So, where do the Caps go from here?

[ChaosLex]

Now that the Caps offseason has started, what FA signings/trades make sense for the Caps? If we unload Semin and/or Green, should we make a run at Kovalchuk? Or should we focus solely on defense, defense and more DEFENSE?

[allstar1579]

Now that the Caps offseason has started, what FA signings/trades make sense for the Caps? If we unload Semin and/or Green, should we make a run at Kovalchuk? Or should we focus solely on defense, defense and more DEFENSE?

I think if they deal Semin, Kovy is the replacement, something about he and Ovi being friends or something. There's a Dman in Ottawa I think that is also friends with them they are reported to have interest in this guy (http://senators.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8468501) but I don't know how great he is.

I think they'd still have to be bowled over to move Green, even if he does play defense like a paraplegic. They have pieces they can move, and you should see Gustufsson make his N. American debut this year. They have some room to move, but they have guys like Fehr and Neuvy and others that need to be resigned (RFA).

Belanger is gone. Corvo is gone. Jose is gone. Chimera I wouldn't be surprised to see them resign. They should be fairly active in the offseason though.

[MuhladaOs]

Now that the Caps offseason has started, what FA signings/trades make sense for the Caps? If we unload Semin and/or Green, should we make a run at Kovalchuk? Or should we focus solely on defense, defense and more DEFENSE?

Kovalchuk would be too expensive for the Capitals moving forward.

GMGM should think about trading for another top 2 pairing defenseman using Alex Semin as the center piece.

I wouldn't mind the Caps putting together a package for a defenseman like an Anton Volchenkov (hard hitting, shot blocking, shut down playoff D) or even another puck moving veteran defenseman like a Tomas Kaberle (very good first pass out of the zone, good PP quarterback, another solution for a no show Mike Green come play off time).

Kaberle's salary is pretty high, I think 4.5 mill, wouldn't want to sign him long-term? But at this point in his career I'm sure he would like a run at the Stanley Cup. Experts have stated he might be moved at the NHL Draft. A package of Alzner, Fleischman and a draft pick might land a Tomas Kaberle.

I hope we bring back Eric Belanger for next year, as for Joe Corvo I wouldn't be sad if we wasn't on the team next year.

But to be honest the Capitals don't need to make that many moves, their young players have another year of experience under their feet and the play of Eric Fehr & John Carlson down the stretch just shows how deep we are at a very young age. And I will say this again Semyon Varlamov is our guy moving forward. No more guessing games, he is the #1 goalie for our future and I think it will help him mentally to know that especially going down the stretch for next years playoffs. No more guessing games between "should Jose or should Semyon be our guy?".

[MuhladaOs]

I think if they deal Semin, Kovy is the replacement, something about he and Ovi being friends or something. There's a Dman in Ottawa I think that is also friends with them they are reported to have interest in this guy (http://senators.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8468501) but I don't know how great he is.

I think they'd still have to be bowled over to move Green, even if he does play defense like a paraplegic. They have pieces they can move, and you should see Gustufsson make his N. American debut this year. They have some room to move, but they have guys like Fehr and Neuvy and others that need to be resigned (RFA).

Belanger is gone. Corvo is gone. Jose is gone. Chimera I wouldn't be surprised to see them resign. They should be fairly active in the offseason though.

Kovalchuk's agent is looking for a record breaking market price of 10 million per. The KHL has been reported to offer Kovalchuck even more than that.

Signing Backstrom to a multi-year contract is going to be over 7+ million. For sure.

I don't know if it would be smart to tie so much $ on only 3 players.

And as for your Ottawa D man statement, he is exactly what the Capitals need come play off time. His hits and shot blocking create energy and momentum on the bench. He sacrifices his body on all plays and that really makes the other guy next to you play even harder. And the fact that he is Russian would make Ovi, our captain, feed off of his playing that much more. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buCqKPWgEBI - good highlight video of Anton.

[Dr. FLK]

If they don't get tougher and add some attitude, I'm not sure it matters. I don't want to see them bring in anymore of these technically sound skill players. Give me some guys who want to hang out around the crease and hit someone in the mouth...And give me some D-men who are interested in blocking shots and playing some real D.

[allstar1579]

Kovalchuk would be too expensive for the Capitals moving forward.

GMGM should think about trading for another top 2 pairing defenseman using Alex Semin as the center piece.

I wouldn't mind the Caps putting together a package for a defenseman like an Anton Volchenkov (hard hitting, shot blocking, shut down playoff D) or even another puck moving veteran defenseman like a Tomas Kaberle (very good first pass out of the zone, good PP quarterback, another solution for a no show Mike Green come play off time).

Kaberle's salary is pretty high, I think 4.5 mill, wouldn't want to sign him long-term? But at this point in his career I'm sure he would like a run at the Stanley Cup. Experts have stated he might be moved at the NHL Draft. A package of Alzner, Fleischman and a draft pick might land a Tomas Kaberle.

I hope we bring back Eric Belanger for next year, as for Joe Corvo I wouldn't be sad if we wasn't on the team next year.

But to be honest the Capitals don't need to make that many moves, their young players have another year of experience under their feet and the play of Eric Fehr & John Carlson down the stretch just shows how deep we are at a very young age. And I will say this again Semyon Varlamov is our guy moving forward. No more guessing games, he is the #1 goalie for our future and I think it will help him mentally to know that especially going down the stretch for next years playoffs. No more guessing games between "should Jose or should Semyon be our guy?".

Kovy cost himself a LOT of money with his disappearing act in NJ. I mean really, did you hear ANYTHING about the guy after the trade? He won't get near 10m, and while I could see him going to Russia, he doesn't have a stanley cup yet, so I wouldn't bet on him leaving.

You have your top 4 defensemen already locked in, Green-Schultz, Alzner-Carlson, with Poti (our best player in the playoffs) and one spot that could go to someone. Volch. is a FA I'm pretty sure, that's why they were talking about getting him. I don't think we need another puck moving guy, it would just take time away from Green and Carlson who will be two of the best in the NHL this year as far as that goes. Alzner and Flash is SERIOUSLY overpaying for Kaberle who doesn't even put up the numbers Green does, and plays similar defense. Alzner should be untouchable, he is that player everyone seems to want, the shut down D guy.

I don't think we can carry both Morrison and Belanger, but BB is no fan of Morrison, and I think we still have him for a year. Totally agree on Varly though, I think Varly and Neuvy are the pair with Holtby starting for Hershey.

[MuhladaOs]

Kovy cost himself a LOT of money with his disappearing act in NJ. I mean really, did you hear ANYTHING about the guy after the trade? He won't get near 10m, and while I could see him going to Russia, he doesn't have a stanley cup yet, so I wouldn't bet on him leaving.

