By the time Cole is NHL ready, Both Ovechkin and Carlson should be retired. It's pretty much impossible to replace the impact these 2 players have on the Caps and I would say a post Datsuyk Red Wing outlook is more likely for the Caps then them staying competitive. But who knows what some great UFA signing could do to that team.More likely the other way around. Caps already have a very good team with a lot of young players on it and more are on the way with Leonard, Cristall, Parascak, Protas and Hutson on the way. Also guys like Sikora and Mateiko had very good WJC. Surprisingly deep prospect pool for the Caps.