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Talk about Capitals hockey & more! => Washington Capitals & Other Hockey Discussion => Topic started by: Mickstix on Thursday March 05, 2026, 09:49:35 AM Eastern

Title: 2026 Trade Deadline/Deals
Post by: Mickstix on Thursday March 05, 2026, 09:49:35 AM Eastern
For a team devoid of Centers... This is out 1st move!  :rofl:


https://twitter.com/rmnb/status/2029562945277981105
Title: Re: 2026 Trade Deadline/Deals
Post by: Beaglefan2 on Thursday March 05, 2026, 10:14:46 AM Eastern
Just saw that. Doesn't say what the return was - I would guess a 2nd and a 4th.  On one hand, I hate to see this as Dowd consistently gave his all-out effort every game.  He was a part of our core and set a good example.  He was a player that had to work harder to make it and he developed his skills along the way and was pretty darn good.


On the other hand, he is 35 and I have to say that his play this year has slipped. I noticed that he seemed to be out of position a lot and he had way more giveaways than normal. I don't mind moving out a 35 year old. Let's just hope we don't retain salary.


Now, let's cross all our fingers that Carlson is next!
Title: Re: 2026 Trade Deadline/Deals
Post by: alta on Thursday March 05, 2026, 11:48:01 AM Eastern
I gotta say, I am surprised Dowd lasted this long after management got rid of Hathaway. But, as Mick noted, getting rid of a center at this point is questionable. I hadn’t been paying attention, but Dowd must be a UFA after this season.


Caps get goalie Jesper Vikman(never heard of him), a ‘27 3rd round pick and a ‘29 2nd round pick.

Title: Re: 2026 Trade Deadline/Deals
Post by: alta on Thursday March 05, 2026, 11:55:58 AM Eastern
Based on UFA status, I expect TvR and possibly Duhaime to go. Though Duhaime is fairly young at 28. The only other UFAs are OV and Carlson.


https://capwages.com/teams/washington_capitals (https://capwages.com/teams/washington_capitals)


Dowd had one more season under contract.
Title: Re: 2026 Trade Deadline/Deals
Post by: richkrt99 on Thursday March 05, 2026, 02:05:55 PM Eastern
A second and a third is CRAZY for Dowd. We should be jumping for joy.  He aint worth that.
Nice guy, sad to move a guy firmly planted, but is what it is.  He will play 1 more year and retire here.

and the moderate success of Sourdiff, makes moving a center easier.  You can move Mcmike to C if needed (or Lappy), or better yet BRING up Protus, Jr.
Title: Re: 2026 Trade Deadline/Deals
Post by: richkrt99 on Thursday March 05, 2026, 02:42:03 PM Eastern
I would trade TVR for a bag of pucks.  I would NOT re-sign him next year, so why not move him now.
Duhaime is likeable but not worth all that much...not a real difficult guy to replace if he was moved, I just dont see you getting much for him.
I would absolutely LOVE to see them move Carlson for some decent picks.  However, we all fear the Caps will sign him to a ridiculously long contract even though he has obviously declined greatly and will continue to decline to the point they will be paying another team to move the contract.
Title: Re: 2026 Trade Deadline/Deals
Post by: BlackIce on Thursday March 05, 2026, 05:35:51 PM Eastern
I gotta say, I am surprised Dowd lasted this long after management got rid of Hathaway. But, as Mick noted, getting rid of a center at this point is questionable. I hadn’t been paying attention, but Dowd must be a UFA after this season.


Caps get goalie Jesper Vikman(never heard of him), a ‘27 3rd round pick and a ‘29 2nd round pick.
   


There's a reason you never heard of him.  I looked in the AHL goalie stats, and he's ..... 4th from the bottom, with a gaudy 3.41 GAA and .866 save percentage. 


What surprised me, in looking at the NHL player listings, was that there were 9 Jespers.  I never would have thought that name was so common.


I'd be thrilled about the 2nd and 3rd round picks for Dowd, except they are in '27 and '29, respectively.  There's a decent chance that I will be dead by the time the latter pick is made.

