If I were the Caps

[frederick9125 0]

Waive nylander, theodore, poti

Trade semin for gaborik(sign 6mil) , backstorm for picks

sign hossa 7mil, cammalleri 5mil, huds 1.6 leino 1.4, schnieder 3, barker 3.5, bouwmeester 5.5, conklin .900

ovie(9.5)-camm(5)-leino(1.4)

gaborik(6)-huds(1.6)-hossa(7)

steckel(.512)-fleischmann(.725)-laich(2.06)

beagle(.688)- clark(2.6)- bradley(1)

green(5.25)-bouwmeester(5.5)

barker(3.5)-schnider(3)

pothier(2.5)-erskine(1.25)

varlamov(.8)

conks(.9)

60.785

[rick zombo 3,739]

Also, get Bowman to coach and tell Matt Green he has to eat 30 PTS next year in order to learn how to play sans puck.

[ComradeWasabi 109]

You think we're going to lose Hossa, Hudler AND Conklin? No Hossa = 6 million or more in cap space. Conklin won't make more than 1.5 although he might be on his way out anyways (which is a shame, I really grew to like old Conk Block), Hudler won't make more than 3.

[06TJSport 0]

drunk?

[frederick9125 0]

no can hope if wings don't get them back, would like to see caps grab them, and kick pitts ass next year

[Dano33 41]

The cap probly wont grow that high, and you need two more players. It would be tough to get all of those guys. And if we lose Hossa and Hudler, we will most likely hang on to Leino.

Edited May 15, 2009 by Dano33

[Drake_Marcus 890]

Waive nylander, theodore, poti

Good moves in the short-term, if they work.

Trade semin for gaborik(sign 6mil) , backstorm for picks

Semin had a point per game average of 1.27 this season, good for 4th best in the league. He was leading the league in scoring for a time and got side-tracked by a long term injury. And this year during the playoffs he was a point per game player even with a shoulder injury.

Backstrom had an amazing season, letting go of him now would be a monstrously stupid move.

sign hossa 7mil, cammalleri 5mil, huds 1.6

Hossa won't take it after seeing how you treated your big free agent signing from last season. He's seeking job security.

Calgary would pay that much for Cammy, and he'd get more from another team. Plus you killed your credibility with your treatment of Theodore.

The Wings would jump for joy and match the Hudler offer. You'd get a thank you card and a cake in the mail from Ken Holland for making his job so easy.

leino 1.4,

This might work, although I think the Wings would match it.

schnieder 3,

He's likely looking to stay in Montreal since he started his career there and just moved there at the deadline. Schnieds will likely be re-signed in Montreal and retire there.

barker 3.5,

Possible.

bouwmeester 5.5,

You'd be beaten out by 10 other teams. Hell, the Wings would take that kid for 5.5 on a long-term, and to hell with retaining Hossa and the rest of the remaining free agents.

conklin .900

Good move.

ovie(9.5)-camm(5)-leino(1.4)

gaborik(6)-huds(1.6)-hossa(7)

steckel(.512)-fleischmann(.725)-laich(2.06)

beagle(.688)- clark(2.6)- bradley(1)

green(5.25)-bouwmeester(5.5)

barker(3.5)-schnider(3)

pothier(2.5)-erskine(1.25)

varlamov(.8)

conks(.9)

60.785

Leino isn't ready for the first line- he's still a rookie. The drop off between the second and third line is monstrous... , but aside from being amazingly top-heavy I guess it could work.

Cool ideas, but almost all of it would be impossible in the real world.

[Drake_Marcus 890]

You think we're going to lose Hossa, Hudler AND Conklin? No Hossa = 6 million or more in cap space. Conklin won't make more than 1.5 although he might be on his way out anyways (which is a shame, I really grew to like old Conk Block), Hudler won't make more than 3.

Why does everyone seem to forget that Jimmy Howard is out of minor league options?

Howard will start the year in Detroit. He's one of their blue-chip prospects and they're not going to expose him to waivers by leaving him in the minors to start the year.

Conks is gone by July 1st.

[frederick9125 0]

Good moves in the short-term, if they work.

Semin had a point per game average of 1.27 this season, good for 4th best in the league. He was leading the league in scoring for a time and got side-tracked by a long term injury. And this year during the playoffs he was a point per game player even with a shoulder injury.

Backstrom had an amazing season, letting go of him now would be a monstrously stupid move.

Hossa won't take it after seeing how you treated your big free agent signing from last season. He's seeking job security.

Calgary would pay that much for Cammy, and he'd get more from another team. Plus you killed your credibility with your treatment of Theodore.

The Wings would jump for joy and match the Hudler offer. You'd get a thank you card and a cake in the mail from Ken Holland for making his job so easy.

This might work, although I think the Wings would match it.

He's likely looking to stay in Montreal since he started his career there and just moved there at the deadline. Schnieds will likely be re-signed in Montreal and retire there.

Possible.

