Uh Oh .....

[BlackIce]

I ws just reading an article about how Bo Hornet, an impending UFA, is not looking like he is going to resign with Vancouver, and how Vancouver is likely to trade him before the trade deadline.


The Caps are mentioned as a logical destination for him.


Here we go again.  With LTIR cap space, and Backstrom and his huge cap hit not likely to be playing during the regular season [if ever again], I could see the  Caps once again mortgaging their future to go after unquestionably a very useful talent who could very possibly be a dynamite fit in the lineup.  The thing is, I don't think the addition of Hornet alone would make the Caps a legitimate Cup contender this season, so I vote no to acquiring him.  But I can imagine that Caps management is actively considering it.  The ONLY way that I could ever think positively about the Caps signing Hornet is if I knew they were going to be able to resign him.  They could do it if they knew Backstrom was totally finished as an active player, so they would either lose his salary or the Caps would have an ongoing LTIR exemption that would allow Hornet to fit.  Otherwise, either Hornet is a rental, or the Caps would need to jettison some serious salary.

[alta]

I’ve never liked the end of season rentals. It’s rare they actually make an improvement to the team. I don’t know enough about Hornet to say either way, but it still looks like this team needs to improve the D if they really want to make a run for the Cup.

[Surreylily]

Do you really think we need him?
I mean, we've been doing pretty well considering all the injuries we have.
Who would he replace?

[richkrt99]

We need more than just him.  A rental is a total waste.  I don't even take this seriously.  I don't think Caps ownership/management thinks this guy could make us a contender.  I mean sure they will consider all options but they'd have to have a commitment beyond May 2022 to even consider going after this guy.


And I never even heard the name before, but this rant stands pretty much for ANY acquisition.


And what Black said.....ONLY if we know Backy is done for good...which I pretty much thought was the reality about 7 months ago.
Kudos to Backy and all his work and commitment, but I don't see him ever being a 1C again, despite what he may deserve.  Not everyone can be a RMNB

[BlackIce]

 The name is Bo Horvat, but I guess spellcheck wouldn't allow that?

[Mickstix]

I mean, he could be a decent center for us, but he's no replacement for Nicky. Very hard to replace Nick Backstrom. Need a point per game, 2 way/200' player. And that costs more than 5.5m.. Probably double that. Either gonna have to tank and get lucky in a draft or pay through the nose, if they "really" want to replace Nicky..

[alta]

The name is Bo Horvat, but I guess spellcheck wouldn't allow that?

I’m always fighting the spellcheck when typing players names in

[Mickstix]

I wouldn't even care about a rental this season, with all our LTIR cap space. But along with the rental usually means giving up assets to get them. That's our problem. I would love to swap em' Mantha for Horvat, heads up! Mantha has some salary years left. Maybe we could even get a pick back from them?? If Horvat didn't work out, oh well, we shed 5+ million in salary.. Doubt they'd want to pick up Mantha's salary though, if they don't want Horvat's to begin with..


And yes, as has been said, that would all depend on Nicky not playing again. Team seems pretty excited about his latest skating, so who knows. Maybe he's a phenomenon and actually comes back to some sort of NHL level player? 

[waynerivers]

Backstrom is finished.  There's no question about that.  The question is whether the Caps realize it or, if they do, whether they can cut the cord.  As for Horvat, he's a 6 time 20 goal guy (30 one year) and has 21 in 29 games this year.  He's also big at 6' and 215. He'd instantly be the second best forward we have after Ovie.  If there's a possibility, they should do it and look to sign him as opposed to renting.  There are plenty of people we could jettison without noticing. 

[Mickstix]

I was thinkin on Horvat. He's definitely a goal scorer. I wonder who his wings have been? With Ovi/Oshie/Wilson/Sheary types his stats may jump in the assists dept? Really don't know much about the guy other then whats on paper. Caps need goals though, so definitely worth a look..


Damn, is he bionic?? Regular jersey?? That may throw a real stick in the cap space spokes though? I guess until Wilson and Brown return it could be ok, but at some point all that salary getting back on the ice will be a problem..

https://twitter.com/NoVa_Caps/status/1604141916106690560