2018 Off-Season Signings, Trades, etc.

[Devise]

Per Bruce Garrioch concerning Erik Karlsson:

"Among the teams that are believed to be interested include the Vegas Golden Knights, Tampa Bay Lightning, Washington Capitals and New York Rangers."

Holy hell.  Word is he is looking for a Doughty-like contract...  This would mean some major salary being traded out... 



According to NHL Numbers, Caps have almost 12.7 mil in space - with Wilson to sign... Ship out Burt(3mil) and Bowey(RFA)?  Burt and Karllson  are 65s... 


Or would it be Carlson?  RNMB did report that the Cps were making a push to trade for him before the trade deadline and that Carlson was in play... Is he really worth 11 mill?

Yeah I don't know if we could afford a contract extension with EK, but we were also in play on him even during trade rumors last year. It was clear our GM and team valued EK. I personally like EK, and would be happy to see him come to this team. But I have no idea how we keep him beyond this season. He's only at 6 or 6.5 this season, so he'd be a fine "rental" for a season. But not if we pay the price of trading players at such a high value that he isn't a rental. Stars are the frontrunners  for him, but who knows with BMGM. I highly doubt we'd sign JC to a huge extension just to trade him for EK. But who knows right, there was no NMC in JC's contract and if Ottawa is looking for return on investment with EK and we can negotiate an extension in advance for EK?


It's a weird situation. All I knew based on rumors even before know is that we absolutely had interest in EK.

[Maacoshark]

    I have a feeling if we made a trade for Karlsson and gave him a big contract Somme fans might be disappointed. He isn't a great 2 way defence man. And he doesnt like the physical play. Members here complain about Carlson then they would likely not be happy with Karlsson. Our Carlson is better defensively, a better penalty killer and is physically stronger. They are pretty even on the pp.
   He will get a big payday for someone who doesnt always put in the effort in the defensive zone. I think he us a risky player.

[alta]

The Caps have handcuffed themselves in the salary cap, again

[OldHat]

    I have a feeling if we made a trade for Karlsson and gave him a big contract Somme fans might be disappointed. He isn't a great 2 way defence man. And he doesnt like the physical play. Members here complain about Carlson then they would likely not be happy with Karlsson. Our Carlson is better defensively, a better penalty killer and is physically stronger. They are pretty even on the pp.
   He will get a big payday for someone who doesnt always put in the effort in the defensive zone. I think he us a risky player.

I agree.  If anything we need more toughness on the blue line.


Today the Caps aren't being mentioned as in on him so... whew.

[Biggest]

Ummm - how are you handcuffed, per se, if you're the DEFENDING FLIPPING CUP CHAMPS??!  I'm sorry, but I have to say "nice work, Front Office, in building a helluva championship club. Leave no stone unturned - pay any price, bear any burden.  Yes?"

You gotta pay and play to win, at least in my book.

I'll take being 'cap strapped' so long as Reirden continues to live up to his reputation for developing players.  Burakovsky and Vrana have barely scratched the surface of what their talents will allow them to be.  Imagine if one or both becomes a consistent player with maturity in '18 - '19. Wouldn't that be grand?

The Caps have handcuffed themselves in the salary cap, again

[4 Caps]

Ummm - how are you handcuffed, per se, if you're the DEFENDING FLIPPING CUP CHAMPS??!  I'm sorry, but I have to say "nice work, Front Office, in building a helluva championship club. Leave no stone unturned - pay any price, bear any burden.  Yes?"

You gotta pay and play to win, at least in my book.

I'll take being 'cap strapped' so long as Reirden continues to live up to his reputation for developing players.  Burakovsky and Vrana have barely scratched the surface of what their talents will allow them to be.  Imagine if one or both becomes a consistent player with maturity in '18 - '19. Wouldn't that be grand?

Exactly.  I am looking for big years from both Vrana and Burakovsky.  I think Reirden will get the most out of them.   BTW, there is no way the Caps are in on Karlsson at this point in time. 

[DC_1908]

Ummm - how are you handcuffed, per se, if you're the DEFENDING FLIPPING CUP CHAMPS??!  I'm sorry, but I have to say "nice work, Front Office, in building a helluva championship club. Leave no stone unturned - pay any price, bear any burden.  Yes?"

You gotta pay and play to win, at least in my book.

I'll take being 'cap strapped' so long as Reirden continues to live up to his reputation for developing players.  Burakovsky and Vrana have barely scratched the surface of what their talents will allow them to be.  Imagine if one or both becomes a consistent player with maturity in '18 - '19. Wouldn't that be grand?

the reality the ”core” of the team as a whole making 180 term in style was only the last seven games, not the 99 games.


