Caps Trade for Scott Hannan

[WietersOvechkin]

WOOT!

http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=544938

Caps trade Flash for Scott Hannan. I have to say I am really happy about this trade. Scott Hannan is a FA after the season so it doesn't hurt as down the road and we get rid of Flash and Sloan. I think this was a good move by GMGM.

[DuffMan]

Flash had become very 1 dimmensional and wasn't needed at all. Him leaving opens up more pt for our other forwards. Picking up a DMan moves Erskine to the 7th spot and means we shouldn't be seeing Sloan anymore. Great move!

[allstar1579]

This is the trade I had been hinting towards for a while now. It's been in the works since August in different forms.

I dunno if I'm a HUGE fan of it because I liked our defense, and it limits our cap space the rest of the year, but I'm just nit-picking. Hopefully it all works out for him and he gets a cup here :)

[Araqnid]

This is the trade I had been hinting towards for a while now. It's been in the works since August in different forms.

I dunno if I'm a HUGE fan of it because I liked our defense, and it limits our cap space the rest of the year, but I'm just nit-picking. Hopefully it all works out for him and he gets a cup here :)

I think it really helps our defense, honestly. I was reading an article (over at Japer's Rink, I think) that the value of the trade lies mainly in the ability to increase the versatility of most of the defense now, especially Poti and Alzner. Erskine becomes the new 7th D, and we can finally get rid of Sloan.

Also, the cap hit isn't ridiculous, its only like .5M more, and we still have a few million to play with. The trade in no way limits us for future trades.

[DuffMan]

I like the trade as well for reasons already stated, but also were getting him in here in December. This gives Hannan 4 times to gel with the team before the playoffs. I think part of the problem was last year the Caps were cruising along and then GMGM made a flurry of moves at the trade deadline and I think that effected the chemistry a bit and they still hadn't got it together when the playoffs started.

[allstar1579]

I think it really helps our defense, honestly. I was reading an article (over at Japer's Rink, I think) that the value of the trade lies mainly in the ability to increase the versatility of most of the defense now, especially Poti and Alzner. Erskine becomes the new 7th D, and we can finally get rid of Sloan.

Also, the cap hit isn't ridiculous, its only like .5M more, and we still have a few million to play with. The trade in no way limits us for future trades.

Actually our impact of Flash's is 755k for this year, and Hannan's share for us is 3.2m we have 1.6m left in room this season, where we had something like 3.5 or so left before. Not a HUGE deal, and with Poti being hurt, I think it's a great thing, I just think Erskine has played well enough to be a #6 here, and thought Flash could have been used with Semin to bring back something really big. Oh well.

With Knuble, Laich and Semin all UFA after the season, there are some moves to be made at some point.

[DuffMan]

With Knuble, Laich and Semin all UFA after the season, there are some moves to be made at some point.

What's your prediction on these 3?

I don't see Knuble being brought back. Laich will be back, his style is similar to Knuble's and he's much younger. Semin I'm not so sure about.

[allstar1579]

What's your prediction on these 3?

I don't see Knuble being brought back. Laich will be back, his style is similar to Knuble's and he's much younger. Semin I'm not so sure about.

Kubs is gone, Laich extended and Semin will be too expensive I think. Problem created there is we are down 2 RW if they both leave, so they might have to pony up. Semin is going to get a major deal on the market though, probably in the $9m range, and we can't afford to carry another one of those.

I was kinda hoping you might see a deal involving Semin for someone secured for a couple more years, but worries about that messing with a stanley cup run might end that.

[Araqnid]

Kubs is gone, Laich extended and Semin will be too expensive I think. Problem created there is we are down 2 RW if they both leave, so they might have to pony up. Semin is going to get a major deal on the market though, probably in the $9m range, and we can't afford to carry another one of those.

I was kinda hoping you might see a deal involving Semin for someone secured for a couple more years, but worries about that messing with a stanley cup run might end that.

I pretty much agree with the above, there is no way they let Laich leave. Do you think if the Caps fail to get the Cup again this year he stays for another year to see if they can get it done?

[tylerfrombelair]

Rumors around the club are that McPhee isn't done.. 1st/2nd line centers are the next target. Brad Richards would be nice.

[allstar1579]

I pretty much agree with the above, there is no way they let Laich leave. Do you think if the Caps fail to get the Cup again this year he stays for another year to see if they can get it done?

I think he stays no matter what if he gets the near $4m a year he's looking for. The CAPS are a prime location, young team, cup contender, most players want to come here, not leave here. Just a question if we can afford them all.

SLIGHT talk about looking at 2nd line centers, but they don't want to squeeze playing time for key players, so it's not a huge priority. Johansson to 3rd line, Steckel at 4th is a possibility but they really like Gordon, and it would be much more of a low key veteran move, like Belanger last year. They can't take on the salary to go get a marquee player.

[Araqnid]

I think he stays no matter what if he gets the near $4m a year he's looking for. The CAPS are a prime location, young team, cup contender, most players want to come here, not leave here. Just a question if we can afford them all.

SLIGHT talk about looking at 2nd line centers, but they don't want to squeeze playing time for key players, so it's not a huge priority. Johansson to 3rd line, Steckel at 4th is a possibility but they really like Gordon, and it would be much more of a low key veteran move, like Belanger last year. They can't take on the salary to go get a marquee player.

I'm ok either way. Johansson is doing a great job as a rookie. If we get someone, terrific, but I'm 100% ok moving on with Johansson.