Off Season

[Mickstix]

Wonder what it would take to get Johannson back? On the last year of his deal, 4.25 mil.. 28 years old. Probably not dooable, but if they let Burt walk, that's 3 mil.. If they could trade Niskanen..

https://www.nbcsports.com/washington/capitals/caps-reportedly-have-johansson-their-radar-does-it-make-sense-and-can-they-make-it-work

[DC_1908]

https://www.nbcsports.com/washington/capitals/caps-reportedly-have-johansson-their-radar-does-it-make-sense-and-can-they-make-it-work

Yep, the Lin inside that article begins to tell how fucked up the cap situation is


These flashy, long term, overpaid contract, and not building  are staring to catch up

[Mickstix]

Especially when guys start getting hurt (cough) Oshie (cough) and the GM can't unload them.. I guess it's Niskanens turn, but not sure anyone will take that salary for his age, even healthy..

[DC_1908]

Especially when guys start getting hurt (cough) Oshie (cough) and the GM can't unload them.. I guess it's Niskanens turn, but not sure anyone will take that salary for his age, even healthy..

Trading Nisky would be moronic.  Hate to say it, but he’s our most complete Dman, particularly if we can’t be sure Kempy will be 100%.


But, for two years left on a 5mil contract several teams would take him, but not for what we need to replace him.

[Mickstix]

Caps acquire Radko Gudas from Flyers for Matt Niskanen:


*After they retain some of Gudas salary, it looks like we clear around 2.5-3 mill in cap space, if my math is right. (it's early, only 1 cup of coffee, so don't hold me to it)

https://www.nhl.com/capitals/news/capitals-acquire-radko-gudas-from-philadelphia-flyers/c-307848944?fbclid=IwAR07QY6C4rM3uyUADeAGe2pPQA5x6aaJsNQqEKdyEmmERuw0P12J3UvVDF8

[DC_1908]

Caps acquire Radko Gudas from Flyers for Matt Niskanen:


*After they retain some of Gudas salary, it looks like we clear around 2.5-3 mill in cap space, if my math is right. (it's early, only 1 cup of coffee, so don't hold me to it)

https://www.nhl.com/capitals/news/capitals-acquire-radko-gudas-from-philadelphia-flyers/c-307848944?fbclid=IwAR07QY6C4rM3uyUADeAGe2pPQA5x6aaJsNQqEKdyEmmERuw0P12J3UvVDF8

Love adding Gudas, (I’ve wanted them to for a while), a tough,physical, defensive Dman at a reasonable cost. 

Dont like loosing Nisky as he was our most complete Dman, course he could of wanted out. (Wouldn’t blame him if so).   

Heh I’m betting Dickless, BetaMale abd Reirdom are etching him in on “3rd Pair” and having Jensen take over babysitting Orlov

[alta]

does this trade mean Orpik is done here? Because I could make a very good argument for one more 1 for 1 contract

[DC_1908]

does this trade mean Orpik is done here? Because I could make a very good argument for one more 1 for 1 contract

If he’ll take it there’s little reason not to.  Don’t know exactly how buyouts work but he got a chunk of change from the Avs, so there’s that.


Gudas was a top PK guy in Philly, so I wouldn’t be surprised if the “plan” was to put he and Hooks as the “3rd Pair”, and mostly use them on the PK

[Mickstix]

Uh boi.. They just gave Hagelin 2.75 x 4 and he doesnt take faceoffs..  (cough-Beagle took 3mil-cough) 

[DC_1908]

Uh boi.. They just gave Hagelin 2.75 x 4 and he doesnt take faceoffs..  (cough-Beagle took 3mil-cough) 

Yyyyyyyyyep

[PUCKNRUSH]

Uh boi.. They just gave Hagelin 2.75 x 4 and he doesnt take faceoffs..  (cough-Beagle took 3mil-cough) 

Hopefully the next move will be a decent face off guy!
Not always ready to warm up to an ex-HEN, but Hagelin made it much easier with his all hustle/effort attitude! I like the guy a lot now. He directly opposes that “low-effort-itis”, that rears it’s head, from a few of the guys, now and then!


His speed and acceleration are superior gifts, that make him a better candidate than most, for the older guy/longer term contract! He may not be a scoring wiz, but he opens WAY more production opportunities for any line he plays on, as opponents are forced to respect his speed and quickness, when having to defend their zone!