To expect that the last 7 to be the new norm, if not anymore than anomaly with low chances of repeating, while easy to do is simply ridiculous.

There is simply not strong enough data for the Eurokids for anything more than “hope”

 

[Maacoshark]

the reality the ”core” of the team as a whole making 180 term in style was only the last seven games, not the 99 games.


To expect that the last 7 to be the new norm, if not anymore than anomaly with low chances of repeating, while easy to do is simply ridiculous.

There is simply not strong enough data for the Eurokids for anything more than “hope”

   I completely disagree with your assessment. You are basically saying that we played a handful of good games at the end of the season. If that was the case we wouldn't have won our division. We wouldn't even have made the playoffs. We had our ups and downs during the season but we played our best hockey at the end. You know DC even with the success of the Caps this year you still find something to complain about.  I'm sure you would be happier with a team full of guys that could fight but couldn't play hockey. You need an assortment of role players to have a successful team.
    Your ideal roster would probably be better suited for UFCthan hockey.

[DC_1908]

   I completely disagree with your assessment. You are basically saying that we played a handful of good games at the end of the season. If that was the case we wouldn't have won our division. We wouldn't even have made the playoffs. We had our ups and downs during the season but we played our best hockey at the end. You know DC even with the success of the Caps this year you still find something to complain about.  I'm sure you would be happier with a team full of guys that could fight but couldn't play hockey. You need an assortment of role players to have a successful team.
    Your ideal roster would probably be better suited for UFCthan hockey.

you do recall you saying and agreeing “we where a better team without Bura” and the same with Varana during the playoffs, and regular season?

how is 6-7 games enough to change that?

[Biggest]

Frankly, I disagree with you - by a lot.

Since the trade deadline and Kempny's insertion into the lineup, we started playing way better.  Then the switch to Holtby in the postseason and we took off.  Last 7 games my arse.  Sorry brush - we're a lot better than you're claiming.  But next year is a new year - and they have to earn it.  So we shall see.

the reality the ”core” of the team as a whole making 180 term in style was only the last seven games, not the 99 games.


To expect that the last 7 to be the new norm, if not anymore than anomaly with low chances of repeating, while easy to do is simply ridiculous.

There is simply not strong enough data for the Eurokids for anything more than “hope”

[DC_1908]

Frankly, I disagree with you - by a lot.

Since the trade deadline and Kempny's insertion into the lineup, we started playing way better.  Then the switch to Holtby in the postseason and we took off.  Last 7 games my arse.  Sorry brush - we're a lot better than you're claiming.  But next year is a new year - and they have to earn it.  So we shall see.

Well disagree all you want. . .but you are right about one thing, next year will be next year.  We are no longer the “freebie” playoff round and play failures  that every team looked over.  In fact, there is a target on our necks.


Then also factor in a roster with a history of major attitude, hockey IQ. and professionalism issues that somehow won a Cup. . .that is a recipe for over-confidence, arrogance, and entitlement added to the above issues.


We should expect next season to way be harder than any in the Ovie-era
 

[Maacoshark]

Well disagree all you want. . .but you are right about one thing, next year will be next year.  We are no longer the “freebie” playoff round and play failures  that every team looked over.  In fact, there is a target on our necks.


Then also factor in a roster with a history of major attitude, hockey IQ. and professionalism issues that somehow won a Cup. . .that is a recipe for over-confidence, arrogance, and entitlement added to the above issues.


We should expect next season to way be harder than any in the Ovie-era

   The expectations weren't as high this year by most people. I was one of the few people that remained optimistic. I'm not saying I thought they would win but I always thought they would be a contender. Everyone seemed so concerned about the players we lost. Shittenkirk, the name says it all. Alzner, unfortunately his game regressed since the injuries. It was time for him to go. Johansson, big deal, another soft under achiever, Justin Williams, Mr game 7 my ass. He wasnt very clutch for us in the playoffs. Always thought he was overrated. Winnick, who? The only decent guy we lost was Schmidt and he isn't as good as everyone here makes him out to be.
    Expectations will be higher next season and with the parody in the league it is difficult to repeat. They arent even guaranteed to make the playoffs.
   BTW I do like the same type of players that you do but I admit that teams still need there scorers and puck moving dmen. Actually puck moving dmen have become a very important part of the game. I dont even look at it as generating offense. I look at as maintaining possession of the puck while getting it out if the zone. This was an area that Alzner struggled with. If I had my way we would have forwards that played like Bergeron and Kopitar with 2 or 3 guys like Wilson. And the dcore would be guys like Weber, Hedman and Doughty. And a younger Kronwall would be a nice fit on the left side.