You have your top 4 defensemen already locked in, Green-Schultz, Alzner-Carlson, with Poti (our best player in the playoffs) and one spot that could go to someone. Volch. is a FA I'm pretty sure, that's why they were talking about getting him. I don't think we need another puck moving guy, it would just take time away from Green and Carlson who will be two of the best in the NHL this year as far as that goes. Alzner and Flash is SERIOUSLY overpaying for Kaberle who doesn't even put up the numbers Green does, and plays similar defense. Alzner should be untouchable, he is that player everyone seems to want, the shut down D guy.

I don't think we can carry both Morrison and Belanger, but BB is no fan of Morrison, and I think we still have him for a year. Totally agree on Varly though, I think Varly and Neuvy are the pair with Holtby starting for Hershey.

Believe me I agree that Kovalchuk at 10 million would be very foolish but the market is increasing and that's what his agent will get. Kovalchuk is always a threat to score over 40 goals a year and creates mismatches a lot even though he was a no show like Alex Semin in the playoffs.

For instance, Marion Gaborik signed a 37.5 mill / 5 year deal with the NY Rangers this past year. He is a pure goal scorer much like Kovalchuk, they both can snipe with the best of them. Gaborik scored 42 goals and did not get the NY Rangers into the playoffs. Gaborik was even injured for most of the entire season before he signed that huge contract, and was often criticized for being too injury-prone for his career thus far, while Kovalchuk has been extremely durable through season to season. Kovalchuk is entering his PRIME at the age of 27. He scored 41 goals this year between Atlanta & NJ. Not only does he score goals in similar fashion to our Ovechkin but he can sell tickets because in today's NHL, people do not want to pay to watch a hard hitting defensive 2-1 game (idiots!). They want to see goals, goals, goals. That's why they have the shootout in the regular season - that's why they took out the two-line pass (idiots!) and that's why they call more and more penalties on interference - obstruction type calls. More room to make plays, more goals.

See you have a Russian sniper who plays with power in his checking (6'2 230 lbs) at the age of 27 who is capable of scoring 40-50 goals maybe even more depending on how good the teams powerplay he is playing for.

It's 2010 and with the market the way it is, he will get his paycheck, do I think he deserves it? HELL NO! Did you think Terrell Suggs deserved his salary? OFCOURSE not! But the market dictates what Agents can ask for and some idiot will pay for it.

[MuhladaOs]

You have your top 4 defensemen already locked in, Green-Schultz, Alzner-Carlson, with Poti (our best player in the playoffs) and one spot that could go to someone.

Green & Schultz were on the ice for many of the Habs goals. And as much as I would never want to see Mike Green traded; you simply can not ignore his defensive break downs. He was out muscled, out smarted and out skated in his own zone.

Can he rush the puck better than anyone in today's NHL, yes he is right up there against anyone. Does he make smart passes? Yes, but he takes high risks.

All I was saying is you some how try to make room to get a guy like Tomas Kaberle to help pick up the slack when Mike Green isn't finishing.

I agree that John Carlson has been a great end to end rusher with the puck, but he is still young and may need someone like a Tomas Kaberle to look up too. This guy is the real deal and do not go by his stats, I've been watching him play year after year and unfortunately he's been with the Toronto Maple Leafs who have been rebuilding for quite a while now. It's unfair to say he stat wise he isn't a great player, much like how Olaf Kolzig was a great player for us when we were in our rebuilding process, but his stats would not dictate that.

In the end you need Veterans who can come in and carry the load when your young guys are just hitting a wall. And let's face it, it's been back to back years where Mike Green hit a wall come play off time. Or am I just making that up?

[allstar1579]

Believe me I agree that Kovalchuk at 10 million would be very foolish but the market is increasing and that's what his agent will get. Kovalchuk is always a threat to score over 40 goals a year and creates mismatches a lot even though he was a no show like Alex Semin in the playoffs.

For instance, Marion Gaborik signed a 37.5 mill / 5 year deal with the NY Rangers this past year. He is a pure goal scorer much like Kovalchuk, they both can snipe with the best of them. Gaborik scored 42 goals and did not get the NY Rangers into the playoffs. Gaborik was even injured for most of the entire season before he signed that huge contract, and was often criticized for being too injury-prone for his career thus far, while Kovalchuk has been extremely durable through season to season. Kovalchuk is entering his PRIME at the age of 27. He scored 41 goals this year between Atlanta & NJ. Not only does he score goals in similar fashion to our Ovechkin but he can sell tickets because in today's NHL, people do not want to pay to watch a hard hitting defensive 2-1 game (idiots!). They want to see goals, goals, goals. That's why they have the shootout in the regular season - that's why they took out the two-line pass (idiots!) and that's why they call more and more penalties on interference - obstruction type calls. More room to make plays, more goals.

See you have a Russian sniper who plays with power in his checking (6'2 230 lbs) at the age of 27 who is capable of scoring 40-50 goals maybe even more depending on how good the teams powerplay he is playing for.

It's 2010 and with the market the way it is, he will get his paycheck, do I think he deserves it? HELL NO! Did you think Terrell Suggs deserved his salary? OFCOURSE not! But the market dictates what Agents can ask for and some idiot will pay for it.

I just know that the NHL can't support those kinds of salaries. Last time they got near this, we lost an entire year of hockey to reset things. I imagine some behind the scenes power will keep things under 10. I could see him getting $7-8 easy, but I imagine not many teams can afford $10 if any. We'll see, it'll be interesting.

[MuhladaOs]

If they don't get tougher and add some attitude, I'm not sure it matters. I don't want to see them bring in anymore of these technically sound skill players. Give me some guys who want to hang out around the crease and hit someone in the mouth...And give me some D-men who are interested in blocking shots and playing some real D.

How about Jarome Iginla? The Flames may clean house, they have already been rumors about moving J-Bo who they gave big $ too in the Offseason, they missed the playoffs and you would think Iginla would be open to moving on to a new destination.

He's entering his 3rd year of a 5 year deal at 7 million per. So he is quite expensive, but you most certainly would expect Alex Semin would be part of the package so his salary would come off the books. But you would have to overpay for a name like Iginla and it would have to be Semin, a top draft pick, and a young stud from our farm system.

You wanna talk about hanging out around the crease, you want to talk about hitting someone in the mouth? That is Jarome Ignila style of hockey and on an offense like the Capitals he could have plenty of chances.

He has been to the Stanley Cup finals only to lose to the Tampa Bay Lightning. He won the Gold Medal with Team Canada. He wins battles in corners, he stands up for his team mates by dropping the gloves and he scores big time goals in clutch situations. He even changed his game to more of a defensive two way game to make his team better.

