of purely adding talent to our run this year.

Can't just pick a name out of thin air and think you suggesting it makes it a reality. For years, Twabby was like, "Hertl Hertl Hertl Hertl Hertl Hertl Hertl Hertl," all day long. Then one day he maybe got the picture that it wasn't happening. Dude blinked twice, paused briefly, and has been going "Pettersson Pettersson Pettersson Pettersson Pettersson Pettersson Pettersson Pettersson," ever since.

I think Tuch is an impact player, but the Sabres would be daffy to punt him with that cap hit unless he's told them he'll never extend there. And even then it's a club that's putting something together. They'd most likely want a roster player back, and I don't think the on-ice difference between Tuch and McMichael is worth the squeeze. Your mileage may vary.

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

Can we swap ROR to Brayden Schenn lol? (Even though his term left and age scare me beyond 2 years)….

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

I think a lot of people here would consider Tuch more seriously if it appeared that Buffalo was shopping him. Then there was the detour where you said you'd include McMichael in the deal, subtracting a player of comparable value instead of purely adding talent to our run this year.

Can't just pick a name out of thin air and think you suggesting it makes it a reality. For years, Twabby was like, "Hertl Hertl Hertl Hertl Hertl Hertl Hertl Hertl," all day long. Then one day he maybe got the picture that it wasn't happening. Dude blinked twice, paused briefly, and has been going "Pettersson Pettersson Pettersson Pettersson Pettersson Pettersson Pettersson Pettersson," ever since.

I think Tuch is an impact player, but the Sabres would be daffy to punt him with that cap hit unless he's told them he'll never extend there. And even then it's a club that's putting something together. They'd most likely want a roster player back, and I don't think the on-ice difference between Tuch and McMichael is worth the squeeze. Your mileage may vary.

Since you punked him in this post, @twabby PLEASE post the individual player cards for Tuch vs CMM…..

 

[Jags]

Since you punked him in this post, @twabby PLEASE post the individual player cards for Tuch vs CMM…..

Yeah, do that so we can all pretend that the difference between those two guys locks us into Cup contention. And I didn't punk anyone. Rids keeps bringing up Tuch and we've got a precedent for that that @twabby has never been shy about.

They like who they like, and at the very least it paints a very clear picture of what they'd want us to add. No shame in that. But wishing don't make it so.

Do you think Hertl woulda been a bad add for us at the time? Me neither. Pettersson when he switched it up? Me neither. Would you be mad if we ADDED Tuch instead of subtracting another impact piece in the process? Me neither.

 

[Langway]

Real Kyper's Trade Board 3.0: Setting up for a memorable deadline

The NHL trade deadline is exactly one month away, so what better time for Nick Kypreos to update his trade board? This time there are several new names, many big ones, and one particularly interesting carryover.

www.sportsnet.ca

lol at the idea of Rantanen perhaps being moved again before the deadline. Why not?!

Zegras, Gourde (able to not rush him back at all and utilitize LTIR), Donato and Crouse all make some sense.

 

[MW6]

I think Tuch in a vacuum is a good-to-great player, I just don’t think there’s a fit on a line with Ovechkin and Strome. They’re all basically IMO shoot-first players so I have a hard time imagining that any chemistry will form between them. And since neither Ovechkin or Strome are fast players I think they need to be complimented with somebody who’s really good at hanging on to the puck and can make plays. Marner or Ehlers are the top candidates as far as I’m concerned.

And when it comes to 3C, I think McTavish should be their top target. Someone who can grow and gel with Leonard. A two-way center who reminds me a little of Dubois with his compete level and subtle plays, protecting the puck or threading a pass between two opponents and such. Good hockey-IQ and a really good shot as well.

I’d move CMM+ for MMT!

 

[Melkor]

Donato and Gourde do not make any sense, Caps have those kinds of players on the roster. Zegras and Crouse would bring something more rare to their game but still - they're of those "it's all about fit" guys. Not unique or good enough to be sure that this is the move. I'd definitely try both out if the price is right though.

 

[Ovechkins Wodka]

I dont think we need to trade Lappy to get ROR.
a 1st round pick should be enough for ROR. SMH at posters giving our prospects away for free

 

[Jags]

I just don’t believe in some label of “contender”. It means nothing in team sports, because it’s often which team is healthy and gets on the biggest roll heading into the playoffs.

Totally, agree. But I similarly don't believe in the TDL arms race narrative. The Canes did it, the Rags did it, so must we do... something. In all this analysis of McMike, I think it was overlooked that our LINES were hot the first half of the year. It wasn't specific guys spurring it all on, or one or two glue guys making it all work. The chemistry was insane, and continues to be.