[Biggest]

Yes - they will be the hunted.

But I disagree with your characterizations of the roster / team. Whatever, my good man - we agree to disagree. Just realize I'm 57 and have been a diehard since the franchise opener when we had it handed to us by the Rags 6 - 3 in the old MSG.  I've NEVER seen the Caps play as this team did in most of those 16 wins required to hoist Lord Stanley's Cup - against a flipping Murderer's Row of Goaltenders, btw.

I think Reirden was right - when he came from Pittsburgh, he saw the Caps as a dangerous, uber talented squad of individuals.  One that didn't play all that well together as a team.  By the 4th year, this past Spring, they finally figured it out and played to their potential and beyond.  You make it sound like it was a lucky run.  I'm here to tell you it's the toughest trophy to score in North American team sports.  And they beat tremendous teams all along the way.  And dominated in several games.

Are you a fan of the Caps or another team? Because I swear you post like a Pens' fan in this thread who just lost his woman to Ovi!  LET's GO CAPS!!

Well disagree all you want. . .but you are right about one thing, next year will be next year.  We are no longer the “freebie” playoff round and play failures  that every team looked over.  In fact, there is a target on our necks.


Then also factor in a roster with a history of major attitude, hockey IQ. and professionalism issues that somehow won a Cup. . .that is a recipe for over-confidence, arrogance, and entitlement added to the above issues.


We should expect next season to way be harder than any in the Ovie-era

[Devise]

Yes - they will be the hunted.

But I disagree with your characterizations of the roster / team. Whatever, my good man - we agree to disagree. Just realize I'm 57 and have been a diehard since the franchise opener when we had it handed to us by the Rags 6 - 3 in the old MSG.  I've NEVER seen the Caps play as this team did in most of those 16 wins required to hoist Lord Stanley's Cup - against a flipping Murderer's Row of Goaltenders, btw.

I think Reirden was right - when he came from Pittsburgh, he saw the Caps as a dangerous, uber talented squad of individuals.  One that didn't play all that well together as a team.  By the 4th year, this past Spring, they finally figured it out and played to their potential and beyond.  You make it sound like it was a lucky run.  I'm here to tell you it's the toughest trophy to score in North American team sports.  And they beat tremendous teams all along the way.  And dominated in several games.

Are you a fan of the Caps or another team? Because I swear you post like a Pens' fan in this thread who just lost his woman to Ovi!  LET's GO CAPS!!

To be fair to DC, he wasn't implying it was all a "lucky run." If you read his posts he is more implying that other teams took us lightly due to years of disappointment. He's not wrong. Both Pitt and Tampa in particular had a vibe of "of course the Caps will choke" to their play style. They weren't playing as hungry as they usually do because they under estimated their opponent. That isn't something we are going to be given the benefit of the doubt on this season.


That isn't to say our boys didn't out work them, they did. It's more, us out working them as hard as we did in the playoffs and not letting the bounces affect us like we usually do began to stun them, those two teams in particular. We've always had good playoff hustle, but we let the momentum swings get to us. So teams would just let us dominate sections of games in the playoffs, wait for the momentum to swing and capitalize. But when this season, the Caps would just push and push and push, and if the momentum swung we'd push again. It stunned teams. They finally saw that we had our big boy jock straps on and were ready to take playoff hockey to another level.


But make no mistake, we can shit talk them all we want but the Pittsburgh Penguins and Tampa Bay Lightning are right up there with us this season as top contenders from the Eastern Conference. Now that they realize we can get it done, it won't just be about pushing on and not letting momentum swings get to us. If we find ourselves in a series with either of those two teams next year, it's going to be some of the most competitive playoff hockey you've ever seen. Trust me. And in that regard, I think DC's ultimate point is that we can't take that for granted. We can't assume just because we did it before it'll come to us again. It's going to take another elevation, another finding of a gear.


However I absolutely think we have the personnel, coaching staff, and mental fortitude to push ourselves into that gear. But just because we have the capacity doesn't mean it'll happen. I agree with DC in regards to the argument that next season is going to be one of the toughest in the Ovie era. It absolutely will be. Forget just a target in the playoffs, it's going to be a hell of a battle just to get there in my estimation. 

[4 Caps]

With Toronto getting Tavares I think they will be the team to beat next season in the Eastern conference.  I agree next season will be a tough one for the Caps and that is why I think it is critical that Burakovsky and Vrana have big years.  They both need to score 20 plus goals I think if we are going to have a successfull season. 

