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

[itsjustsurvival]

If both goalies maintain their levels of play, I don't have an issue with having two good goalies coming in under $9 million. Also, they have have a really unique locker room and Lindgren is a big part of it.

Edit: regarding Chychrun, I feel like they only sign this deal if 1) they know they can still fit him or 2) they know they can't extend him for a reasonable deal.

 

[Roshi]

I ain't no cap nerd but if this impacts their ability to re-sign Chy I would not be happy

They better have room to re sign that man he is a huge reason why they are so good this year

Doesnt really impact.

Great signing, solid number for a solid 1B goalie. We’ll have solid goaltending for 82 games per season for the next 3 years. And should he suddenly forget how to goalie, the conract doesnt have clauses and is quite easy to make disappear.

Great locker room guy too. Only positives here.

 

[DWGie26]

I like this deal. We have been trying to get our goalie room in shape since 2018. Now we have a 1a and 1b in place for three years. This is a lot different than having 2a and 2b like we did with Sammy and Vanecek. These are both proven NHL goalies and for under $9M. Good for today and next year. Great by the time Chuckie expires. I suspect we will see 80% of the league spending 10M on goalies by that time and we’ll be on the low end.

This also helps shore up some things as we go through TDL. We need to get out of this TDL and signings period so locker room can focus on hockey run.

 

[Langway]

What we’re hearing about every NHL team heading into deadline week

With Friday’s 3 p.m. ET finish line coming into view, here's how each NHL team is approaching trade-deadline week.

www.nytimes.com

Boourns on the possibility of an uneventful deadline for the Caps. They haven't won a playoff series in seven years. I'd want to add a solid middle six piece mostly to further help avoid the possibility of being one-and-done. No middle six piece necessarily avoids the possibility and maybe Leonard would be more impactful than most options. That said, I definitely wonder what a playoff fizzle would do to this group, particularly the impact it would have on their transitional leadership group and to some extent also the staff. Way early to speculate but I can't help but wonder if this group has what it takes. The age of 8/74, the decline of Strome compared to his earlier season play...even the security now given to the goalies. Can they find their form and elevate?

They definitely have something with Protas-PLD-Wilson but it's also tough to imagine both that they're going some distance on their backs and that they otherwise have formidable enough forward depth to afford to load that line up like that.

This unfortunately seems accurate.

 

[hb13xchamps]

32 thoughts again said they think Washington looks at the third line, adds Leonard after his season is up and possibly upgrades the 7D position

 

[wickedwitch]

What we’re hearing about every NHL team heading into deadline week

With Friday’s 3 p.m. ET finish line coming into view, here's how each NHL team is approaching trade-deadline week.

www.nytimes.com

Boourns on the possibility of an uneventful deadline for the Caps. They haven't won a playoff series in seven years. I'd want to add a solid middle six piece mostly to further help avoid the possibility of being one-and-done. No middle six piece necessarily avoids the possibility and maybe Leonard would be more impactful than most options. That said, I definitely wonder what a playoff fizzle would do to this group, particularly the impact it would have on their transitional leadership group and to some extent also the staff. Way early to speculate but I can't help but wonder if this group has what it takes. The age of 8/74, the decline of Strome compared to his earlier season play...even the security now given to the goalies. Can they find their form and elevate?

They definitely have something with Protas-PLD-Wilson but it's also tough to imagine both that they're going some distance on their backs and that they otherwise have formidable enough forward depth to afford to load that line up like that.

This unfortunately seems accurate.

So if you swap PLD and Wilson for Ovi and Strome, all four "fit" the criteria established.

That said, yes, what this team is really lacking is top-line, game breaking talent, and they almost certainly aren't getting that in a trade at this deadline.

 

[BallardEra]

What do you guys and gals feel about Ryan Donato? Radko Gudas?

 

[Holtbyisms]

That Chucky deal is big time meh. He's already regressed quite a bit from last year. Now you reward him with three more? Seems too pricey for him too and also blocks any youth. Not a fan.

 

[Todd Lazarchick]

It would be highly disappointing for them to do nothing being afraid. No one knows if there will be an injury or someone’s game goes to shit. And not having a contingency for that for fear of someone not being perfectly meshed into their pregame antics is pretty dumb. Someone that could play in the top 9 should be what they are shooting for. Not just tinkering with the bottom 6.

 

[qc14]

I like the Lindgren extension. As with so many of these (Ovi, Backstrom, LT, potential Chychrun deal) you always have to think about the alternative, which is not signing them. There just aren't any other 1b types out there in UFA this summer besides Vladar -- who is IMO a worse player and probably gets around the same deal anyways. You know what you have in Lindgren, don't mess with a good thing.

