Author Topic: Caps re-sign Backstrom  (Read 4434 times)

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Offline 4 Caps

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Caps re-sign Backstrom
« on: Tuesday January 14, 2020, 10:08:02 AM Eastern »
Caps have signed Nicklas Backstrom to a 5 year 46million dollar contract with anaverage of 9.2 million per year against the salary cap. I am really happy they re-signed Nicky although it was for a little more than I expected.  I was thinking more in the 8 million range but he deserves what he is getting.  Certainly one of the greatest players in Caps history. 

Offline RavenCp

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Re: Caps re-sign Backstrom
« Reply #1 on: Tuesday January 14, 2020, 10:23:57 AM Eastern »
For his age, it is a bit on a high side. The previous contract was much more reasonable, may be a bit low for him.

Offline richkrt99

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Re: Caps re-sign Backstrom
« Reply #2 on: Tuesday January 14, 2020, 10:28:29 AM Eastern »
Wow.  I know salaries continue to climb, and not sure what I expected, but I was thinking more like 8 or 8.5  (so much for the home town discount)


Glad to get that done.  It is a little higher than we wanted I think, but well deserved.  He has been one of the elite centers in the league.  Let's hope this Swedish Fish ages really well.
Five years in not really a too-horrible term.  That puts him at 37.  Not sure a 37 year old Backy will perform at $9.2m level, but that's what happens with contracts.


Nice to see the Caps organization reward him.  Just not sure how they plan to make the cap work


(Something tells me Sammy gonna get a lot more game playing next season)

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Offline richkrt99

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Re: Caps re-sign Backstrom
« Reply #3 on: Tuesday January 14, 2020, 10:54:53 AM Eastern »
He has been pretty damn steady and reliable with his offensive numbers over the last 10 seasons, but he is 32.  I don't expect an immediate big drop off in the next couple years, but definitely bigger drop off moving forward.


Not that he hasn't earned it, but the more I think about it, that's not a great contract from the team point of view.


I mean, I'm glad to see him stay, and glad to see the team make an effort to loyally reward one of your foundation guys whom you've built your team upon. Maybe Uncle Ted said just get it done and kudos to the organization.


Or maybe we just overpay everyone until we can afford no one when we need to.




And what does this mean for Holtby?  He is going to want 9-10m and we don't have it.  Not without moving a really big contract like Kuzy.  NO WAY will the Caps move Johnny Q. Not your Norris trophy guy.  Maybe you could move Orlov and get 5.1 back, but you'd have to buy another D guy for 3 or so, so you still only gain maybe 2.


Holtby's at 5m now.  Gonna get at least 9.  Not sure where the Caps gonna find that additional 4 mil in Cap space.
And that's assuming next year's Cap goes up 2.5 just to cover Backy's 2.5 more than this year.


Congrats Backy.  Glad to have you back



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Offline 4 Caps

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Re: Caps re-sign Backstrom
« Reply #4 on: Tuesday January 14, 2020, 11:29:28 AM Eastern »
I don’t see the Caps re-signing Holtby especially with the way Samsonov is playing. 

Offline richkrt99

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Re: Caps re-sign Backstrom
« Reply #5 on: Tuesday January 14, 2020, 11:32:57 AM Eastern »
And what are they going to pay Ovi with?  He gonna stay at an even 10m?  I would hope at his age he would play for no more.


So if we decide to ride this train of aging horses off into the beautiful sunset....


Ovi, Backy, Oshie, Haggs, Gudas, etc,


We better find us some really cheap productive young talent to go with them.
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Offline alta

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Re: Caps re-sign Backstrom
« Reply #6 on: Tuesday January 14, 2020, 11:45:45 AM Eastern »
happy to see they kept Backy, I wouldn't say he's been underpaid previously, but it's close. Now he's overpaid. I sincerely hope OV gives the team cap a break and sings for 8ish a year, they need the space to get more talent in here, even with losing Holts
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Offline Mickstix

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Re: Caps re-sign Backstrom
« Reply #7 on: Tuesday January 14, 2020, 12:36:45 PM Eastern »
Good for Backy! I don't know much about contracts, but I imagine it was a decent deal for both sides, else they wouldn't of done the deal this soon, imo.. He wasn't even using an agent. I guess they hope the cap goes up? Holtby gonna have to find somewhere else to shine his rainbows I guess.. Him playing like shit is gonna make that easier to take. Though I hope he can find a rhythm one more time for the red and white! And then hopefully sign out west somewhere..  :wackysmile:

Offline alta

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Re: Caps re-sign Backstrom
« Reply #8 on: Tuesday January 14, 2020, 01:28:06 PM Eastern »
as I recall, the Capitals expected the salary cap to go up more than it did the last couple seasons, it's one of the reasons they are right up against it, the other reason is a few guys are being over paid.
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Offline BlackIce

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Re: Caps re-sign Backstrom
« Reply #9 on: Tuesday January 14, 2020, 04:25:27 PM Eastern »
happy to see they kept Backy, I wouldn't say he's been underpaid previously, but it's close. Now he's overpaid. I sincerely hope OV gives the team cap a break and sings for 8ish a year, they need the space to get more talent in here, even with losing Holts




I will guarantee that if/when Ovie resigns, it will be for at least $1 more than Backstrom will be getting.


