*-> Zbynek Michalek of the Phoenix Coyotes is set to hit free agency this summer and has made it clear he'd like to stay with the Yotes but also its said he'd consider offers from the Ottawa Senators so he can play with his brother Milan. It could be a good chance as Ottawa is looking to add to their backend with the possible loss of Anton Volchenkov and Andy Sutton.
*-> Speaking of the A-Train, Volchenkov keeps being linked to the Washington Capitols as the Caps want to add some grit and defensive strength to their weak defense corps. Washington is blaming their soft defense for their upset at the hands of the Habs. This scenario makes sense as well but there is a huge roadblock in the way. The Washington Caps are pushed right to the cap and have to try and resign ether Eric Belanger or Brendan Morrison, a back up for Varlamov and Reup Niklas Backstrom as well. If they could find a home for Alexander Semin the finances could work.
*-> Dan Ellis of the Nashville Predators has told the club he will test the free agent market this summer with his main reason being its rumored he wants to be a starter and not share duties like he did in Nashville. The summer is gunna be a good one for goalies so it may work out for him but its also a pretty flooded market this year as well so he better hope he has a leg up on the rest.
3 comments:
Someone should tell George Macphee that team Russia didnt even medal at the Olympics, so it shouldnt be such a surprise that his team Russia cant make it past the first round of the playoffs.
Though no offense meant to Volchenkov, he would add a lot to any team in the league.
Scoopz,
I think you barely touched on the cap issues facing Washington this summer. Let's break it down into who they need by priority:
1. Nicklas Backstrom must be signed long term. He is coming off his entry level contract and will warrant a huge raise after a 101 point season and emerging as the Caps' best player in the playoffs. This guy is money in the bank, and if they can sign him for under 6 million a season its money well spent. They should be able to: this is only his second contract and they are historically stepping stones.
2.Jeff Schultz has to be signed to a short term deal (2-3 years) for around 1.5 million. He only made 715K this season but was a huge reason the Caps were able to let Mike Green go to town offensively. His value to the team is underrated and they'll hurt if they don't resign him. Lump Shaone Morrisonn into that category as well.
3. They need to say bye-bye to Eric Belanger, Scott Walker, Milan Jurcina, Joe Corvo and Jose Theodore. All these guys are free agents who are all overpaid and expendable.
4. Czech goalie Michael Neuvirth needs to be resigned to back up Varlamov. He might be the true goalie of the future for the Caps, although they already blew his entry level deal by the age of 21.
With the departures discussed above and the additions of cheap rookies like Neuvirth, John Carlson and Karl Alzner, the Caps should have no problem keeping their core of stars together at least one more year.
FTR, I would dump Semin as soon as possible, as he is set to become a UFA next summer and his value to that team's success is questionable, at best.
CA
I agree CA my original post was only the tip of the iceberg for the Caps. I agree Backstrom is the number one priority and their future depends on signing him long term. He is a incredible player that's for sure.
All the free agents you mention I'd personally let walk with exception to Belanger. The Caps need a faceoff guy and someone who will commit to defense. On that note I wouldn't pay Belanger over 2. The Caps management has already stated that Belanger is one of the few UFA's they wish to re-sign.
I think the caps need a defensive upgrade and they know it as well. Its no secret they have the best run and gun offense in the league but defensively their suspect. Especially since they dealt their best defensive dman in Brian Pothier for Joe Corvo. The Caps lost the series against the Habs because they struggled to score on a hot goalie and a solid defensive effort behind him. They also could not contain a woeful Montreal offense who is lucky to score more than 2 goals a game. When you look down the Caps backend who really can shut down top opponents night after night? Corvo? Green? Carlson? Poti? None of the above. Carlson is still young and his game needs to be refined still. I personally feel he should play atleast the start of next season in the AHL to continue to build on his play at both ends of the rink. Milan Jurcina is a poor mans shut down defense who is best used at a 5 to 6 to 7th D. Shultz was way better than credited as you pointed out but not quite ready for a major role against guys like Crosby, Getzlaf etc. They need a shut down physical defenseman who can play against the big guns. Is Volchenkov that answer? I don't think his cap hit is worth it but he does fit most of the criteria and we all have heard how the Caps are hot for him. I'd rather see them pick up an all round guy for that price. A guy who can log top pairing minutes but its not my team.
As for Washingtons goalie situation, they clearly aren't convinced Varlamov can be the man with their system. He's prove to soft goals and can't handle games where he's getting peppered. Theodore obviously isn't the solution ether. There was a lot of focus on Washingtons goalie situation before the series and there's a reason why. I agree that Michael Neuvirth should get the backup call but do they? I would go out and get a veteran expendable goalie on a 2 way, just in case and to serve as a mentor to both of their young goalies. Arturs Irbe can teach poise and the lessons of life in the NHL but how can he teach technique when he had none? Good post CA
And to Tom, well put, Team Russia did flop and it looks like this playoffs they folded too. Where'd Semin go?
Post a Comment