Title: Re: 2026 Trade Deadline/Deals
Post by: Mickstix on Thursday March 05, 2026, 06:56:01 PM Eastern
LoL, same here Ice.. Same here.  :snicker: 


Good for Dowd. He'll get 1 more shot at the playoffs anyway. I think Sourdiff will fill in nice and yes, time to bring up Lil Pro and see if he can handle the NHL. I'd also love to see them move Beauvi.. He's another hustler, but they need Leonard playing on the top line. If he gets burned on the D side, he'll learn.. Nothing left this year but to learn and see if we have anything from Hershey worth keeping.
Title: Re: 2026 Trade Deadline/Deals
Post by: BlackIce on Thursday March 05, 2026, 09:59:07 PM Eastern
Mick, I am in sympathy with your desire to have Leonard on the "top" line (though I don't think that Ovie's line is the top line any more), but Beauvillier doesn't have to be moved to have that happen - just interchange them.  IF young Protas were brought up, the lines could look like


Ovie/Strome/Leonard
AProtas/Dubois/Wilson
Beauvillier/McMichael/Sourdif
Duhaime/IProtas/Frank


Or interchange Leonard and Wilson, but everyone seems to like the AP/DB/W line.   


The organization must have SOME reason why Leonard hasn't yet been given much of a chance on a top line, because they COULD have done it at any time.
Title: Re: 2026 Trade Deadline/Deals
Post by: Mickstix on Thursday March 05, 2026, 10:46:18 PM Eastern
Yea, don't have to move Beauvi to get Leonard in the top 6, but just seems like pulling teeth with these coaches to let rookies have a chance.. He doesn't need to play with Strome, but he should be playing with our best play makers, when possible. Could/should of been up there last game, but for whatever reason McMike got those minutes. And as usual, didn't do much. Really hoped last years career year, for some of the younger guys, was gonna turn into the "norm", but didn't happen. When they go cold for months at a time, it's just who they are. Leonard was on a 14 game drought before that PP marker. He's not really looked the same since his shoulder injury, though he still shows flashes. Just don't want to see them burn the kid out with grinders. Like I've said, he's the closest thing to a prospect superstar that we got.
Title: Re: 2026 Trade Deadline/Deals
Post by: BlackIce on Friday March 06, 2026, 07:19:31 AM Eastern
And now, the day everyone has been waiting for - a new leadership regime in Iran!!!


Oh wait, no ....... John Carlson has been traded.  A first and third pick from the Ducks - doesn't seem bad return for a rental who is coming off injury.  Anaheim has an inside track to the playoffs AND unless they explode in the late going they will probably be one of the lowest-point teams in the playoffs, so unless they make the conference finals, their pick will be in the late teens.


This is the first real suggestion that the Caps are going into rebuild mode - which may mean that Ovie's era is over after this season.  I have to believe that management consulted him about the necessity of doing this before they made, especially, the Carlson move.  Their strategy throughout his tenure has always been to keep the core and add as best they could at the deadline to try to give him a/the best playoff chance.
Title: Re: 2026 Trade Deadline/Deals
Post by: Mickstix on Friday March 06, 2026, 08:47:49 AM Eastern
Did not see that coming! Wish him nothing but the best, but glad we're starting to move past the past..


https://twitter.com/espn/status/2029805576402726980
Title: Re: 2026 Trade Deadline/Deals
Post by: richkrt99 on Friday March 06, 2026, 09:06:05 AM Eastern
Hole E SHIT.  I absolutely do not believe it.  They traded Carlson.
a very small amount of faith has been restored in mgmt with this move.  Dowd was a hard guy to move emotionally, but Carlson is on another level, one of the core guys of the previous ERA.  I am shocked.
I applaud this move, think it is absolutely the right thing for this team.  (Curious that he had not played in the last few games).  Good for him - he and Dowd both get a shot at the playoffs.


Now...just promise me you won't re-sign him as a FA this summer.
Title: Re: 2026 Trade Deadline/Deals
Post by: richkrt99 on Friday March 06, 2026, 09:17:33 AM Eastern
Now, when they move TVR for 6 pucks and a role of tape, this team will be seriously short on D.  Mac is just a fill-in, and has maybe next year left.  Chisholm, I guess is gonna be one of your bottom 6.  We have Chicky, Fever, Roy and Sandin.  We need one more full time D this summer
I don't know our prospects that well, especially on D.  We have Hutson and Chesley, but both are young and i expect need at least some time in Hershey.  Hutson is supposed to be the up and coming, but he's 19 and his size worries me:  5'-10", 165lbs.



Title: Re: 2026 Trade Deadline/Deals
Post by: alta on Friday March 06, 2026, 09:34:55 AM Eastern
 :phew:


We appreciate your contributions, but it’s time
Title: Re: 2026 Trade Deadline/Deals
Post by: alta on Friday March 06, 2026, 09:42:21 AM Eastern
AND.. the Caps are not retaining any salary.