You'd be beaten out by 10 other teams. Hell, the Wings would take that kid for 5.5 on a long-term, and to hell with retaining Hossa and the rest of the remaining free agents.

Good move.

Leino isn't ready for the first line- he's still a rookie. The drop off between the second and third line is monstrous... , but aside from being amazingly top-heavy I guess it could work.

Cool ideas, but almost all of it would be impossible in the real world.

can dream, ok

[ComradeWasabi 109]

Why does everyone seem to forget that Jimmy Howard is out of minor league options?

Howard will start the year in Detroit. He's one of their blue-chip prospects and they're not going to expose him to waivers by leaving him in the minors to start the year.

Conks is gone by July 1st.

I knew that, but I've never been impressed by Howard which is why I said Conks mightbe out. I wish we could retain him, as I don't foresee Howard panning out as the Red Wings goalie of the future.

Mostly wishful thinking on my part, but you're correct.

[NEpats1028 1]

this thread is retarted...delete!

[frederick9125 0]

ok this is what i'd like the caps to do.....

[TheOctopusKid 19]

This is an interesting thread - and being a displaced from Detroit and living in DC, a topic that I have often debated time and time again with all the Capitals fans here.

The issues with the initial "reformation" of the Washington Capitals are very similar to what Drake said - he and I seem to see eye to eye on most issues. It's very easy as Red Wings fans to say, "For them to be awesome, they need to pay for all of our 3rd liners and prospects to make them sweet like the Wings!" The large issue is, the Capitals are not, and will most likely never be a puck possession, offensively structured team - because their offense revolves around Ovechkin.

The Capitals play an incredibly simple style of Run N' Gun hockey - quick outlet pass, forward carries the puck through the neutral zone with speed, drops the puck at the blue line for a trailing player, heads towards the bottom of the circle. The stationary player at the blue line either shoots, or passes cross ice to another trailer at the blue line and then proceeds to drop to the other bottom circle. That's it. That's their offense. Either the blue line player shoots (typically this is Ovechkin) or he looks for a quick one time from the sides.

I've watched Federov try numerous times to stall and work the puck from the sides to the center while the rest of the players lose site of what they are supposed to do and literally stop in their tracks and lose all speed on the play and whatever numbers and positional advantage they have and almost always results in a turnover.

I think the addition of puck possession style players would ultimately degrade the explosiveness of their offense and lead to identity confusion - stick with what you're good at and that's two passes or less, streaking winger, one-timers. It's obviously working since they finished second in the NHL in offense.

If they were serious about developing into a Stanley Cup contending team - they would address larger concerns of sounds fundamental defense, logical coaching, scouting/drafting, and creating a formidable checking line.

Lets say they don't resign Federov, Kozlov, Clark, Morrison, Brashear - that's $12.2M of wiggle room from the hard Cap.

Let's start with their defense first:

The lost of Morrison is not all that critical as they have Alzner in their minor league system to replace him - and can certainly work 12-15min a game and should to develop.

Green/Jurcina/Poti/Erskine/Pothier/Alzner

Assuming you don't dump Green (which I would do as I consider him to be overrated and don't believe his trade value will be any higher than this season), you need to make up for his weak defensive instincts and cover his overly aggressive habit of joining the rush, sign Nick Boynton from Florida for 3.5M a year to add the stay at home, big hitter that you need to add bite. As well, Boynton is an excellent passer who can start the transition that the Caps love.

Second, add Beauchimen from the Ducks at a reasonable 2M a year. Proved to have the necessary "snarl" and excels in a shutdown, physical style of play - with limited offensive upside.

Third, drop Pothier and Erskine - because quite frankly, they aren't very good. Pothier is another offensive minded D-man who is still developing with limited top end potential, and Erskine is older and is slow and relishes in a poor physical game that intimidates no one.

That leaves you with the following pairings:

Green (Great offensive talent)/ Boynton (Hard nosed D)

Poti (versatile defensemen) / Beauchimen (Solid, Hard hitting)

Jurcina (young, talented all-round style defense) / Alzner (Top Prospect D)

With the addition of Beauchimen and Boynton, the Capitals had added much need grit and physicality to their blue line as well as providing complimentary skill sets to their current corp of offensive minded D. The Capitals have a tendency to push offense above all else without considering the loss in defense. This adds balance and experience to a young group as well as provide some minutes to young prospects without them playing on their second pair.

That leaves little more than 7M to fill out their forwards.... the Capitals lack a definitive checking line and a well balanced second scoring line. There are pieces but are used inappropriately.

Assuming the top line -

Ovechkin/Backstrom/Semin

The Capitals have a smattering of various checking line forwards and undeveloped talent to fill out the rest of their group.

Laich/Beagle/Bradley - is a fine third line checking - full of energy and aggressive play but have limited repoire with one another. This could become a clear defensive set for them if they responsibilities were to be diminished to only preventing the opponents top line from scoring and to spark a hard hitting forecheck.