He also overwhelmingly improves our PK, and is an intelligent player!


I loved me some Niskanen during his stay here, but there’s no doubt that he doesn’t age as well as Orpik does. Hey, I mean some guys just succumb to age related effects, more than others!
Niskanen, IMO, is one of these! He is still tough and gritty, and has a good hockey brain, but the last 2  seasons, ESPECIALLY this last season, he simply suffers from not always being able to execute PHYSICALLY, what he MENTALLY wants to DO!


Nisky has a lot of pride, as well, and I believe he starts trying to “make up”, for some of his more frequent errors, by attempting stretch passes, that aren’t really there, or trying to over compensate by trying too hard to FORCE big plays, taking senseless risks that don’t have to be taken, often times, at a minimum, resulting in an unnecessary change of possession, or a high chance SOG for the opponent!


Nisky was never considered to be speedy, or quick reacting, so it’s only natural that his aging body, has a slightly more negative effect on his play than average! The guy has a great attitude, and is a consummate pro, he’s just getting slow as molasses, and it just happens to really SHOW with him! It’s too bad, but I like the move for Gudas!


 I don’t know if GMBM is trying to send a message,  but he just inked a DEFENSIVE, more physical, Dman, AND a true all effort, all hustle guy in Haglin!


 Hopefully some of these softy’s,  and fellas that don’t feel like “showing up all the time“,  are watching!!!


Rush

[alta]

The Caps needed to keep Hags, so I like that move. Now they can trade Kuzy for someone that gives a shit, and does face offs

[PUCKNRUSH]

The Caps needed to keep Hags, so I like that move. Now they can trade Kuzy for someone that gives a shit, and does face offs

LOL, Alta!
 I think we are quite like-minded about Kuznetzov!
 My attitude is it’s on him now, to prove he wants to play here.


Rush

[alta]

LOL, Alta!
 I think we are quite like-minded about Kuznetzov!
 My attitude is it’s on him now, to prove he wants to play here.


Rush

It's not just here, I don't think. The guy has even admitted he gets bored on the ice. Maybe a trade will be the incentive he needs. Or he can go home and play in the KHL.

[DC_1908]

The Caps needed to keep Hags, so I like that move. Now they can trade Kuzy for someone that gives a shit, and does face offs

That should of been done a couple years ago.  Even if they would they would admit their mistake and try to move him, who would take a almost 30yo head case with that contract now?

[zerofox]

I like the Hagelin signing. Only real concern is the 4 year term, but other than that I think the dollars are pretty damn cap friendly.

I hate to see Nisky go but he has been struggling and ate up cap space. I like that Gudas offers some physicality (who will fuck with us now that we have Willy and Gudas?) but the dumb penalties are a concern.  Hopefully Carlson Orlov Kempny and Jensen will be a solid top 4...

[KitFisto]

Uh boi.. They just gave Hagelin 2.75 x 4 and he doesnt take faceoffs..  (cough-Beagle took 3mil-cough) 

At the time the Caps didn't have the money for Beagle. Hagelin is also 3 years younger. Yes, they desperately need a face-off guy without question, but Hagelin vs Beagle isn't a choice the Caps made between the two. It's where they were financially at different times.

[DC_1908]

At the time the Caps didn't have the money for Beagle. Hagelin is also 3 years younger. Yes, they desperately need a face-off guy without question, but Hagelin vs Beagle isn't a choice the Caps made between the two. It's where they were financially at different times.

Yes, true . . . but the issue is, as I said at the time, the lack of foresight, and priorities over that time is  the issue.  Sure, Beags at 3.5abouts may look like a lot, but without out him, we were last, or damn near last, in not only face offs, but penalty kill. . .(which is pretty out and out full retard considering we   not only have the leagues most watched players by the refs, but we are the “bad guys” to the NHLs media darlings that we play all the time).

But hey, Dowd is just as good as Beags . . . Ummm, . . . well

The bottom line is GMBetaMale has plumb-tee total, bent us over a barrel, provided fluff girls and complimentary hors’dorves  to get fucked by every agent in the business. . . and maybe peanut vendors too should they fall on that side of the rainbow.