 :)
Title: Re: 2026 Trade Deadline/Deals
Post by: alta on Friday March 06, 2026, 09:58:56 AM Eastern
So who gets the second “A” now? It had been Carlson and Dowd.
Title: Re: 2026 Trade Deadline/Deals
Post by: BlackIce on Friday March 06, 2026, 11:23:40 AM Eastern
Now, when they move TVR for 6 pucks and a role of tape, this team will be seriously short on D.  Mac is just a fill-in, and has maybe next year left.  Chisholm, I guess is gonna be one of your bottom 6.  We have Chicky, Fever, Roy and Sandin.  We need one more full time D this summer
I don't know our prospects that well, especially on D.  We have Hutson and Chesley, but both are young and i expect need at least some time in Hershey.  Hutson is supposed to be the up and coming, but he's 19 and his size worries me:  5'-10", 165lbs.




The question is, if you can only get 6 pucks and a roll of tape for TVR, why would you move him now?  For a 5th round pick, say?  Is there really a point to that?  Just stick with what you have left for the remainder of the regular season, and then call the golf course.  We got some draft capital by trading Dowd and Carlson.
Title: Re: 2026 Trade Deadline/Deals
Post by: Mickstix on Friday March 06, 2026, 12:04:46 PM Eastern
I want to see Hutson! I "hear" he's got star potential? But really not sure why. Drafted in the 2nd round. He is small, but small and speedy seems to be the norm these days. He's 19 and apparently can be in a Caps uniform as early as March 12th, though I think it depends on how long BU's season goes, with their tourney.


Is there protocol for who get's the "A"?? Like, do teams normally have someone on D get one? Im sure it'll be Chychrun or Strome. I'd give it to Chychrun, the Defense is his now.
Strome will get the other A once Ovi retires and Wilson is Captain.


If we could get a draft pick, I'd probably trade TvR. He's a UFA, so not sure what he'd want to stay, but not sure 3m is the number I'd offer. There has to be other 3rd D who'll be available after the season is over, if needed. Or keep him, he's one of those take or leave, no biggy type players..
Title: Re: 2026 Trade Deadline/Deals
Post by: alta on Friday March 06, 2026, 12:50:50 PM Eastern
Caps still need a 4th center. 24 year old 4 year vet Lapierre doesn’t seem to be it, and McMichael seems to be better at wing.


Bringing up little Protas may be an option, but he’s listed as a winger.
Title: Re: 2026 Trade Deadline/Deals
Post by: richkrt99 on Friday March 06, 2026, 02:04:34 PM Eastern
I didnt think about before, but TVR and Roy (and BigMac) are Righties.  Everyone else is a lefty, and that's more important (or seems to be) on the D.
That's another reason they might've held onto TVR.  I don't think TVR has another year in him - at a high level.  He has been suspect for 2 seasons.  I would not re-sign him.
Season is over, got 20 games to figure out if anyone in Hershey is worthy of a spot...or at least get a real look at them.

Title: Re: 2026 Trade Deadline/Deals
Post by: alta on Friday March 06, 2026, 02:32:21 PM Eastern
Caps pick up a Dman who will be a UFA this summer, currently being paid $3M..

https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2026/03/06/timothy-liljegren-trade-washington-capitals-san-jose-sharks-nhl/ (https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2026/03/06/timothy-liljegren-trade-washington-capitals-san-jose-sharks-nhl/)


and he’s right handed
Title: Re: 2026 Trade Deadline/Deals
Post by: Mickstix on Friday March 06, 2026, 03:16:56 PM Eastern
Only thing I didn't like in that read was "he was chased out of Toronto for lack of physicality" (or something along those lines) Hate soft hockey players, unless they're special talent wise or something. But, 26, RHD and played on the Sharks top pair.. So, can't be any worse than TVR.
Title: Re: 2026 Trade Deadline/Deals
Post by: richkrt99 on Friday March 06, 2026, 03:17:08 PM Eastern
Interesting, he's a former 1st rounder.  Carbs had some time with him in Toronto.  FA at age 26 is pretty young isnt it?.  Hope we didn't give up alot for a 6 week rental.
Title: Re: 2026 Trade Deadline/Deals
Post by: alta on Friday March 06, 2026, 04:12:26 PM Eastern
another pending UFA, but he’s a center..


https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2026/03/06/david-kampf-trade-washington-capitals-vancouver-canucks-draft-pick-nhl/ (https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2026/03/06/david-kampf-trade-washington-capitals-vancouver-canucks-draft-pick-nhl/)
Title: Re: 2026 Trade Deadline/Deals
Post by: richkrt99 on Friday March 06, 2026, 05:39:00 PM Eastern
52.7 % at faceoffs, thats a guy to fill in for Dowder.
Title: Re: 2026 Trade Deadline/Deals
Post by: alta on Friday March 06, 2026, 06:23:52 PM Eastern
The Caps went into the trade deadline with four pending UFAs, they now have five, and $10M of cap space. The two on D, TvR and Liljegren, I’m going to assume management let’s one walk after the season. Hopefully Liljegren steps up, because TvR is on the backside of his career.
Title: Re: 2026 Trade Deadline/Deals
Post by: Mickstix on Saturday March 07, 2026, 12:47:54 AM Eastern
FA at age 26 is pretty young isnt it?.  Hope we didn't give up alot for a 6 week rental.