 

[Roshi]

What we’re hearing about every NHL team heading into deadline week

With Friday’s 3 p.m. ET finish line coming into view, here's how each NHL team is approaching trade-deadline week.

www.nytimes.com

Boourns on the possibility of an uneventful deadline for the Caps. They haven't won a playoff series in seven years. I'd want to add a solid middle six piece mostly to further help avoid the possibility of being one-and-done. No middle six piece necessarily avoids the possibility and maybe Leonard would be more impactful than most options. That said, I definitely wonder what a playoff fizzle would do to this group, particularly the impact it would have on their transitional leadership group and to some extent also the staff. Way early to speculate but I can't help but wonder if this group has what it takes. The age of 8/74, the decline of Strome compared to his earlier season play...even the security now given to the goalies. Can they find their form and elevate?

They definitely have something with Protas-PLD-Wilson but it's also tough to imagine both that they're going some distance on their backs and that they otherwise have formidable enough forward depth to afford to load that line up like that.

This unfortunately seems accurate.

Well not saying there isnt a point, but this checkbox model has some flaws atleast. Swapping places with Ovechkin/Strome for Dubois/Wilson and suddenly you are closer of checking those boxes by this definition…

Thats the backbone of this team. We dont rely on individuals.

 

[Kazer]

What do you guys and gals feel about Ryan Donato? Radko Gudas?

Donato is one of the guys I'm most interested in. Reasonable price, could fit into the 3rd line nicely and slide up into the top 6 if needed.

That Chucky deal is big time meh. He's already regressed quite a bit from last year. Now you reward him with three more? Seems too pricey for him too and also blocks any youth. Not a fan.

There's no youth worth promoting. Kempf is interesting but at least 4-5 years away (if not more). Bjorklund is putting up great numbers in South Carolina, but he's in a 50/50 timeshare at the ECHL level which means he has a LOT to prove before playing an NHL game.

Shepard is almost 30 and Stevenson is having a majorly down year at 25/26 (happy birthday!). The cupboard is bare.

It's definitely an overpay though. It's low based on his 23-24 numbers, but it's high compared against his 22-23 and 24-25 numbers.

 

[Langway]

We dont rely on individuals.

Ultimately they do. Everyone does. They're not robots. They're not a system team to the extent of expecting them to be the 90's Devils completely suffocating teams. Nor do they have much of an in-zone systematic offensive approach 5v5 aside from heavy involvement from defensemen. They can double down on checking but the main people are still what they are. They're still going to be somewhat vulnerable to SHG threats depending on the quality of opponent PK personnel and probably also struggle aggressive PK pressure period.

Good points on the input questions re: that playoff template model. That model does overlook some things but I'd still be very skeptical of system play, discipline and depth taking a team far in the playoffs. They still have to own the big moments offensively. They already seem to love their overloaded two checking lines...do they really want to create a third?

Such a recipe works from time to time...typically aligning with stellar goaltending. It's not impossible to win while being a bit challenged 5v5...but it's really not how you'd draw it up. Mostly I don't think the blueline is quite strong enough to in terms of elite defensive defensemen to think that's how they ought to operate. Maybe that fluid skilled and dynamic offensive fit isn't out there. It is a thin market. But being linked to various grinder depth forwards does seem like the very definition of tinkering. Ultimately what does a very modest upgrade over Frank/Raddysh accomplish? If they want to add a grinder just f***ing call up Miro...

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

What we’re hearing about every NHL team heading into deadline week

With Friday’s 3 p.m. ET finish line coming into view, here's how each NHL team is approaching trade-deadline week.

www.nytimes.com

Boourns on the possibility of an uneventful deadline for the Caps. They haven't won a playoff series in seven years. I'd want to add a solid middle six piece mostly to further help avoid the possibility of being one-and-done. No middle six piece necessarily avoids the possibility and maybe Leonard would be more impactful than most options. That said, I definitely wonder what a playoff fizzle would do to this group, particularly the impact it would have on their transitional leadership group and to some extent also the staff. Way early to speculate but I can't help but wonder if this group has what it takes. The age of 8/74, the decline of Strome compared to his earlier season play...even the security now given to the goalies. Can they find their form and elevate?

They definitely have something with Protas-PLD-Wilson but it's also tough to imagine both that they're going some distance on their backs and that they otherwise have formidable enough forward depth to afford to load that line up like that.

This unfortunately seems accurate.

I know some are going to come after you for being doubtful or negative, but this probably should be every fan’s stance for every playoff team, each year going into the playoffs.

Only one winner a year and a bunch of teams that “didn’t have what it takes”. It’s not an insult, just reality.

I’ll be disappointed if they stand pat, or only make some junk depth moves, but I’m sure we’ll hear how it was cost prohibitive if they don’t do anything that moves the needle. There should be at least a slight sense of “maybe we do have some lightning in a bottle” (this year), and the associated serious look at their options to boost the team.

Well not saying there isnt a point, but this checkbox model has some flaws atleast. Swapping places with Ovechkin/Strome for Dubois/Wilson and suddenly you are closer of checking those boxes by this definition…

Thats the backbone of this team. We dont rely on individuals.

Of course we do….