Pecking orders are real.


The problem is that the Caps have no one in the pipeline to take over Backstrom's spot in the next few years.  Maybe McMichael if he pans out, but Connor is supposed to be able to play wing as well as center, and while he may turn out well, the chances are he won't be another Backstrom.  If you look at the elite centers in the league, what you see for the most part is top 10 (lots of cases, top 5) draft picks.  McMichael is a #25, and there's a reason for that.  As long as the Caps are among the upper echelon teams in the league, they will continue to draft in the 20's.

Offline richkrt99

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Re: Caps re-sign Backstrom
« Reply #10 on: Tuesday January 14, 2020, 06:54:39 PM Eastern »
as I recall, the Capitals expected the salary cap to go up more than it did the last couple seasons, it's one of the reasons they are right up against it, the other reason is a few guys are being over paid.


Yep.  I think the cap fell really shorter than expected by like $2m  That doesn't sound like much when the total is 82 or so, but if you are the Caps...2mil will cost you....a Stephenson and a Djoos on your active roster.
Although I could care less if Djoos is on the roster, and Stepho just wasn't bringing it. Good for him making good in Vegas, but I looked at their cap situation and they are the worst in the league...actually over the cap a few dollars now.  I was surprised at that, since they were is such grand cap shape the 1st year.  But I guess you sign a bunch of big names and it caps up quickly.  They are paying Nate Schmidt $6m a year.  I was a little surprised to see that.  I mean I like him and he has a pretty good upside, but not sure he has warranted $6m per as of yet.  Not dissing Nate, but I would have been pissed if the Caps had signed him to 6years at $6m per.  I mean in the long run, at his age that's not a bad contract for an elite D, but I'm not sure Nate has earned quite that status yet.


AND
The caps ARE overpaying a few guys.  Ahem...cough, cough, Coughson, cough, cough  :raspberry:


Ovi is currently making an even $10m/year. (although the contract average is 9.538/yr  I would hope he would resign for that same figure (10) at age 36 for say 3 years?  I mean I would hope they don't give him another 5 years....that means 10mil for a 41 year old Ovi?  Yikes.  Maybe give a little more for a shorter term.  11 mil for three years...or 10.5 for four years and that runs him through the end of Backy's deal
At this point I would hope Ovi would sign for 10m just to keep the band together.  I mean he's already collected $124 mil over the last 13 years.  Is he realistically worth more than 10?  Connor McDavid is at 12.5m a year and he has to be the very best player in the league, only 23 years old and likely not even quite in his prime, so has 5 years of improvement and another solid 5 years at least after that.  Is Ovi worth what Connor is making?....I love him, but I don't think so, not at age 37.









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Offline Ozzies09tc

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Re: Caps re-sign Backstrom
« Reply #11 on: Tuesday January 14, 2020, 09:04:17 PM Eastern »



I will guarantee that if/when Ovie resigns, it will be for at least $1 more than Backstrom will be getting.


Pecking orders are real.


wanna wager a sig-bet on it? AAV OV's next contract will not be higher than 9.2 - If I'm wrong I'll keep a signature of ur choice for a month if I'm right, you keep one of my choice for a month (30 days) deal?


The problem is that the Caps have no one in the pipeline to take over Backstrom's spot in the next few years.  Maybe McMichael if he pans out, but Connor is supposed to be able to play wing as well as center, and while he may turn out well, the chances are he won't be another Backstrom.  If you look at the elite centers in the league, what you see for the most part is top 10 (lots of cases, top 5) draft picks.  McMichael is a #25, and there's a reason for that.  As long as the Caps are among the upper echelon teams in the league, they will continue to draft in the 20's.


You dont always have to DRAFT them however. The Blues #1 and #2 centers were acquired via trades within the last three years which led to a Cup. Our kid we drafted to replace the #1 or #2 C Robert Thomas (if you don't know the name now...you will) was drafted at 20th overall.


Hell, Henrik Zetterberg was 210th overall
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Offline zerofox

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Re: Caps re-sign Backstrom
« Reply #12 on: Wednesday January 15, 2020, 12:07:41 AM Eastern »
I'm glad Backy is here to stay. His contract is a bit rich for my taste given his age, but on the flip side his previous contract was kind of a steal considering how talented he is. So I guess it all evens out. I was sorta hoping for a "home town discount" though and hoped maybe he'd come in at around $7-8 million, but Backy has earned it.

I'm hoping Ovi also has it in him to play another 5 years to stay with Backy.

We WILL probably be feeling the pain when we're paying Backy $9+ million towards the end of his contract (like his age 35-37 seasons) but again, the guy has earned the right to stay a franchise lifer and to be paid for it.