If the Capitals traded for Jarome Iginla - it would be like when the Detroit Redwings traded for Brendan Shanahan, a very similar player a tough nosed Canadian power forward who can fight, score goals and be a team leader. The Redwings often looked back at the Shanny trade being the reason they overcame the Colorado Avalanche (remember those brawls?) and then ultimately winning the Cup. Scottie Bowman said the Redwings needed to be "tougher up front and play with more grit" come play off time and Bowman was never too shy to play guys like Joe Kocur, Darren McCarty and Martin Lapointe in the playoffs. Guys who could obvious fight, stick up for their team mates and chip in that ugly goal in the crease all while only playing close to under 10 mins a game. So in a sense I agree with you that it would be great to bring in tough guys who also can score.

But to land an Iginla you would have to overpay, overpay, overpay. And he is getting up there in age. So durability is a question.

[Orioles18]

Start looking for some better D men. And tell Green to work on getting trained on being a winger becuase he has no business being a defenseman.

[DuffMan]

I'm not ready to add my thoughts to this, but I will say this Backstrom needs a contract extension. That should be priority number 1!

[ChaosLex]

How about Jarome Iginla? The Flames may clean house, they have already been rumors about moving J-Bo who they gave big $ too in the Offseason, they missed the playoffs and you would think Iginla would be open to moving on to a new destination.

He's entering his 3rd year of a 5 year deal at 7 million per. So he is quite expensive, but you most certainly would expect Alex Semin would be part of the package so his salary would come off the books. But you would have to overpay for a name like Iginla and it would have to be Semin, a top draft pick, and a young stud from our farm system.

You wanna talk about hanging out around the crease, you want to talk about hitting someone in the mouth? That is Jarome Ignila style of hockey and on an offense like the Capitals he could have plenty of chances.

He has been to the Stanley Cup finals only to lose to the Tampa Bay Lightning. He won the Gold Medal with Team Canada. He wins battles in corners, he stands up for his team mates by dropping the gloves and he scores big time goals in clutch situations. He even changed his game to more of a defensive two way game to make his team better.

If the Capitals traded for Jarome Iginla - it would be like when the Detroit Redwings traded for Brendan Shanahan, a very similar player a tough nosed Canadian power forward who can fight, score goals and be a team leader. The Redwings often looked back at the Shanny trade being the reason they overcame the Colorado Avalanche (remember those brawls?) and then ultimately winning the Cup. Scottie Bowman said the Redwings needed to be "tougher up front and play with more grit" come play off time and Bowman was never too shy to play guys like Joe Kocur, Darren McCarty and Martin Lapointe in the playoffs. Guys who could obvious fight, stick up for their team mates and chip in that ugly goal in the crease all while only playing close to under 10 mins a game. So in a sense I agree with you that it would be great to bring in tough guys who also can score.

But to land an Iginla you would have to overpay, overpay, overpay. And he is getting up there in age. So durability is a question.

I like the idea of trading for Iginla, if only to have a player of another race on the Caps. It certainly doesn't hurt that he's an exceptional talent either.

[Orioles18]

I like the idea of trading for Iginla, if only to have a player of another race on the Caps. It certainly doesn't hurt that he's an exceptional talent either.

I really don't care what race of players we have on the team, as long as they can play. As for Iginla, I love his style of hockey and it would be fraking outstanding if we were to acquire him. If it only took Semin and a draft pick, I'd be packing Semin's bags for him.

[Dr. FLK]

Is it dumb to consider moving Green to a wing position? It seems like someone who's incapable of playing defense shouldn't be playing defense...

[Orioles18]

Is it dumb to consider moving Green to a wing position? It seems like someone who's incapable of playing defense shouldn't be playing defense...

Not at all. I dont want offensive defensemen, I want defensemen who can play defense.

[Dr. FLK]

Not at all. I dont want offensive defensemen, I want defensemen who can play defense.

And he can be edgy and tough, so he's provide a nice shot and some grit from a wing position...and free them up to get a D-man who can play D and wants to block shots.

[Orioles18]

And he can be edgy and tough, so he's provide a nice shot and some grit from a wing position...and free them up to get a D-man who can play D and wants to block shots.

Exactly. The way Green plays it's like he's a winger out of position.

I do love the pairing of Carlson and Alzner. Need to keep them both up and playing together all next season.

[MuhladaOs]

I really don't care what race of players we have on the team, as long as they can play. As for Iginla, I love his style of hockey and it would be fraking outstanding if we were to acquire him. If it only took Semin and a draft pick, I'd be packing Semin's bags for him.

I just like the overall success Iginla has had in the competitive atmosphere. He captained the Flames to the Stanley Cup Finals and he has won the Gold for Team Canada.

The Capitals "core" as all of us know are very young with exceptional skills, but what couldn't hurt their locker room is another veteran voice like a Jarome Iginla that the kids can look up too. Mike Knuble has been a great veteran presence for this club (I think that's why Fehr had a break out season) and for his salary (2.5 million or there abouts) Knuble has been worth every penny. Iginla - Laich & Fehr on the same line, can you imagine the forecheck they could bring and the presence in front of the net, I mean holy $hit.

Remember when Tom Poti stood up for Ovi in the scrum with Scott Gomez and both of them fought, neither of them are figher's, but Tom Poti is a guy that everyone respects and to see him drop the gloves certainly sparked the play of the whole team.

Iginla could provide that type of immediate respect from the team because of his brilliant career thus far and I believe he would have no problem voicing his opinion and holding players accountable if they weren't doing their job. And I think Iglina can honestly look at his career and I'm sure he knows he's running out of time to win a Stanley Cup, another incentive to even perform harder in the playoffs. (The Pittsburgh Penguins traded for veteran power-forward Bill Guerin and played an important role in their Stanley Cup run, providing leadership and sticking up for his teammates, never too shy to drop the gloves).

Iginla + a shut down defenseman come play off time and the Capitals put themselves in a better situation.

[allstar1579]

Here's (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/30/AR2010043002106.html) a good article talking about potential exits from the team. Pretty much the same stuff I said before, but I didn't realize B. Morrison was a FA too, sounds like they made their choice between Morrison and Belanger though, I'm ok either way, we just need to keep one of them.

I'm all for the Iginla talk, but you do have to remember he's one of the top 5 players in the league, and those cost a lot in terms of prospects/picks.

First we should take stock of what we have in the minors (one of the best systems in hockey despite trading Oskala. Then we should see what's out there in UFA as a 1-2 year fit. But before all that we need to extend Backstrom, Fehr, and Flash and see how much we have left.

[MuhladaOs]

Here's (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/30/AR2010043002106.html) a good article talking about potential exits from the team. Pretty much the same stuff I said before, but I didn't realize B. Morrison was a FA too, sounds like they made their choice between Morrison and Belanger though, I'm ok either way, we just need to keep one of them.

I'm all for the Iginla talk, but you do have to remember he's one of the top 5 players in the league, and those cost a lot in terms of prospects/picks.

First we should take stock of what we have in the minors (one of the best systems in hockey despite trading Oskala. Then we should see what's out there in UFA as a 1-2 year fit. But before all that we need to extend Backstrom, Fehr, and Flash and see how much we have left.