We didn't have alot to give, so doubt it was much.. He's probably still a FA cause he's wanting more than they we're offering. I think I read somewhere that he was just odd man out.
Well, at least the rest of the season should be worth watching anyway! Got some new guys to bitch about! :wackysmile:  Hope we get a decent look at Lil Pro and Hutson before seasons end. And hopefully the rentals don't get in the way of that, though Im sure they will..


It is kinda odd though that we sold AND bought. lol Rebuilding is still gonna be like pulling teeth it appears. Wonder what we could of got in return for GMCP?  :snicker:
Title: Re: 2026 Trade Deadline/Deals
Post by: BlackIce on Saturday March 07, 2026, 07:39:05 AM Eastern
Only thing I didn't like in that read was "he was chased out of Toronto for lack of physicality" (or something along those lines) Hate soft hockey players, unless they're special talent wise or something. But, 26, RHD and played on the Sharks top pair.. So, can't be any worse than TVR.
   


Interesting, Mick.


If you look at his hits/blocks, his current profile looks similar to ..... Carlson's current profile.  And we know that Carlson at this stage of his career was relying on positioning and stickwork, because he didn't have the speed anymore to body up the top players.  His minutes were close to Carlson's, so we aren't losing much there.  What we are losing is the offense.


What we gained out of our trades were a first rounder, a second rounder, and 2 third rounders.  We lost a 4th rounder and a 6th rounder.  Net gain, I guess. 
Caps still need a 4th center. 24 year old 4 year vet Lapierre doesn’t seem to be it, and McMichael seems to be better at wing.


Bringing up little Protas may be an option, but he’s listed as a winger.




It sounds like the Caps are planning to use Sourdif as the 3C for now, with the new guy as 4C.  I think LaPierre is still odd man out.  And the thing is, I don't think he is really suited for 4C.  His calling card, such as it is, is shiftiness, not grinding. 
Title: Re: 2026 Trade Deadline/Deals
Post by: waynerivers on Saturday March 07, 2026, 01:52:35 PM Eastern
I didn't think the FO had it in them to move Carlson so kudos for that.  I haven't seen enough of Liljegren to comment but he's only turning 27 next month so there should be plenty of gas in the tank.  Plus, getting the two draft picks from Anaheim was a gift.  Overall, I like the moves so far but this should only be the beginning of a substantial retooling.
Title: Re: 2026 Trade Deadline/Deals
Post by: Beaglefan2 on Sunday March 08, 2026, 02:26:08 PM Eastern
Just getting back to hockey - couldn't be happier with what the Caps did. I have been waiting 15 years for them to do the tough things that good organizations do to stay at the top of the heap consistently.  They have always been overly loyal to "their guys" both with regard to never benching them for poor play and never trading or releasing certain guys. The fact they got a first rounder for Carlson plus another pick is fantastic.  It tells me that Carlson and his agent must have been so unrealistic on a new deal that they just said "screw it, let's trade him".


Now we need to go all in on the tank job and try and get a pick in the 10 to 12 area.
Title: Re: 2026 Trade Deadline/Deals
Post by: BlackIce on Sunday March 08, 2026, 06:49:29 PM Eastern
Beagle, just FYI, I've seen commentary that the top echelon of this year's draft goes about 9 deep, after which there is a drop-off.  So I'm hoping the Caps can get down into single digits.  And among the top 9, there doesn't seem to be a whole lot of difference - there isn't any generational talent in this year's draft.  I'm hoping to get one of the top 4 defensemen - I really don't think we can get an offensive difference-maker.
Title: Re: 2026 Trade Deadline/Deals
Post by: Beaglefan2 on Monday March 09, 2026, 11:54:55 AM Eastern
Getting into the top 10 may be tough. I think we are 14 now, and there are 7 teams we will never catch in a race to the bottom. I think best case, we get to 10 or 11.   I have also heard that there are a lot of good defenseman in the draft and I think we could get a pretty good one at 12 or so. We also have the Anaheim pick but that likely won't be until 2027 - so we have to root for them to stink next year.