My wish list:
Wilson
Bottom pairing veteran D so Bowey is on the outside looking in as the 7th man
Experienced 4th line forward or backup goalie in case current options don't pan out
As it stands (I'm assuming Wilson gets signed), the Caps have a very potent top 9 forwards and top 4 defense
Ovechkin-Kuznetsov-Wilson (If Wilson can continue to prove that Top Line Tom is viable and Ovi/Kuzy continue being themselves, this will be a stellar line)
Vrana-Backstrom-Oshie (If Vrana is given more chances to shine under Reirden and steps up, and Backy/Oshie continue being themselves, this will also be a great 2nd line)
Burakovsky-Eller-Connolly (Probably a little more risk with this line. They're all talented players but could easily go cold. Eller and Connolly I'm less concerned about, but Burakovsky is too on/off at times)
Niskanen, Carlson, Orlov, and Kempny are a top 4 that I fully trust. Djoos is a solid bottom pairing guy IMO. I just don't want Bowey to be the 6th guy and force us to play two rookies at all times.
With $7 million in cap space, we should easily be able to sign Wilson and get at least one of the other pieces I'd like to see
Mostly agree with you entirely here. I'm not sold on Bowey, he needs more time in the AHL. I know some people think he could be something, but I just don't think he has the decision making. Everything I saw of him showed overwhelmed, and not like some of our other rookies. Yes they were making mistakes but it felt like they were making mistakes as they were seasoning into the role, a bad timed pinch here, a mistimed or misplayed break there. Bowey felt like he was overwhelmed by every forecheck, every outlet pass. It just felt like the pace of the game was too much for him.
Now maybe that is just first season jitters or what have you. But until I see otherwise I'm far more excited about Alexeyev, who I think is going to impress people at camp and maybe even sniff a roster spot if not this season next. He's big at 6'4 and the scouts don't dub him your typical soft European players. Just look at some draft profile thoughts here.
https://thehockeywriters.com/alexander-alexeyev-2018-nhl-draft-prospect-profile/They note his size (he has grown to 6'4, remember as a kid he coudl get bigger), how unlike typical players from Europe he doesn't focus on finesse but instead focuses on a no nonsense mistake free game. Uses his size, is willing to be physical when needs to, has adapted well to the smaller rinks. Not an offensive stud, but he can skate and pass well for a guy his size. All of this to me sounds like the ideal 6th defender we need. We have well more than enough offensive minded defenders, and if we can get a blue liner who can skate and play good defense?
Again, I think people are sleeping on this kid. By next season, he's a head of the depth chart for both Djoos and Bowey for me. If not this season. The only argument I've seen is he may do good with another year of seasoning with the Rebels (my hometown btw Red Deer) in the WHL, which he would be eligible for as he doesn't turn 19 until November.
Moving on from the prospect chart side of things, right now other than a gritty checker on the fourth line to compliment DSP/Stephenson, my biggest concern is also the third line. The only player I'm sure about on that line is Eller. He gives his all every night, crashes the net, forechecks, makes good cycles/passes. The problem is pairing him with shooters and skaters like Connolly and Burt hasn't always proved fruitful. One, tough, gritty like minded player with Eller was great for us. Stephenson sometimes bounced with him, as did DSP and it always worked. I really do feel like our team is structured as such that we only need one of Connolly or Burt, and given trade value and play style I think I'd much rather get rid of Burt and see if we can find a third liner to fit with the structure of that line a lot more.