Well we have plenty of young talent in our system, we can afford to package Semin a 1st round draft pick and 1-2 young studs for a Veteran like a Jarome Iginla. And not screw ourselves over for the future.

Or we can just keep ignoring the fact that we need a veteran presence here and just be a top 5 young talented team that always finds a way to lose in the playoffs.

And as for Oskala, his production was a on a steady decline the past two seasons; so he's not exactly a blue chip prospect like a Karl Alzner or a Josh Carlson.

[allstar1579]

Well we have plenty of young talent in our system, we can afford to package Semin a 1st round draft pick and 1-2 young studs for a Veteran like a Jarome Iginla. And not screw ourselves over for the future.

Or we can just keep ignoring the fact that we need a veteran presence here and just be a top 5 young talented team that always finds a way to lose in the playoffs.

And as for Oskala, his production was a on a steady decline the past two seasons; so he's not exactly a blue chip prospect like a Karl Alzner or a Josh Carlson.

We do have a lot of talent, we also have a lot of increasingly more expensive players on the main team. At some point we have to let some go and replace with in house cheaper players to stay under the cap. Ovi and Nick are going to be half of our cap by themselves. Not to mention, I don't think the package you mention gets it done, for Iginla, you are talking one of Alzner/Carlson, Semin, one of Neuvy/Varly and a 1st rounder. That might even be on the light side. You have to think of it, if someone was making an offer for Ovechkin what would we want?

Iginla isn't that much of a veteran, that's what you get guys like Guerin or Belanger for, you get Iginla for his goal scoring.

[MuhladaOs]

We do have a lot of talent, we also have a lot of increasingly more ex apensive players on the main team. At some point we have to let some go and replace with in house cheaper players to stay under the cap. Ovi and Nick are going to be half of our cap by themselves. Not to mention, I don't think the package you mention gets it done, for Iginla, you are talking one of Alzner/Carlson, Semin, one of Neuvy/Varly and a 1st rounder. That might even be on the light side. You have to think of it, if someone was making an offer for Ovechkin what would we want?

Iginla isn't that much of a veteran, that's what you get guys like Guerin or Belanger for, you get Iginla for his goal scoring.

First of all you did not just compare a 32 year old Jarome Iginla that hasn't scored 40 goals in the past two seasons to a 24 year old Ovechkin in terms of market value did you? Surely you did not.

Secondly, how would you compare Iginla to a Kovalchuk, well let's take a look shall we?

The NJ Devils traded Johnny Oduya, two rookie prospects (1 drafted in the first, the other drafted in the 2nd) and 1st round draft pick for Ilya Kovalchuck. Kovalchuk scored more goals and he is only 27 years old, still 5 years younger than Iginla. So in terms of production Kovalchuk's market value is a lot higher.

So you think Alex Semin (1st round draft pick), either Carlson/Alzner (both 1st round draft picks) & a First Round draft pick in 2011 wouldn't be enough for a 32 year old Jarome Iginla? Alex Semin alone is only 26 years of age and is about to enter his prime, even though he is a very streaky streaky player, his market value is still very high.

And lastly, you said it yourself "you get Iginla for his goal-scoring" - Jarome is so much more than his ability to score goals. At 32 years of age and the way he plays a hard hitting, power two-way game, his production is going to steadily decline, I definitely think he is fully capable of scoring 35-45 goals though with the Capitals offense. But what makes Iginla market value interesting compared to Ovechkin or a Kovalchuk is his career he has won more than Ovi or Kovalchuk ever has in the playoffs and his experience and leadership he will garner from the locker room is something you can't put a price tag on.

If Jarome Iginla was still 26 and 27 years old where he was scoring 50 goals and 50 assists a year would be a different story all together however.......

[Steel Curtain]

First of all you did not just compare a 32 year old Jarome Iginla that hasn't scored 40 goals in the past two seasons to a 24 year old Ovechkin in terms of market value did you? Surely you did not.

Secondly, how would you compare Iginla to a Kovalchuk, well let's take a look shall we?

The NJ Devils traded Johnny Oduya, two rookie prospects (1 drafted in the first, the other drafted in the 2nd) and 1st round draft pick for Ilya Kovalchuck. Kovalchuk scored more goals and he is only 27 years old, still 5 years younger than Iginla. So in terms of production Kovalchuk's market value is a lot higher.

So you think Alex Semin (1st round draft pick), either Carlson/Alzner (both 1st round draft picks) & a First Round draft pick in 2011 wouldn't be enough for a 32 year old Jarome Iginla? Alex Semin alone is only 26 years of age and is about to enter his prime, even though he is a very streaky streaky player, his market value is still very high.

And lastly, you said it yourself "you get Iginla for his goal-scoring" - Jarome is so much more than his ability to score goals. At 32 years of age and the way he plays a hard hitting, power two-way game, his production is going to steadily decline, I definitely think he is fully capable of scoring 35-45 goals though with the Capitals offense. But what makes Iginla market value interesting compared to Ovechkin or a Kovalchuk is his career he has won more than Ovi or Kovalchuk ever has in the playoffs and his experience and leadership he will garner from the locker room is something you can't put a price tag on.

If Jarome Iginla was still 26 and 27 years old where he was scoring 50 goals and 50 assists a year would be a different story all together however.......

You can't use the Kovalchuk deal to project Iginla's value. Kovalchuk was a deadline deal. Everyone knew that Atlanta had to get rid of him, and there's no chance he signs at anything less than 9 million/year. You don't mortgage the future for a few months of Kovalchuk, and New Jersey didn't.

Iginla is signed at 3 more years for 7 million/year. Not to mention you're trying to trade for a team's captain, an icon in that city, and one who's spent his entire career in Calgary. That's going to require a team to seriously overpay to get him.

[allstar1579]

First of all you did not just compare a 32 year old Jarome Iginla that hasn't scored 40 goals in the past two seasons to a 24 year old Ovechkin in terms of market value did you? Surely you did not.

Secondly, how would you compare Iginla to a Kovalchuk, well let's take a look shall we?

The NJ Devils traded Johnny Oduya, two rookie prospects (1 drafted in the first, the other drafted in the 2nd) and 1st round draft pick for Ilya Kovalchuck. Kovalchuk scored more goals and he is only 27 years old, still 5 years younger than Iginla. So in terms of production Kovalchuk's market value is a lot higher.

So you think Alex Semin (1st round draft pick), either Carlson/Alzner (both 1st round draft picks) & a First Round draft pick in 2011 wouldn't be enough for a 32 year old Jarome Iginla? Alex Semin alone is only 26 years of age and is about to enter his prime, even though he is a very streaky streaky player, his market value is still very high.