The line of Fleichmann/Steckel/Fehr is a superb 4th line as it combines all young talent (under 25) - who have considerable experience as they have been juggled throughout the lines of the Capitals to add to their experience. A very nice combination of size, speed, and skill and provide them with a 10-14mins a game to develop into the next wave of young Caps players.

That leaves the 2nd line scoring absent with 7M and Michael Nylander. There is already talks of Nylander being bought out of his current contract (5.5M for the next two years) which would be a wise investment as he sees limited time already, does not fit their scheme, and is often injured. If the buy out occurs, that gives the Capitals little more than 12.5M to spend on their second line.

The following free agents should be acquired -

Brian Gionta at $5M - Brian provides the strong two-way style of play that the Capitals lack with excellent production and the ability to produce scoring opportunities through quick acceleration and speed. Was a 60 point producing on the defensive minded Devils system - could potentially reach much higher numbers in an offensive minded system.

Michael Cammalleri at $4M - superb offensive instincts and provide the intelligent and quick passing to compliment Gionta's speed through the neutral zone. 82 points last season with the Flames - only 28.

Doug Weight, LW at $2M - Might seem an odd choice as the third member of this line, but provides smooth skating and a powerful body - but most importantly, provides experience and leadership to the entire Capitals team. The Capitals lacks a commanding and experienced voice in the locker room and weight could do just that while contributing on the second line.

Just these simple line up changes, clear offensive and defensive responsibilities, added experience, and monitored ice time could drastically change the face of the organization with limited movement and requirements. All of this is very achieveable and doesn't require the "Trade Jose Theodore for Cam Ward" insanity.

[ben_usmc 253]

this thread is retarted...delete!

and you added so much to the thread

[drfnr14 0]

if i were the caps........................ i would enjoy golf! threads dumb repost after the seasons over!! WINGS ONLY

[Drake_Marcus 890]

I knew that, but I've never been impressed by Howard which is why I said Conks mightbe out. I wish we could retain him, as I don't foresee Howard panning out as the Red Wings goalie of the future.

Mostly wishful thinking on my part, but you're correct.

I'm still not sold on Howard either, but the Wings need to give him at least 30 NHL games before they send him to the glue factory. You know how it is with goalies

[Drake_Marcus 890]

Lots of text

First of all, they signed Feds this summer so he's not going anywhere (I believe it was a 2 or 3 year contract?), and regardless- they like having him there to tutor Ovechkin and he seems to have a bond with Ovi.

Next, I think your free agent forward numbers are too low, but you've made good choices in who to go after.

I love the changes you've proposed for the defense.

[Theophany 110]

if i were the caps........................ i would enjoy golf! threads dumb repost after the seasons over!! WINGS ONLY

I'm pretty close to adding you to ignore. You seriously add zero to any thread you post in.

On top of that, you don't have a coherent thought in your head--or at least, you can't communicate it clearly.

If I were you and wanted people to read what I wrote, I'd shape up.

[Drake_Marcus 890]

I'm pretty close to adding you to ignore. You seriously add zero to any thread you post in.

On top of that, you don't have a coherent thought in your head--or at least, you can't communicate it clearly.

If I were you and wanted people to read what I wrote, I'd shape up.

Seconded.

[zenway9 1]

this thread is retarted...delete!

What he said.

[R.Rabbit 0]

Conks is gone by July 1st.

Does the OZ retire after winning is 4th cup and the winningest goilie in Red Wing history? He's almost top 10 of all time in Stanley Cup playoffs? Does he go out while he's on top? opening up a spot for Conks

just thinking out loud

[Guest Four]

Why does everyone seem to forget that Jimmy Howard is out of minor league options?

Howard will start the year in Detroit. He's one of their blue-chip prospects and they're not going to expose him to waivers by leaving him in the minors to start the year.

Conks is gone by July 1st.

I believe Larsson > Howard

We've had Howard forever and he hasn't proven to be any better than Osgood was in the regular season..

[Broken 16 381]

Does the OZ retire after winning is 4th cup and the winningest goilie in Red Wing history? He's almost top 10 of all time in Stanley Cup playoffs? Does he go out while he's on top? opening up a spot for Conks

just thinking out loud

I'd pray that he plays for as long as possible. I was never an Osgood hater, but I was very concerned. He's proven without a shadow of a doubt, to me anyway, that he might the greatest playoff warrior that I have seen in net. Osgood is the guy I want training my future prospects. He has it all straight in the membrane and that's the best skill to have. In my opinion anyway.

Edited May 15, 2009 by Broken 16

[dat's sick 1,002]

I think Hossa would be a GREAT fit on the Caps. Ovie, Hossa and Green on the same team? That's 110+ goals a season right there.

And I wouldn't be too upset if we lost him to them.

What the Caps really need is atleast 1 or 2 really solid d-men. Preferably one top 4 guy and one that can play really solid D on the 3rd pairing (a Lilja type guy).

[Rocket Queen 30 1]

What he said.

Word!

Get serious. We're soooo not losing Hudler or giving him away either.