It was EVERYTHING that Carbs said at his introductory presser last year. He kept stressing playing with pace, and in today's NHL that's cohesion and continuity, plain and simple. Feet moving, precision passing, go go go. Our team chemistry is as good as it has maybe ever been (stem to stern), and McMike isn't a passenger. He's been elevating others as much as they've helped him.

Upsetting that isn't something I'd do willy-nilly. And I know that's not what YOU are suggesting, but lotsa folks are champing at the bit to make a deal. I think we can all agree that "The Right Trade" is pretty much always a good idea, but it's hard to see what that would realistically look like when we continue to prove capable of beating anyone.

As a fan, I need some convincing that some of our young guys are that, guys that will rise when the games really count.

Sure, me too. And I'm sure you agree that the worst feeling is watching those young guys rise big time wearing someone else's sweater.

I've had enough of that shit. We won a Cup with a bunch of prospects stepping up in big moments, and without sexy TDL adds. I'm looking at our depth right now, the likely call-ups from Hershey, and Leonard, and I'm willing to bet that they can contribute when called upon.

I think Lappy, Protas, Miro, and McMike and might be able to chip in like Walker, Stephenson, Vrana, and Boyd did. And if you think of McMike as less of a prospect and more of a slow-developing tweener, remember that Burakovsky pretty much won us a Game 7 by himself. Ya never know when that blind squirrel's gonna pot a couple'a nuts.

So yeah, I'm all for "The Right Trade" but if that nebulous idea doesn't surface, maybe add a little depth and soldier on. I like our team.

Miniscule, small, whatever you want to tag it with you deem it not worthy of doing.

Not that particular way, no. I like Tuch a lot, but I don't see the virtue in that specific trade idea. If that's the only way to get him, I'd pass and let Tuch's playoff legacy with us remain that one goal he DIDN'T score.

 

[Roshi]

I dont think we need to trade Lappy to get ROR.
a 1st round pick should be enough for ROR. SMH at posters giving our prospects away for free

I also think 1st+Lapierre is a bit much for a 3C, even if its elite 3C.

But what do you do with Lapierre if you trade for ROR? Theres no center spot for him the next 2+ seasons, so he’ll just tank his value in Hershey.

Id rather do Lapierre+ than a 1st for ROR.

 

[Ovechkins Wodka]

I also think 1st+Lapierre is a bit much for a 3C, even if its elite 3C.

But what do you do with Lapierre if you trade for ROR? Theres no center spot for him the next 2+ seasons, so he’ll just tank his value in Hershey.

Id rather do Lapierre+ than a 1st for ROR.

He can play wing... and you can never have to many centers.

 

[Roshi]

He can play wing... and you can never have to many centers.

We have a lot of wingers, if he wins a spot that means some other prospect loses it.

Nobody wants to sell low on our prospects, but nobody wants to see them get stuck too long in AHL either. We only have limited spots open and here we are talking about long term upgrades for the spots these kids are looking to fight for.

Its just not optimal situation developementally, or fair, to keep a prospect like Lapierre sidelined over the shelf life. And that will just tank the value to a point where Alexeeyev is now. Keeping a 1st we can buy more years time to keep up with the ”curve”.

So if Lapierre holds same value as a 1st and we go for a long term upgrade for 3C, ill feel like its more fair for the prospect for where he is now and valuewise better for us for where we are now to let him go instead of hang him out to dry and battle for a winger spot with all the other blue-chippers in the mix. Its crazy we have so many of those!

 

[Ovechkins Wodka]

We have a lot of wingers, if he wins a spot that means some other prospect loses it.

Nobody wants to sell low on our prospects, but nobody wants to see them get stuck too long in AHL either. We only have limited spots open and here we are talking about long term upgrades for the spots these kids are looking to fight for.

Its just not optimal situation developementally, or fair, to keep a prospect like Lapierre sidelined over the shelf life. And that will just tank the value to a point where Alexeeyev is now. Keeping a 1st we can buy more years time to keep up with the ”curve”.

So if Lapierre holds same value as a 1st and we go for a long term upgrade for 3C, ill feel like its more fair for the prospect for where he is now and valuewise better for us for where we are now to let him go instead of hang him out to dry and battle for a winger spot with all the other blue-chippers in the mix. Its crazy we have so many of those!

He was so good last season and the playoffs. Its hard to figure out whats going on with him. The talent and skill is in him. Its hard to give up on that. I really want the coaches to get him going again.