[Maacoshark]

you do recall you saying and agreeing “we where a better team without Bura” and the same with Varana during the playoffs, and regular season?

how is 6-7 games enough to change that?

    Yes I do think we are a better team with out Burakovsky.  And I am not high on players like Vrana and Connolly.  Every team has their weaknesses. On the back end I'm not a fan of Djoos.

[Maacoshark]

Frankly, I disagree with you - by a lot.

Since the trade deadline and Kempny's insertion into the lineup, we started playing way better.  Then the switch to Holtby in the postseason and we took off.  Last 7 games my arse.  Sorry brush - we're a lot better than you're claiming.  But next year is a new year - and they have to earn it.  So we shall see.

     A lot of people are praising Kempny. He played well down the stretch and in the playoffs but I am still not entirely sold on him. He doesnt have a lot if playing time in the NHL. Remember before we got him he was often a healthy scratch for the Blackhawks. A team that wasnt even good enough to make the playoffs. He looked out of place the first few games here as well. In fact he was bad the first half dozen games or so.

[Maacoshark]

With Toronto getting Tavares I think they will be the team to beat next season in the Eastern conference.  I agree next season will be a tough one for the Caps and that is why I think it is critical that Burakovsky and Vrana have big years.  They both need to score 20 plus goals I think if we are going to have a successfull season.

     Im not convinced that Tavares puts Toronto over the top. He couldn't carry the Islanders anywhere. It wasnt like the Islanders had no talent. They just didnt play defense. Some of that was personnel but some was coaching. Not an ideal situation for Trotz. Losing your star player right after you get there.

[DC_1908]

Yes - they will be the hunted.

But I disagree with your characterizations of the roster / team. Whatever, my good man - we agree to disagree. Just realize I'm 57 and have been a diehard since the franchise opener when we had it handed to us by the Rags 6 - 3 in the old MSG.  I've NEVER seen the Caps play as this team did in most of those 16 wins required to hoist Lord Stanley's Cup - against a flipping Murderer's Row of Goaltenders, btw.

I think Reirden was right - when he came from Pittsburgh, he saw the Caps as a dangerous, uber talented squad of individuals.  One that didn't play all that well together as a team.  By the 4th year, this past Spring, they finally figured it out and played to their potential and beyond.  You make it sound like it was a lucky run.  I'm here to tell you it's the toughest trophy to score in North American team sports.  And they beat tremendous teams all along the way.  And dominated in several games.

Are you a fan of the Caps or another team? Because I swear you post like a Pens' fan in this thread who just lost his woman to Ovi!  LET's GO CAPS!!

Well The Hens fans have had multiple hate threads about me on their boards for bullying their trolls on the old site, and I was one of the ones that started this board and got everyone over here, so no, not a Hens fan . . .
 


While we should certainly enjoy the Cup, we or some us most remain pragmatic about the team, and how the Cup was won.


While Devise  summed up a main point, we must also keep in mind  that in this Cup High, it is easy to forget or bluff off the low points simply by winning the fourth round, then saying the team is that great because they won the fourth round.  Then to assume this is the team we will have going forward.  This is where most are going.


All while practically everyone, had this team written off.  While it makes for great drama, "over coming adversity", "no one believed in us" etc., there still comes the question:  Where did this come from?


While all Cup winners loose games in the playoffs, not many looked as god-awful and as frequently awful as The Caps did in some of their losses in the playoffs or in this regular season. . .you can go through the GDT threads on here and witness the people who saw theses terrible factors repeatedly and wrote the team off?


When it comes to these negative issues, the snapshot of the last 6-7 games and winning the fourth, simply cannot erase a series of consistent negatives over the long term.


So yes by all means enjoy the Cup.  But be weary not to let it dismiss, or use to use it to justify the long term issues of this team and franchise, and/or assume they are resolved.

[alta]

>>snip<<

Are you a fan of the Caps or another team? Because I swear you post like a Pens' fan in this thread who just lost his woman to Ovi!  LET's GO CAPS!!

It's more like a Pens fan that lost her man to Cynde






and DC is also a big fan of Detroit, which hasn't really been a conflict of interest until a couple years ago when they were moved to the East. But I've got no problem with it. I'm not realy a fan of any other hockey team, even though mom used to tell me my first words were Bobby Orr. Which I don't  doubt, dad is the type that would do that just to mess with mom. I was born on the north side of Chicago, as such my second baseball team is the Cubs, although I find Maddon highly annoying.