And lastly, you said it yourself "you get Iginla for his goal-scoring" - Jarome is so much more than his ability to score goals. At 32 years of age and the way he plays a hard hitting, power two-way game, his production is going to steadily decline, I definitely think he is fully capable of scoring 35-45 goals though with the Capitals offense. But what makes Iginla market value interesting compared to Ovechkin or a Kovalchuk is his career he has won more than Ovi or Kovalchuk ever has in the playoffs and his experience and leadership he will garner from the locker room is something you can't put a price tag on.

If Jarome Iginla was still 26 and 27 years old where he was scoring 50 goals and 50 assists a year would be a different story all together however.......

This isn't the NFL a player isn't over the hill at 32, they usually have a good 5-6 years left in them in the NHL. Iginla scored 50 goals in 07-08 and he played on a fairly crappy Calgary team recently. Not hard to shut a guy down when he's all a team has. Iginla is still a top 5-10 player in this league, and a legit superstar, guys like that are going to take a premium package, ESPECIALLY when they are signed to a reasonable contract for the next 3 years. Calgary has no motivation to move him, so why would they? They'd need to be bowled over and when dealing with a team flush with prospects they are going to ask for more.

We can't afford to pick up a player like that without dealing Semin, so he's a given, he also doesn't play defense so his value isn't as high as you seem to think it is. A good benchmark for this would be to remember the turned-down Pronger (34 at the time) deal last year, they asked for Alzner, Carlson and Varly. link (http://voices.washingtonpost.com/capitalsinsider/caps-pursued-anaheims-chris-pr.html)

[Orioles18]

Is it just me or does anyone else think that there might be a little house cleaning this offseason?

For some reason, and I dont know why, I really want to get rid of Mike Green. We need a defenseman who plays defense, not a "defenseman" who plays offense with no defensive skills whatsoever.

[Sanfran327]

Is it just me or does anyone else think that there might be a little house cleaning this offseason?

For some reason, and I dont know why, I really want to get rid of Mike Green. We need a defenseman who plays defense, not a "defenseman" who plays offense with no defensive skills whatsoever.

Green obviously has good value, but he either needs to learn how to play defense in the NHL or change positions. He could be a winger on the 3rd or 4th line and play defense on the powerplay, since he's had a ton of success there.

We need to establish what player would get us over the hump, then go get him. If it's a defender, then do whatever you have to do to get him.

Do we really want to hand the keys to Varly? Is he really the future for us? Neuvirth: what's his story? Some think he can be better than Varlamov and Theodore.

Is BB a goner? Who's out there that would do a better job than Bruce? He's a big-time hockey coach. ;)

Certainly things to address, but we obviously have a very good team already. It's just a matter of making the final personnel change or getting everyone to get over the hump next season. Either way, we're on the verge.

[Orioles18]

Green obviously has good value, but he either needs to learn how to play defense in the NHL or change positions. He could be a winger on the 3rd or 4th line and play defense on the powerplay, since he's had a ton of success there.

We need to establish what player would get us over the hump, then go get him. If it's a defender, then do whatever you have to do to get him.

Do we really want to hand the keys to Varly? Is he really the future for us? Neuvirth: what's his story? Some think he can be better than Varlamov and Theodore.

Is BB a goner? Who's out there that would do a better job than Bruce? He's a big-time hockey coach. ;)

Certainly things to address, but we obviously have a very good team already. It's just a matter of making the final personnel change or getting everyone to get over the hump next season. Either way, we're on the verge.

I think BB is the coach we need, and he's done a good job so far. The problem is that this team is 100% built around offense. We need to get some better defenders and become a better overall team. Although I am trying to figure out why Theo didn't get put back in when Varly started falling apart in games 5-6.

We also need another Knuble type player that crashes the net and gets those cheap rebound goals, those are the types that will win games in the playoffs.

There is no way I hand the keys to Varlamov. Mostly because the problem I noticed with Varly is that once he lets a goal in he gets really rattled for the next few minutes and that makes it easier for the other team to score in bunches.

[DuffMan]

First we should take stock of what we have in the minors (one of the best systems in hockey despite trading Oskala. Then we should see what's out there in UFA as a 1-2 year fit. But before all that we need to extend Backstrom, Fehr, and Flash and see how much we have left.

Great points, yes to extending Backstrom and Fehr. At this point I would look to deal Flash.

BB isn't going anywhere.

Neither is Green, I don't care how bad he played in the playoffs you don't trade that guy (he doesn't even turn 25 until October), nor do you convert him to a forward.

I'm guessing they will go with Varly and Neuvirth in goal. Unless they want to bring in a guy for a year to back up Varly.

This team won 50+ games so it's not like they are terrible. The team needs to be tinkered with not blown up.

[allstar1579]

Great points, yes to extending Backstrom and Fehr. At this point I would look to deal Flash.

BB isn't going anywhere.

Neither is Green, I don't care how bad he played in the playoffs you don't trade that guy (he doesn't even turn 25 until October), nor do you convert him to a forward.

I'm guessing they will go with Varly and Neuvirth in goal. Unless they want to bring in a guy for a year to back up Varly.

This team won 50+ games so it's not like they are terrible. The team needs to be tinkered with not blown up.

Yeah they just need to look longer term and figure out who they are going to keep and who they need to move financially, then they can look at fitting a piece here and there in. Case and point. One of Morrison/Belanger is gone (or both) so there is a spot for a 2nd line center. Some tweaking should occur, but no major changes, they messed up with that at the trade deadline, too many moves and never could get into a good player rotation after.

[MuhladaOs]

Great points, yes to extending Backstrom and Fehr. At this point I would look to deal Flash.

BB isn't going anywhere.

Neither is Green, I don't care how bad he played in the playoffs you don't trade that guy (he doesn't even turn 25 until October), nor do you convert him to a forward.

I'm guessing they will go with Varly and Neuvirth in goal. Unless they want to bring in a guy for a year to back up Varly.

This team won 50+ games so it's not like they are terrible. The team needs to be tinkered with not blown up.

I don't think it would hurt to bring in a goalie with some playoff experience just in case Varly gets hurt any time through out the season or in the playoffs. Varly was on fire early in the season before he had the groin issues.

For that I will always thank Theodore for playing well the way he did; but this is Varly's job moving forward.

[allstar1579]

I don't think it would hurt to bring in a goalie with some playoff experience just in case Varly gets hurt any time through out the season or in the playoffs. Varly was on fire early in the season before he had the groin issues.

For that I will always thank Theodore for playing well the way he did; but this is Varly's job moving forward.

Neuvirth is going to be better than any veteran you can bring in. And we don't need a goalie with playoff experience, Varly has that and plays well in the playoffs. If he gets hurt, Neuvy and Holtby are waiting in the wings. That stop gap "insurance" method didn't help the O's and won't help the Caps.