 

[Corby78]

That Chucky deal is big time meh. He's already regressed quite a bit from last year. Now you reward him with three more? Seems too pricey for him too and also blocks any youth. Not a fan.

What youth do you see coming up and challenging in the next two years?

 

[SecretaryofDefense5]

Too much term and money for Lindy in my opinion.

 

[Golden_Jet]

Any idea why the odd 6:30 start time today?

 

[Roshi]

Ultimately they do. Everyone does. They're not robots. They're not a system team to the extent of expecting them to be the 90's Devils completely suffocating teams. Nor do they have much of an in-zone systematic offensive approach 5v5 aside from heavy involvement from defensemen. They can double down on checking but the main people are still what they are. They're still going to be somewhat vulnerable to SHG threats depending on the quality of opponent PK personnel and probably also struggle aggressive PK pressure period.

Good points on the input questions re: that playoff template model. That model does overlook some things but I'd still be very skeptical of system play, discipline and depth taking a team far in the playoffs. They still have to own the big moments offensively. They already seem to love their overloaded two checking lines...do they really want to create a third?

Such a recipe works from time to time...typically aligning with stellar goaltending. It's not impossible to win while being a bit challenged 5v5...but it's really not how you'd draw it up. Mostly I don't think the blueline is quite strong enough to in terms of elite defensive defensemen to think that's how they ought to operate. Maybe that fluid skilled and dynamic offensive fit isn't out there. It is a thin market. But being linked to various grinder depth forwards does seem like the very definition of tinkering. Ultimately what does a very modest upgrade over Frank/Raddysh accomplish? If they want to add a grinder just f***ing call up Miro...

Sure, of course it sums up to individuals to come through when its time. But looking at models and checkboxes like above, what can we do? Theres no trade that really changes that, we are not just one checkmark away.

We just need to trust our system play is enough to get us to that certain point and then get hot at the right time. And there could be those little moves, tinkering, that further helps the systemplay to keep giving us that edge.

We need to balance the missing star-power with our systemplay, thats the match-up to beat.

Propably got a bit lost with the point..

 

[Misery74]

Jack Hughes might be done until playoffs. Center market gets more crowded.

 

[Ovechkins Wodka]

Wonder how Carbery will rotate goalies in the playoffs. Or if he rides LT

 

[Roshi]

So heres what im looking at the moment for next season..?

Ovechkin-Strome-X1
Protas-Dubois-Wilson
McMichael-Lapierre (1,6x2)-Leonard
Duhaime-Dowd (2,75/2)-X2 (~ 1m)
13F Frank

Chychrun (8,25/8)-Carlson
Sandin-Roy
Fehervary-van Riemsdyk
7D (~ 1m)

Thompson - Lindgren

Used cap space ~ 86 / 95,5 m

Leaves us with roughly 9,5 mills for X1. Or you can spread it out for two ~ 5 mill players if you dont want to roll with Lapierre.

Theres plenty of dope left.

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

So heres what im looking at the moment for next season..?

Ovechkin-Strome-X1
Protas-Dubois-Wilson
McMichael-Lapierre (1,6x2)-Leonard
Duhaime-Dowd (2,75/2)-X2 (~ 1m)
13F Frank

Chychrun (8,25/8)-Carlson
Sandin-Roy
Fehervary-van Riemsdyk
7D (~ 1m)

Thompson - Lindgren

Used cap space ~ 86 / 95,5 m

Leaves us with roughly 9,5 mills for X1. Or you can spread it out for two ~ 5 mill players if you dont want to roll with Lapierre.

Theres plenty of dope left.

Miro on the 4th? That’s a ton of new youngsters to inject.

 

[qc14]

So heres what im looking at the moment for next season..?

Ovechkin-Strome-X1
Protas-Dubois-Wilson
McMichael-Lapierre (1,6x2)-Leonard
Duhaime-Dowd (2,75/2)-X2 (~ 1m)
13F Frank

Chychrun (8,25/8)-Carlson
Sandin-Roy
Fehervary-van Riemsdyk
7D (~ 1m)

Thompson - Lindgren

Used cap space ~ 86 / 95,5 m

Leaves us with roughly 9,5 mills for X1. Or you can spread it out for two ~ 5 mill players if you dont want to roll with Lapierre.

Theres plenty of dope left.

Ehlers ...

 

[Empty Goal Net]

Wonder how Carbery will rotate goalies in the playoffs. Or if he rides LT

He will ride LT until he falters significantly, then Chuckie gets the nod. Since there's only one of 'em on the ice at any time, in the case of goalies it's always up to an individual.

And in general, regardless of how good a system any organization may have, it's up to the individuals to execute their roles. imo, the best systems can mask some individual weaknesses, but only up to a point. And at times, individuals can drive any system to higher performance than would be expected based on its design.

 

[Roshi]

Miro on the 4th? That’s a ton of new youngsters to inject.

Thought same, they propably go for another Raddysh kind of find. Miro and others will have to force their way up.