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

[Calicaps]

Yeah, he's fine for a short-term emergency replacement, but I do not want him as the full time color commentator. I would start streaming the opposing teams feeds unless he improved dramatically.

I tend to stream the Canadian feeds (and some U.S.) anyhow, just because variety and it's sometimes interesting to hear their takes. But yes, agree.

 

[Ovechkins Wodka]

Alexa could be a star in the making.

 

[JohnCarlsaurus]

I tend to stream the Canadian feeds (and some U.S.) anyhow, just because variety and it's sometimes interesting to hear their takes. But yes, agree.

I do this too. Feeds from Canadian & a few US teams tend to have good insight or PBP guys, SEA in particular because Forslund

 

[Calicaps]

I do this too. Feeds from Canadian & a few US teams tend to have good insight or PBP guys, SEA in particular because Forslund

Yep. Also DET, STL, LA,

 

[qcal1427]

Glad to see this, and wish him well.

However - does anyone else prefer May in the booth? I don’t think he’s necessarily a long term solution - but I enjoy his straight forward analysis and frank commentary. He actually provides some insight into what’s happening on the ice. He’s not a blind homer, and will criticize the team when it’s deserved.

Locker mostly offers a salad of buzz words that have lost all meaning. He’s a great personality and vibe. And his friendship with Joe B always feels genuine and sincere.

But I’ve really preferred May’s time in the booth.

Nothing against May and he has noticeably improved but it's been very clear to me that Locker is one of the best in the biz and May is a studio analyst.

They will need to go external when Locker decides to hang em up for good

 

[qcal1427]

Where are people standing on going after a few more struggling, high upside/pedigree (top-5 OA-ish), change of scenery types of additions, that obviously comes with some risk (a la Dubois/Strome)?

Lafreniere, Kotkaniemi, McTavish, K.Dach, Nemec, Turcotte, Hayton, Wright/Berniers comes to mind.

Not opposed to it but the "problem" is that they no longer have any obvious roles for these kinds of guys. As always it's so price dependent, but I would not be looking to make a "reclamation project" the focal point of the offseason in the way they have the past three summers.

 

[Jags]

I tend to stream the Canadian feeds (and some U.S.) anyhow, just because variety and it's sometimes interesting to hear their takes. But yes, agree.

I watch the other team's feed pretty often because I get greater insight into the goings-on of the opposing team and another perspective on our team. I love JoeB and Locker (and May), but it's an opportunity to shake things up a bit. There are teams whose announcers I hate, and sometimes I just want my home team, so it's not uncommon for me to switch feeds between periods, etc.

Anyway, I like May calling the game. He's still clumsy at it, but I prefer his insight and no-frills style to Locker's homer goggles and overall flourish. But it's really a six of one, half dozen of the other things for me. JoeB is one of the best in the business though. He's the guy on the team I'd bristle strongly at replacing.

And while it's interesting to talk about, Locker's not going anywhere anytime soon. I doubt they'll push him out unless he loses a big step or wants out. If Locker needs to slow down a bit, and assuming the studio is the easier gig, I'd be fine if he and Alan swapped jobs. *shrug*

 

[HTFN]

I have to admit I've been disappointed in May a bit. It's probably just that he's not used to doing this much talking, but he stammers and meanders a lot. He's much better in-studio and between the benches. Not nearly as deft as Locker as filling the airtime. We'll see what happens.

I think May appreciates a bit more fine detail than Locker but I don't think he has enough of that to offset his delivery and weird chemistry with Joe. Some of that can be developed but it kind of reminds me of how they portrayed Jerry West in Winning Time, he sounds like he's not very comfortable and doesn't know when to fill the space vs. when to give it back to play by play.

I think in the past Joe has been a lot like an interviewer in the sense that he can bring that along with prompts but when May can't contain his point and just kind of... keeps talking because he thinks he has to it gets sideways really fast.

 

[Calicaps]

I watch the other team's feed pretty often because I get greater insight into the goings-on of the opposing team and another perspective on our team. I love JoeB and Locker (and May), but it's an opportunity to shake things up a bit. There are teams whose announcers I hate, and sometimes I just want my home team, so it's not uncommon for me to switch feeds between periods, etc.

Anyway, I like May calling the game. He's still clumsy at it, but I prefer his insight and no-frills style to Locker's homer goggles and overall flourish. But it's really a six of one, half dozen of the other things for me. JoeB is one of the best in the business though. He's the guy on the team I'd bristle strongly at replacing.