[DuffMan]

Neuvirth is going to be better than any veteran you can bring in. And we don't need a goalie with playoff experience, Varly has that and plays well in the playoffs. If he gets hurt, Neuvy and Holtby are waiting in the wings. That stop gap "insurance" method didn't help the O's and won't help the Caps.

And that extra money saved can be used better elsewhere.

[Orioles18]

And that extra money saved can be used better elsewhere.

Yeah, like paying us fans for watching that craptastic series ;):D



Hopefully we can use that money to bring in some better defenders because that's what this team really needs.

[ChaosLex]

So... any way we can trade for Malkin? The Pens *supposedly* are dangling him. I'd prefer him to Kovi. He'd cost a heck of a lot though in trade. :p

[allstar1579]

Well apparently we don't have to figure out who we are going to sign to be our 2nd line center. We might be filling most of our holes internally. Marcus Johansson has signed. He was team captain for his Swedish Elite team last year (one of the best hockey leagues in the world outside of the NHL) and took the same route Backstrom took. We also have Gustaffson from 2 years ago that should be just about ready, depending on how his injuries and such healed. He is a physical winger that crashes the net supposedly.

We might as well rename our team the Russian/Sweedish Hockey Alliance. :)

Backstrom-Johansson-Belanger-Steckel is pretty good up the middle. Knuble-Semin-Fehr-Bradley is ok on the right. Ovi-Laich-Flash-Chimera would be strong on the left.

Green-Shultz, Alzner-Carlson, Poti-???

with Varly-Neuvy in goal.

Still a stanley cup favorite.

[Dr. FLK]

Well apparently we don't have to figure out who we are going to sign to be our 2nd line center. We might be filling most of our holes internally. Marcus Johansson has signed. He was team captain for his Swedish Elite team last year (one of the best hockey leagues in the world outside of the NHL) and took the same route Backstrom took. We also have Gustaffson from 2 years ago that should be just about ready, depending on how his injuries and such healed. He is a physical winger that crashes the net supposedly.

We might as well rename our team the Russian/Sweedish Hockey Alliance. :)

Backstrom-Johansson-Belanger-Steckel is pretty good up the middle. Knuble-Semin-Fehr-Bradley is ok on the right. Ovi-Laich-Flash-Chimera would be strong on the left.

Green-Shultz, Alzner-Carlson, Poti-???

with Varly-Neuvy in goal.

Still a stanley cup favorite.

Still need Green gone from the #1 D-line...he's just too much of a liability in his own zone IMO. Move him to RW? Trade him? Something...but don't keep trotting out the same D and expecting things to change.Alzner will be up, so that's a change...but not enough of one to add the toughness and shot blocking they need.

[MuhladaOs]

Still need Green gone from the #1 D-line...he's just too much of a liability in his own zone IMO. Move him to RW? Trade him? Something...but don't keep trotting out the same D and expecting things to change.Alzner will be up, so that's a change...but not enough of one to add the toughness and shot blocking they need.

Green on RW & move him on the point with Ovechkin on the PP, OKAY! =)

Seriously though Mike, man up for christ sake!

[allstar1579]

Still need Green gone from the #1 D-line...he's just too much of a liability in his own zone IMO. Move him to RW? Trade him? Something...but don't keep trotting out the same D and expecting things to change.Alzner will be up, so that's a change...but not enough of one to add the toughness and shot blocking they need.

Green is there to stay. People were going crazy talking about what to do with him, but aside from trading him for another legit offensive defenseman nothing else is going to happen. Problem is, for power play purposes, you need that offensive guy back there, the root of the problem we had was that you can't pair him with our best defensive guy and throw them out there when you need defense. You just pull him off of penalty kill, and cut into his 5v5 time a bit, you still need him.

Look at MON for a good example, their best offensive guys were that rookie that came up in game 6 and Bergeron, but the guys that got a ton of the ice time against us and the ones that killed us were Gill/Spacek. It's just about using the right pair at the right time. The way Green was playing, he shoulda been paired with Corvo and only put out on the power play and a couple shifts 5v5. You can't move a defenseman to wing, I know it sounds like a good idea, and baseball players do it a lot, but there is TOO much of a difference between the two, and Green couldn't forecheck like a winger has to, nor would he score 20-30 goals if he can't fire from the point all day. He's fine where he is, and remember Gonchar was just about as much of a liability for a while, it's just a necessary evil in hockey, guys that are great defensively and offensively are RARE.

[DuffMan]

Green is there to stay. People were going crazy talking about what to do with him, but aside from trading him for another legit offensive defenseman nothing else is going to happen. Problem is, for power play purposes, you need that offensive guy back there, the root of the problem we had was that you can't pair him with our best defensive guy and throw them out there when you need defense. You just pull him off of penalty kill, and cut into his 5v5 time a bit, you still need him.

Look at MON for a good example, their best offensive guys were that rookie that came up in game 6 and Bergeron, but the guys that got a ton of the ice time against us and the ones that killed us were Gill/Spacek. It's just about using the right pair at the right time. The way Green was playing, he shoulda been paired with Corvo and only put out on the power play and a couple shifts 5v5. You can't move a defenseman to wing, I know it sounds like a good idea, and baseball players do it a lot, but there is TOO much of a difference between the two, and Green couldn't forecheck like a winger has to, nor would he score 20-30 goals if he can't fire from the point all day. He's fine where he is, and remember Gonchar was just about as much of a liability for a while, it's just a necessary evil in hockey, guys that are great defensively and offensively are RARE.

Couldn't say it any better so I'll just say well done with this post.

Green isn't going to another team or another position. It's just a matter of pairing him with the right guy.

[ChaosLex]

Do we look to trade Semin now?

[MuhladaOs]

Do we look to trade Semin now?

I don't think they are LOOKING into moving him, but considering he isn't locked up long term and coming off a 40 goal season he could get a ton of $ on the open market, I think they are open to a deal involving him as the center piece, the answer would have to be "yes".

I would still like to see him as a Capital for the next five years, but knowing Ovechkin & Backstrom will be playing together for the next decade makes me sleep better at night.

[allstar1579]

I don't think they are LOOKING into moving him, but considering he isn't locked up long term and coming off a 40 goal season he could get a ton of $ on the open market, I think they are open to a deal involving him as the center piece, the answer would have to be "yes".

I would still like to see him as a Capital for the next five years, but knowing Ovechkin & Backstrom will be playing together for the next decade makes me sleep better at night.

I tend to agree with this, I think at some point he gets moved, but I don't know when. They just can't afford to keep him at a high salary like that to be a one-dimensional player, not with Green, Ovi, and Backstrom all making so much.

Seeing that ultimately he's a 2nd line player (although one of the best in the league), I wouldn't be too sad to see him go and bring back another goal scorer. Then you have to question though, if Fehr was given his minutes, could he produce at a similar level? (He has scored 50+ twice in the minors) If you think he or someone else in house can, then maybe you move him for high draft picks and a prospect or two now, so that you can replace guys as they get too expensive later.

