Prospect Info: Capitals Prospects and Minor League Affiliates (Hershey Bears, SC Stingrays)

Not asking for names or anything obviously because that would not be cool but are those conversations over hockey soda with someone in the know or just other fans? Not trying to start drama or anything just curious. There has been a huge downturn in Hershey since McPhee left and I'm curious if perhaps GMBM has less focus on the AHL team than McPhee did. I think GMGM wanted a culture of winning before they hit the NHL when it came to development. I have not seen that since he left. There's one thing in the organization from top to bottom AHL/NHL included that has changed, and that's GMBM. Perhaps he's more focused on experience at any level of competitiveness than McPhee was. Not saying one way is right and one is wrong when it comes to development because I'm nothing more than a Monday morning QB, but just my observation.

 

I don't hear much about GMBM lately. Early on there was a great deal of frustration that the communication wasn't there with him. There is certainly a contrast between him and GMGM. Doug Yingst told me very plainly when I asked about the Caps/Bears relationship years ago that he spoke with GMGM daily, he was emphatic that they were of one mind. I don't know Helmer very well so I don't get that kind of insight from him.

Players and staff. I have a family member who played on one of the Calder Cup teams and grew up around the org. I also hear things around the arena, but I don't talk much about that as it may only be rumors. Keep in mind, Hershey is a close knit hockey town. Lots of people are very close to the org so lots of the rumors on the concourse do have a tie to someone in the know and could be accurate.

 

Fjallby with a goal, but Djurgården is eliminated

 

Thanks for replying Lurch, was just curious if you were an insider or just a fan. I am a little discouraged that Hershey hasn't been as solid the past couple years. I would much rather our prospects play on teams that have a chance to win as opposed to teams that just exist for their ice time. I feel like the cap situation with the big club may play a big part in why the AHL signings haven't been up to snuff. That doesn't excuse GMBM for not being more involved though.

 

This isn't the first season that Lurch has come in here to claim the Capitals and Bears relationship is souring. Not saying it's not true, but just remember to consider the source.

 

AJF just gott called up to the Swedish national team for a few games in the Carlson Hockey Games.

 

I don't at all doubt there are disagreements and it's not as good of a relationship as it used to be. But three Calder Cups and five AHL final appearances in 13 seasons allows for a certain tolerance and patience during times of adversity. Plus, it doesn't seem as though Hershey has the management leadership in place post-Yingst to test the waters either way.

 

That's awesome news! Seems like he's really starting to get some recognition. Perhaps quite the late round steal for us!

 

This kid got some serious wheels!! Almost looks like he’s got “McDavid separation speed”?

 

Sign him and get him in the lineup right away as he’s got to be a decent amount better than most of the bottom 6 forwards the Caps have now right? Right...? Right............................?

 

I would agree with everything here. I think Hershey has to get its own house back in order before we look to Washington. A great deal of our success comes from AHL only contracts and a strong local advocacy. Hershey doesn't really have that at present; I hope it changes soon for the good of both Hershey and Washington. Having a first-class AHL experience and a culture of winning and success can only help the prospects when and if they matriculate to Washington.

Funny thing, I didn't hear much from Hivemind when I called the AHL all-star game, and both outdoor games long before they were public knowledge or even rumors. I have sent my bona fides to the admins years ago and have made the offer to meet up with anyone at the games. I don't think I ever really go out and say outlandish things and I can't recall any objective items I have stated that wasn't 100% accurate. Not sure I understand why the relatively few subjective things I discuss are met with such resistance.

 

Thanks for the clip. Flowbio is my new favorite player.
He's super fast and seems incredibly opportunistic. I can't wait.

 

@Lurch I don't doubt you have connections and get some legit info. I just question how impartial the information you're being fed is. For straight up factual items like the outdoor classic, it's easy. For more subjective matters, you may simply be hearing a lot of one-sided venting about issues (or at least slanted versions of stories).

 

I agree and even mentioned that some of it may be blowing off steam. I complain about my boss sometimes, but generally am really happy working with him.

That said, the overall mood in Hershey is growing dissatisfaction both internally and with the Caps. The grumbling has been growing for a few years now and it may not be just blowing off steam. I don't expect anything to come of it, but the locker room is the worst I have seen in quite some time.

The prospect pool problem is tough given that the Caps are perennial contenders and need to focus on success up top. However, the communication and cooperation issues are really inexcusable and hopefully will improve for the good of both organizations.

 

I have it on good authority that Garrett Mitchell and Zach Sill will definitely not be back next season and Chris Bourque is more likely moving on than not. I don’t want to disclose the source but this is coming from someone close to the team that I happened to cross paths with today at work.

If the mods want to know the source send me a message and I’ll let you know. I just don’t want to get this person in trouble