And while it's interesting to talk about, Locker's not going anywhere anytime soon. I doubt they'll push him out unless he loses a big step or wants out. If Locker needs to slow down a bit, and assuming the studio is the easier gig, I'd be fine if he and Alan swapped jobs. *shrug*

It's funny. I hear a lot of folks complain about Locker being a homer, but I've never felt that way. He's not neutral; he's a fan and loves the organization, but IMO, he's still a straight shooter. He'll call out bad play by the Caps; praise the opponent; and acknowledge penalties, goals, and other calls as right or wrong no matter who they're for/against. Maybe I've just watched too many Pitt/Bos/Car games in my life, but he seems pretty fair to me.

 

[Calicaps]

I think May appreciates a bit more fine detail than Locker but I don't think he has enough of that to offset his delivery and weird chemistry with Joe. Some of that can be developed but it kind of reminds me of how they portrayed Jerry West in Winning Time, he sounds like he's not very comfortable and doesn't know when to fill the space vs. when to give it back to play by play.

I think in the past Joe has been a lot like an interviewer in the sense that he can bring that along with prompts but when May can't contain his point and just kind of... keeps talking because he thinks he has to it gets sideways really fast.

agreed. but also, May is so good in his regular gig that this role seems like a waste of his talents.

 

[HTFN]

Alexa could be a star in the making.

I mean, if I remember right I think they pulled her for some Olympic duty so she's definitely on a shortlist somewhere and it's pretty well deserved as far as I can tell, it seems like she puts a lot of work into knowing what she's talking about for her role as a host

 

[Calicaps]

I mean, if I remember right I think they pulled her for some Olympic duty so she's definitely on a shortlist somewhere and it's pretty well deserved as far as I can tell, it seems like she puts a lot of work into knowing what she's talking about for her role as a host

She's already on NHL Network too.

 

[HTFN]

It's funny. I hear a lot of folks complain about Locker being a homer, but I've never felt that way. He's not neutral; he's a fan and loves the organization, but IMO, he's still a straight shooter. He'll call out bad play by the Caps; praise the opponent; and acknowledge penalties, goals, and other calls as right or wrong no matter who they're for/against. Maybe I've just watched too many Pitt/Bos/Car games in my life but he seems pretty fair to me.

He has gotten a bit worse post-Cup, give or take a year or three. Actually... this is a bummer but it might more directly coincide with losing his mother and his wife's cancer diagnosis, I remember him having a real tough year not too long ago.

To be clear I don't mind it, but I've noticed he's got this rosier sort of approach and seems like a guy who is just trying to be generally positive (not that he wasn't a positive guy before). Network Hockey Craig took a backseat to Happy To Be Here Craig a little and for this era of this team I like that for him, but he's definitely upped the vibe a little for the home team.

The good news is that he has always been good about calling out credit where it's due, so he's not a hater who can't give opposition props he's just... got more fan in him than before

 

[Calicaps]

He has gotten a bit worse post-Cup, give or take a year or three. Actually... this is a bummer but it might more directly coincide with losing his mother and his wife's cancer diagnosis, I remember him having a real tough year not too long ago.

To be clear I don't mind it, but I've noticed he's got this rosier sort of approach and seems like a guy who is just trying to be generally positive (not that he wasn't a positive guy before). Network Hockey Craig took a backseat to Happy To Be Here Craig a little and for this era of this team I like that for him, but he's definitely upped the vibe a little for the home team.

That's fair. It might also have to do with polishing up what looked like a declining team because he's a company man. Maybe now that they're good again, he can be a bit more level.

 

[Jags]

Maybe I've just watched too many Pitt/Bos/Car games in my life but he seems pretty fair to me.

I think he calls a fair game, in that it's fair to be a bit of a homer in a regional broadcast. Doesn't really bother me, but yeah, it happens kind of a lot. His instinct is to side with the Cap, so he'll say, "That didn't look like a hook to me, JoeB!" Then they get the slo-mo going and it shows...

And when it's REALLY bad, SOMETIMES he'll give you an "Oh there it is" type of thing, but a lot of the time he stands his ground and either pretends not to see it or calls it a judgement/ticky-tack call. And sometimes Joe calls him out on it in a good-natured way and they laugh about it.

It's not all the time, and it's not infuriating. It's endearing a lot of the time. But yeah, sometimes I prefer the no-frills analysis to Locker's louder and more theatrical call. I'd listen to JoeB call any game in any sport he's qualified for, but for me personally, Locker can be a bit much sometimes.

I'm sure I'll miss him big-time when he retires and I really do appreciate his energy and dedication., but sometimes.......

 

[MW6]

Not opposed to it but the "problem" is that they no longer have any obvious roles for these kinds of guys. As always it's so price dependent, but I would not be looking to make a "reclamation project" the focal point of the offseason in the way they have the past three summers.

I think a 3C, top-9 winger and a future top-4 RD should be of interest.