[Dr. FLK]

Green is there to stay. People were going crazy talking about what to do with him, but aside from trading him for another legit offensive defenseman nothing else is going to happen. Problem is, for power play purposes, you need that offensive guy back there, the root of the problem we had was that you can't pair him with our best defensive guy and throw them out there when you need defense. You just pull him off of penalty kill, and cut into his 5v5 time a bit, you still need him.

So we have a really expensive D-man who we can't use on PK and have to limit in 5v5 time? Now that sounds valuable...I mean, I'm sure we could never find someone to thrive on the power play while also providing some other serviceable skill...

[Dr. FLK]

Do we look to trade Semin now?

He's still on the team? I thought he left town before the playoffs started...

[allstar1579]

So we have a really expensive D-man who we can't use on PK and have to limit in 5v5 time? Now that sounds valuable...I mean, I'm sure we could never find someone to thrive on the power play while also providing some other serviceable skill...

Yes, which if you look around the NHL so do other teams, Gonchar, Campbell, Doughty, Visnovsky...all pretty similar to Green. He had a bad series, and doesn't usually make more mistakes than he can make up for offensively, but he really did in this series. You can limit that if you see someone having such a bad series, but when he's paired with your top defensive D-man as well it makes it really tough.

I was fed up with it more than anyone, but I also remember a few years throwing a fit because we DIDN'T have that offensive presence back there like Gonchar.

[Dr. FLK]

Yes, which if you look around the NHL so do other teams, Gonchar, Campbell, Doughty, Visnovsky...all pretty similar to Green. He had a bad series, and doesn't usually make more mistakes than he can make up for offensively, but he really did in this series. You can limit that if you see someone having such a bad series, but when he's paired with your top defensive D-man as well it makes it really tough.

I was fed up with it more than anyone, but I also remember a few years throwing a fit because we DIDN'T have that offensive presence back there like Gonchar.

He did last year in the playoffs too. Doughty is much better defensively, isn't he? And Gonchar is like 78 years old, right?

[allstar1579]

He did last year in the playoffs too. Doughty is much better defensively, isn't he? And Gonchar is like 78 years old, right?

He wasn't as bad as this year last year. He had a game winner in there somewhere, and wasn't giving up the breakaways that he did this season. Doughty is just like him, he doesn't play a ton of D either. Shea Weber is another good example, he plays great offense, little defense. Most teams, if not all, need one of those guys, just not more than one ;) Gonchar was the same way at the same age though, it's not like he used to play D and then stopped.

Even back in our heyday, Kevin Hatcher was a good 2-way guy, but Iafrate didn't play much defense. The problem is just in the pairings. A lot of teams create one shut-down pair, and then two balanced pairs. We had 3 balanced pairs which left us relying on either an all-rookie pair, or a very offensive/very defensive pair to be the shut down pair. Poti/Corvo might have been that pair had Poti not gotten hurt, but it's all on BB and his style of play and pairing.

[DuffMan]

He wasn't as bad as this year last year. He had a game winner in there somewhere, and wasn't giving up the breakaways that he did this season. Doughty is just like him, he doesn't play a ton of D either. Shea Weber is another good example, he plays great offense, little defense. Most teams, if not all, need one of those guys, just not more than one ;) Gonchar was the same way at the same age though, it's not like he used to play D and then stopped.

Even back in our heyday, Kevin Hatcher was a good 2-way guy, but Iafrate didn't play much defense. The problem is just in the pairings. A lot of teams create one shut-down pair, and then two balanced pairs. We had 3 balanced pairs which left us relying on either an all-rookie pair, or a very offensive/very defensive pair to be the shut down pair. Poti/Corvo might have been that pair had Poti not gotten hurt, but it's all on BB and his style of play and pairing.

Not to mention that BB likes to have one lefty and one right on each D line and that can further limit your options.

As far as trades go, I would look to move Flash before dealing Semin.

[MuhladaOs]

I tend to agree with this, I think at some point he gets moved, but I don't know when. They just can't afford to keep him at a high salary like that to be a one-dimensional player, not with Green, Ovi, and Backstrom all making so much.

Seeing that ultimately he's a 2nd line player (although one of the best in the league), I wouldn't be too sad to see him go and bring back another goal scorer. Then you have to question though, if Fehr was given his minutes, could he produce at a similar level? (He has scored 50+ twice in the minors) If you think he or someone else in house can, then maybe you move him for high draft picks and a prospect or two now, so that you can replace guys as they get too expensive later.

I loved watching Eric Fehr become the player he was projected to be, he put up great numbers for his minutes this past year. I hope they keep him.

And I hope he keeps learning from Mike Knuble.

[allstar1579]

I loved watching Eric Fehr become the player he was projected to be, he put up great numbers for his minutes this past year. I hope they keep him.

And I hope he keeps learning from Mike Knuble.

It's funny, the past two years I have told everyone in our seating section that Fehr was the key and the one to watch, so then he really breaks out and starts doing what we need and they are like OK OK, we believe you now.

[WietersOvechkin]

Im no GM but if I were this would be my goals of the offseason (if anyone cares to listen :D).

Now that Backstrom is locked up, which definitely the number one priority to the offseason, we need a 2nd line center. I know offense wasn't the problem this year and people are talking about bulking up the D but in the playoffs our problem was getting the puck past Halak. I am not going to say we should go after Kovy, although if he wants to take less money like Hossa did last year I wouldn't be apposed, but I think the player we should be targeting is Patrick Sharp of the Chicago Blackhawks.

He has the ability to play on the PK and the PP, he signed for 2 more years at a cap hit of 3.9M per season and hes plays center. The Blackhawks have some serious cap problems next year as they are already over the cap with only 14 players signed for next year (I am assuming that the cap stays the same next year as it is this year which should be relatively close). That is not including their current starting goalie Niemi. There is no way they can let him go and hes going to cost them at least 3M especially with they way hes been playing. So now they are 4M over with only 15 players signed they are going to have to move 2 or 3 good players just to make it under the salary cap.

He fits perfectly on our 2nd line between Laich and Semin/Fehr. He is signed for only 2 years so we aren't locked up to a long term deal which I know GMGM doesn't want to do with FA cause hes been burned by them in the past.

I would also like to upgrade the D too but I don't think we can sign Volchekov to a short term deal (1 or 2 years) so I think we have to pass on him even though he would be a perfect D pairing for Green. The only other FA Dman that interest me is Dan Hamhuis. I think if he is willing to take a 1 year deal around 2.5M we would be able to still fit him under the cap.

I would look into trading Semin for a good Dman but to be honest I can't think of a trade that makes us better that the other team would want (maybe LA Kings for Jack Johnson but I can't see them doing that). So I think we keep Semin but I would still explore the possibility of trading him.