Offline PUCKNRUSH

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Re: Caps re-sign Backstrom
« Reply #13 on: Wednesday January 15, 2020, 01:24:39 AM Eastern »
Very happy for Backstrom!


With Backy, specifically, I’m much less concerned with the age factor, for him, so the length AND amount aren’t a problem for me!  I’ll explain my train of thought in just a minute.


First off, however, I want to preface that I, generally speaking, am an ANTI, big and long contract guy!
IMO, the majority of longer term, high money contracts, by their very nature, passively bring a natural DIS-incentive, for the player, to have to CONTINUALLY strive to BETTER themselves, in terms of skill improvement, athleticism, maintaining an outstanding, loyalty driven, upward, and professional, attitude, for their sport, team, fans, and themselves!! NOT TO MENTION, conducting your life, in a manner, no where NEAR getting in any criminal trouble!!👍


Hardy-fuckin’-Har-Har-Har!!🤣 and lets add in a BWAAHAHAHA!, while we’re at it!!


Isn’t it amazing!....that what I just said is so DAMN, old school, and outdated, that it is actually, NOW, a frickin hilarious concept!!😆


Well people...actually you’re correct... it is a freaking hilarious concept!
WHAT A DAMN SHAME, though, for us older folks that can remember a time, not so long ago, when it was a REALITY!!!👍👍👍
 So it’s easy to understand, for some of us, why we don’t like to see money spent, on POTENTIAL!!


 Now, having said all this, I assure you, I’m 100% aware, that the reality is, The market will pay it, and ownership is more than willing, because the athlete and ownership, know that the player can get paid elsewhere!!!


This is the business of sports today!... I GET IT....AND, I can still think of it as weak-ass shit, that has evolved over decades, for millions of complex reasons!  I also get that I have to acccept it, in order to allow myself to enjoy some modicum of competitive professional sports!  But it’s also why I don’t like long term, big money contracts, generally speaking!!  (OK, that’s over).


Back now to Nicky!
 I happen to think that his overall skill set, and value, that are inherent to HIS specific type of play, AREN’T as affected as much by aging!  So it’s not worrisome to me!


Age is obviously a big factor when it comes to quickness and speed, longer stamina, and such!
What Backstrom brings to the table, mostly, is his INTENSE, playmaking ability, born from INTELLIGENT playmaking decisions, combined with hockey wisdom, and EXPERIENCE, which actually IMPROVES with age!!


He’s not dependent on excessive physicality, OR super speed and stamina, for HIS type of game!  These would all be considerably diminished with the aging process!


He IS, however, extremely observant, and alert, (not necessarily affected by age), and he has a long term, PROVEN, work ethic! ( which is unlikely to change with age, also!).


Additionally he uses his KNOWLEDGE, and experience, to make those incredible, Play making passes, and moves, that make it seem like he has eyes in the back of his head!!  These also are not, generally age worry issues!!  So the news is GOOD, in my opinion!


 ADD IN the fact, that his signing, makes it even more likely that Ovi will also want to stay,  and I think you’ve got a great decision all around, by management!!


 This may also be giving Holtby a subtle, little message!  As in, he’s probably not gonna be around, and better step up his play, NOW, if he wants to keep good value on the trade market!


Rush


 


 



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Offline alta

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Re: Caps re-sign Backstrom
« Reply #14 on: Wednesday January 15, 2020, 11:49:13 AM Eastern »
I was amazed whe Ted signed OV long term, especially after getting burned with jäger. But looking back, I bet it saved the team money. I think it was Stamkos that said he will only do short term deals to keep from getting lazy. I bring that up because I think it contributed to OVs mid career slump
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Offline richkrt99

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Re: Caps re-sign Backstrom
« Reply #15 on: Wednesday January 15, 2020, 10:32:09 PM Eastern »
So I just watched the 13 or so minute interview/press conference on from the Caps website on Backy's deal.  And when I say I "watched" it....that is exactly all I did, was "watch" it.


JESUS FUCKING CHRIST!!!!!!  WTF Capitals!?.   :wtf: :wtf: :wtf: :wtf: :wtf:
I mean you have a press conference set up and you have NO AUDIO for it?  Then half way through you hand them a mic and it still sucks ass.


How about shave a fucking nickle of Backy's contract and buy some fucking audio equipment so we can ACTUALLY HEAR the fucking interviews.


And while you're at it.....NOBODY has been able to hear the fucking press stooges questions during post game for.....um....about 15 fucking years. so how's about getting some audio solutions there too dipshits.


You'd think watching this it was some low budget third world nation's FIRST TIME EVER making a press conference.



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Offline alta

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Re: Caps re-sign Backstrom
« Reply #16 on: Thursday January 16, 2020, 06:23:15 PM Eastern »
don't hold back Rich, tell us how you really feel  :lmao:


and I agree %100  :)
Knowledge is knowing that the Tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is knowing that you shouldn't include it in a Fruit Salad; Philosophy is wondering if a Bloody Mary counts as smoothie

"Oh bother" said Poo, as he chambered another round