 

[qcal1427]

I think a 3C, top-9 winger and a future top-4 RD should be of interest.

Yea they definitely are. I just don't feel like you have to take risks in those spots like you had to at 1c, 2c, 1ld, 2ld, 1g the last two years.

If the price is right then sign me up for a Kotkaniemi at 3c or Laf at 2lw but I don't see going that route as particularly better or worse than say targeting Pius Suter and Ehlers for those spots in UFA or letting Lappy and Leonard fill them internally.

 

[Silky mitts]

Cristal almost made a team that's in the running for the President's Trophy,, not in favor of adding a wing in FA

 

[JohnCarlsaurus]

Speaking of Cristall, I'm curious who everyone else sees as an NHL comparable for him.

I saw one on Twitter that mentioned Kucherov, I've also seen some similarities with Paul Kariya. He's not a burner but has some elusiveness, high end skill and hockey sense.

What do you all think?

 

[Mr Nogatco]

Where are people standing on going after a few more struggling, high upside/pedigree (top-5 OA-ish), change of scenery types of additions, that obviously comes with some risk (a la Dubois/Strome)?

Lafreniere, Kotkaniemi, McTavish, K.Dach, Nemec, Turcotte, Hayton, Wright/Berniers comes to mind.

Great topic. Gotta imagine the Caps have their eyes on a few guys.

Nemec - could be a fit there if they feel he’s ready to step in for TVR next season. Doesn’t seem like he’s interested in spending much more time in the AHL though

Lafreniere - contract comes with a lot of risk, rather see what our wing prospects can do

Kotkaniemi - not great value at that salary & seems like he’s plateaued as a player. Rumored work ethic concerns. Finnish players are outside caps MO for whatever reason

K Dach - injury prone and has been included in every habs trade proposal for a while now which tells me they can’t wait to get rid of him. Maybe if the caps feel his skating is the #1 thing holding him back?

Mctavish - don’t see why the ducks trade him

Wright/Berniers - don’t see why the Kraken trade their 1C/2C

Don’t know much about Turcotte or Hayton

 

[Mr Nogatco]

I think May appreciates a bit more fine detail than Locker but I don't think he has enough of that to offset his delivery and weird chemistry with Joe.

honestly Joe and locker might have a little too much chemistry. Feel like they play off each other too much with the banter sometimes and it’s too much schtick for me.

As a former girlfriend put it “why does it sound like the announcers are always flirting with each other”

 

[zappa4ever]

Where are people standing on going after a few more struggling, high upside/pedigree (top-5 OA-ish), change of scenery types of additions, that obviously comes with some risk (a la Dubois/Strome)?

Lafreniere, Kotkaniemi, McTavish, K.Dach, Nemec, Turcotte, Hayton, Wright/Berniers comes to mind.

Nearly standing pat. I think anything more than 1 or 2 moves to address 3C Eller and Mangia's 5.7M or whatever his cap hit is would be about it

If we change out a bunch of pieces like last summer we'd be in danger of being the next PIT, trying to chase that dragon

As it stands we're practically set for next year already; Leonard, Lapi and Miro should all be ready for a(nother) bite at the apple

 

[Coldnwindy]

Speaking of Cristall, I'm curious who everyone else sees as an NHL comparable for him.

I saw one on Twitter that mentioned Kucherov, I've also seen some similarities with Paul Kariya. He's not a burner but has some elusiveness, high end skill and hockey sense.

What do you all think?

I see Claude Giroux in Cristall's game. The have a pretty comparable junior skillset and playstyle, is to be seen if Cristall can translate it to the NHL.

 

[usiel]

Locker for sure has been a play by play announcer for a long a long time and is clearly accomplished. I think May has been solid. Naturally don't think he has natural chemistry with Joe B.. My problem with Locker is when he becomes an unserious giggle monster. Some might like that and that is fine everyone is going to have the different opinions. Locker can do serious. I'll be honest for me the same pair gets boring after these many years.

 

[notDkristich]

Locker for sure has been a play by play announcer for a long a long time and is clearly accomplished. I think May has been solid. Naturally don't think he has natural chemistry with Joe B.. My problem with Locker is when he becomes an unserious giggle monster. Some might like that and that is fine everyone is going to have the different opinions. Locker can do serious. I'll be honest for me the same pair gets boring after these many years.

Locker does not add any serious color commentary for the serious hockey fan. His schtick and shhhlur and more beer...hic..what was I saying?

I advise you to go listen to any serious coach at the college or higher level (not interviews, but actual tactical coaching) and it is nothing like Locker or May who is all about "sticks in lanes". Get out of here with that peewee hockey talk.

I want to hear actual X's and O's. And get out of here with the F1 forecheck non-sense.

*mic drop*