Finally the RFA's, Schultz, Fehr, Gordon and Flash. I think Flash gets traded cause he really has no spot on this team. Maybe Flash and our 1st round pick for Sharp but that may be too much considering they will have to trade 3 players. I think we need to sign the other 3 RFA's. Maybe Gordon gets around a million a year and Fehr and Schultz get around 1.7 per year on a 2 or 3 year deal.

The team would look something like this

Line 1: Ovechkin Backstrom Knuble
Line 2: Laich Sharp Semin
Line 3: Chimera Perreault Fehr(1.7M)
Line 4: Bradley Steckel Gordon(1M)

D1: Schultz(1.7M) Green
D2: Poti Hamhuis(2.5M)
D3: Alzner Carlson

G1: Varlamov
G2: Neuvirth

All this will be able to keep us under the cap for next year.

Sorry for the long post. Well not really. :D:D

[allstar1579]

Johansson will be our #2 center until he fails. They didn't waste starting his "service time" to send him back to Europe, and the only reason he has that clause is in case he won't make the team. He's not quite on Nicky's level, but pretty close behind. If you are comparing them to existing Sweedish forwards I'd say Nicky:Forsberg::Johansson:Zetterberg, if that helps put things in perspective. We'll see if he finishes developing that way, but saving the money there by developing a prospect gives us the money we need to lock some guys up.

I don't think you are going to see any splashes aside from maybe a rugged 6th defenseman, and maybe a Semin trade to free up salary cap space. Our offense is still best in the league right now and is fine (even without Semin it's right there) our defensive pairings need to be switched up to include one shut down defensive pairing that can skate with the checking line, but that's a coaching philosophy not a staffing thing.

[WietersOvechkin]

Johansson will be our #2 center until he fails. They didn't waste starting his "service time" to send him back to Europe, and the only reason he has that clause is in case he won't make the team. He's not quite on Nicky's level, but pretty close behind. If you are comparing them to existing Sweedish forwards I'd say Nicky:Forsberg::Johansson:Zetterberg, if that helps put things in perspective. We'll see if he finishes developing that way, but saving the money there by developing a prospect gives us the money we need to lock some guys up.

I don't think you are going to see any splashes aside from maybe a rugged 6th defenseman, and maybe a Semin trade to free up salary cap space. Our offense is still best in the league right now and is fine (even without Semin it's right there) our defensive pairings need to be switched up to include one shut down defensive pairing that can skate with the checking line, but that's a coaching philosophy not a staffing thing.

The only chance I had to see Johansson play was in the World juniors and he looked solid. I am not sure how I feel about him starting on the 2nd line, remember he's only 19, will be 20 in October. If he were the 3rd liner instead of Perreault I would be fine with it. Then again if he looks that good already then maybe you are right about him being a 2C but I am skeptical.

I agree with you that I don't think we do much this offseason other then bringing back our own guys from last year.

[allstar1579]

The only chance I had to see Johansson play was in the World juniors and he looked solid. I am not sure how I feel about him starting on the 2nd line, remember he's only 19, will be 20 in October. If he were the 3rd liner instead of Perreault I would be fine with it. Then again if he looks that good already then maybe you are right about him being a 2C but I am skeptical.

I agree with you that I don't think we do much this offseason other then bringing back our own guys from last year.

He was the 2nd line center on his elite team, and had 10 and 10 for 20 with 10 pims in 45 games. He was the youngest player on his team too. Backstrom had 12 and 28 for 40 in 45 games at the same age for perspective, but he was rookie of the year that year. From what I heard he's going to get every shot to be either C or LW on the 2nd line with Laich playing the other (they like Laich at LW better because of faceoffs). Keep in mind, 3rd party rumors mostly but I have friends that skate with some NHL players in the offseason. I also wouldn't be totally shocked to see Bourque brought up to be a grinder on the 3rd line, and Fehr promoted to the 2nd with Semin traded.

[WietersOvechkin]

He was the 2nd line center on his elite team, and had 10 and 10 for 20 with 10 pims in 45 games. He was the youngest player on his team too. Backstrom had 12 and 28 for 40 in 45 games at the same age for perspective, but he was rookie of the year that year. From what I heard he's going to get every shot to be either C or LW on the 2nd line with Laich playing the other (they like Laich at LW better because of faceoffs). Keep in mind, 3rd party rumors mostly but I have friends that skate with some NHL players in the offseason. I also wouldn't be totally shocked to see Bourque brought up to be a grinder on the 3rd line, and Fehr promoted to the 2nd with Semin traded.

Okay I would LOVE for Johansson to make the team as the 2nd line center and put him on a line with Laich and Semin to get his confidence going. Even if it is Fehr and Laich it will still be an above average 2nd line. That would mean our 3rd line would be something along the lines of Chimeira Perreault Bourque/Gordon(Andrew)/Beagle. I do think the 4th line is set if they can bring back Gordon(Boyd) Bradley Steckel Gordon.

So if Patrick Sharp isn't a solid option for the team considering Johansson's signing then maybe someone like Brent Seabrook who has the same issues as Sharp in that they Chicago can't keep all their players. His problem is that he is only signed for one more year. Just a thought.

I know you don't see us doing much this year in FA but if we do in fact trade Semin I would like to know that we are going to utilize the cap room we are able to save with him on signing a player for 1 year (Maybe Kovalchuck would take a one year deal similar to what Hossa did last year.)

[allstar1579]

Okay I would LOVE for Johansson to make the team as the 2nd line center and put him on a line with Laich and Semin to get his confidence going. Even if it is Fehr and Laich it will still be an above average 2nd line. That would mean our 3rd line would be something along the lines of Chimeira Perreault Bourque/Gordon(Andrew)/Beagle. I do think the 4th line is set if they can bring back Gordon(Boyd) Bradley Steckel Gordon.

So if Patrick Sharp isn't a solid option for the team considering Johansson's signing then maybe someone like Brent Seabrook who has the same issues as Sharp in that they Chicago can't keep all their players. His problem is that he is only signed for one more year. Just a thought.

I know you don't see us doing much this year in FA but if we do in fact trade Semin I would like to know that we are going to utilize the cap room we are able to save with him on signing a player for 1 year (Maybe Kovalchuck would take a one year deal similar to what Hossa did last year.)

We have about $10m in cap room WITH Semin, but that's without signing our restricted guys to extensions. There's probably about $4-5m in raises built in there but that still leaves a couple mil to upgrade with. The 6 D-men we have under contract are Green, Poti, Alzner, Carlson, Sloan and Erskine. There will be some changes there, book it.

Trading Semin would be more for keeping financial flexibility going forward and locking up some of the other young kids. He's one of the easiest pieces to replace, we have a ton of offense, and you trade from your strength. Even if they just stockpile some prospects and draft picks, that money saved would help keep this team together longer.