Speculation: Caps Roster General Discussion (Coaching/FAs/Cap/Lines/etc) | 2025-26 Summer Edition

[kicksavedave]

This Cassidygate discussion and Trotz rehash is making me yearn for the usual offseason "trade Wilson" nonsense.

I checked the calendar, and the quarterly "Trotz was fired" discussion is a few weeks early, but I'll allow it for now

Reminder, it was 8 years ago. Sooo much rizz

 

[Kolzilla]

Doesn't move the needle enough and he can't stay healthy.

Pass

I wouldn't give up a first for Nuke. Maybe one of our many wing prospects plus a 2nd, but not 1st rounder.

 

[Dr John Carlson]

Would rather stay away from old man Carlson and instead try to trade for Jordan Spence, who's getting better every year and fits their timeline perfectly. Cap hit would be cheaper too.

 

[Langway]

Would rather stay away from old man Carlson and instead try to trade for Jordan Spence, who's getting better every year and fits their timeline perfectly. Cap hit would be cheaper too.

Had a similar thought. Not ideal size but some offense and escapability/lateral movement at 5v5 for sure. After Carlson it gets thin in a hurry at RD in UFA.

Let's say this: IF the Caps are still interested in signing Carlson it's unquestionably going to cost more now than it would have earlier on. In that respect maybe that ship has sailed if they were going to do what it takes period.

All that said, they're sitting on $30M+ in cap space at the moment and there's not a long list of options where one would readily seek to invest...

 

[Ovechkins Wodka]

Had a similar thought. Not ideal size but some offense and escapability/lateral movement at 5v5 for sure. After Carlson it gets thin in a hurry at RD in UFA.

Let's say this: IF the Caps are still interested in signing Carlson it's unquestionably going to cost more now than it would have earlier on. In that respect maybe that ship has sailed if they were going to do what it takes period.

All that said, they're sitting on $30M+ in cap space at the moment and there's not a long list of options where one would readily seek to invest...

If the cost is pretty much the same and maybe like 20% more getting a first round draft pick out of it was a pretty good maneuver

 

[Ovechkins Wodka]

I just saw pictures of John Carlson hanging out at the Rockville ice rink so he’s definitely around here

 

[BiPolar Caps]

With the departure of Kirk Muller and the arrival of Ray Bennett as the new PP coach/guru, one would think he would be involved in discussions regarding whether it's beneficial to bring back Carlson, from a PP standpoint.

P.S. No more sling shots please!

 

[SecretaryofDefense5]

Carlson is going to get paiiddddddddd. I doubt he wants to come back. I’m OK with what GMCP did but I’m sure he felt hurt.

 

[BMacs Burner]

With the departure of Kirk Muller and the arrival of Ray Bennett as the new PP coach/guru, one would think he would be involved in discussions regarding whether it's beneficial to bring back Carlson, from a PP standpoint.

P.S. No more sling shots please!

Thing is, I don't even see a spot for him. Hutson will run one unit and Chychrun the other. You could theoretically add Carlson in there as well, but now you're talking about two units with some really old and slow movers (8, 74). And it's not like most of our other pp1 forwards are burners either. One of the worst aspects of the PP this year was zone entries.

Them moving off Carlson is also another symbolic movement toward a new core. I wanted him to retire a Captial before we traded him but now that we have, I believe it's better for both parties that things remain seperate. there is a plus side to him not being here as his pace and fitness continue to decline.

 

[CapsSkins]

Carlson to TB makes the most sense. We don't have a PP spot for him and IDK why he'd come back to a diminished role when he could find what he wants elsewhere. I don't see it happening.

 

[trick9]

Going to assume Carlson situation is similar to Orpik years back.

I don't think he's moving his family anywhere so expecting him to sign that 2yr deal they discussed prior to the trade.

Perhaps he'll sign on the same day as 8 for a nice story.

 

[Threetrees]

Going to assume Carlson situation is similar to Orpik years back.

I don't think he's moving his family anywhere so expecting him to sign that 2yr deal they discussed prior to the trade.

Perhaps he'll sign on the same day as 8 for a nice story.

He might not have to move his family if he signs in Philly or something.

 

[um]

Moving on from declining dman is something the Caps do well these days. No need to change course.

 

[stephenball]

While obviously a big focus is on adding new players, I kind of want them to preemptively get some extensions done. Like, what would be a Sourdif extension that seems fair? Honestly think they should just lock him up on a 5 year deal

 

[SpinningEdge]

Oh that’s a good one. Just gonna do the math, Ovie lost:

2004-05: 82 games
2012-13: 34 games
2019-20: 13 games
2020-21: 26 games
Total: 155 games

Yea, I think you're right. There's at least 70 goals in there.

Striking out in the 2005 draft was a bummer. 2 years into a rebuild, and you don't make a single good pick. Arg.

It’s just absolute insanity to just be like “in 156 games the player would be good for minimum 70 goals” and everyone can agree that’s a safe number about any hockey player this generation.

My god were we lucky to witness this guy scoring goals. Just an absolute pleasure.