This is an ok deal on 7/17, even 7/2, but almost three weeks before UFA, . . . I’d rather call the other teams bluff and see if Arizona, NJD, or Minnesota would match it

[richkrt99]

I don't mind the Hags deal.  He played with heart and improved every line he played on.  Definitely has quickness and Caps need him for the PK.  Fair price for the talent.  Four years...meh.  We shall see.  He can fill Connolly's spot with more speed and open it up a bit more.  He can plug many holes when needed, so good guy to have on this roster especially.  (Yes, I know he doesn't do faceoffs, but don't blame him for everyone else's weakness  )


Hate to see Nisky go.  As much grief as these boards give him, he was likely our best all around D man over the last 4 seasons. (Yes, Maako, I know Johnny Qualude is on this team, but I said all around D-MAN)  That being said, I'd agree he isn't aging well.  Definitely nice to offload some contract and paying 5.75 to a 34 year old Nisky would be painful.  Moving to the Flyers is got to suck ass for him.  End your career in freakin Philly?
Looks like we save 5.75 mil and Gudas hit is 3.35, net gain of 2.4 in cap hit to spend elsewhere. (which I guess is Hags)


I'd welcome Orpik at another 1/1 deal if he'd have it.  We need some budget guys.


Who else is left for us to sign....I don't even remember.


Stephensen....
Burka.....


What about VRANA?  Got to sign that dude.


Jaskin - will walk...or should, caps don't like him for some reason


Smith Pelly -

[PUCKNRUSH]

I don't mind the Hags deal.  He played with heart and improved every line he played on.  Definitely has quickness and Caps need him for the PK.  Fair price for the talent.  Four years...meh.  We shall see.  He can fill Connolly's spot with more speed and open it up a bit more.  He can plug many holes when needed, so good guy to have on this roster especially.  (Yes, I know he doesn't do faceoffs, but don't blame him for everyone else's weakness  )


Hate to see Nisky go.  As much grief as these boards give him, he was likely our best all around D man over the last 4 seasons. (Yes, Maako, I know Johnny Qualude is on this team, but I said all around D-MAN)  That being said, I'd agree he isn't aging well.  Definitely nice to offload some contract and paying 5.75 to a 34 year old Nisky would be painful.  Moving to the Flyers is got to suck ass for him.  End your career in freakin Philly?
Looks like we save 5.75 mil and Gudas hit is 3.35, net gain of 2.4 in cap hit to spend elsewhere. (which I guess is Hags)


I'd welcome Orpik at another 1/1 deal if he'd have it.  We need some budget guys.


Who else is left for us to sign....I don't even remember.


Stephensen....
Burka.....


What about VRANA?  Got to sign that dude.


Jaskin - will walk...or should, caps don't like him for some reason


Smith Pelly -

Good post Rich!
I still don’t understand the way the Caps have handled Jaskin? The boy has shown up practically every time he’s been called upon, with just a few exceptions!


In a longer lookback at GMBM, concerning the issue, originally, of handling the latter years of both Orpik, AND Niskys expensive contracts, (at the time), I think he has done an excellent job of dealing with the “weighty”, concerns, murmured over the last two seasons, about their age vs performance vs money!


With the recent Nisky deal, and the Orpik return, on the cheap, causing both Colorado, and now apparently Philly to shoulder much of the overload of their prior contracts! Props to GMBM for those well timed moves!


GMBM has also shown somewhat of a tendency, the last few seasons, to seem to want to use the earlier, offseason signings, to sort of telegraph to the team, more who he strongly favors, his “first fruit” preferences, maybe even passively letting some other players know, who the management is more willing to break balls for, and also who maybe, “not so much”!


Bura comes to mind, with the rapid signing of Hagelin!


The Vrana situation will be interesting to watch unfold! He can show some great stuff, but there were some times where he was starting to do some of the “low effort” stuff, IMO, especially when having to get back on defense, AND his playoff performance was, across the board, very below his standard of play! Add to that, he and Kuzy, get my solid vote for the absolute, “most wanting to go home”, attitude during the exit interviews! Unlike, with Bura, and Kuzy, I really want to see Vrana play here, so I hope my early insight on him, is off base! We shall see!


Can’t see Orpik going anywhere else, if his decision is to play another year! He, and family are dug in to the DC area pretty well!


Rush