“His consistency and his ability to contribute points is two things we’d certainly like to see more of,†Mann said. “He’s always looking to pass, so in that way, he doesn’t have a lot of shots on goal. His shots-on-goal total isn’t up there, and if you don’t shoot the puck, you’re going to have a hard time scoring.
“But he’s still young, and he’s still developing.â€
With that market i wouldn't hate dealing Orlov. He's easily better than Erik Gudbranson who just returned recent 1st liner that's done well in the NHL, along with very early 2nd rounder (#33) and moved up about 50 spots in later rounds. I think there is a bigger sellers market for mobile top-4 D's, as there is very few available, especially the cheap, and cost controlled options such as RFA Orlov.
Don't confuse "the market" for "Jim Benning's Fantasy Hockey World". That trade has nothing to do with the actual trade market, Florida committed highway robbery.
I mean I agree Orlov could probably return something decent, but I don't really think he's worth giving up unless you get an absolute proven commodity in return that will help the Capitals win next year. Losing Orlov immediately makes the blue line worse and you also lose the potential that Orlov has. If you look at every player on the roster, the one player likely to make the biggest improvement IMO is Orlov.
Unless it's a pretty mindblowing offer, it doesn't make sense for a team competing for the Cup next season.
There is no way Orlov makes it though an expansion draft. Unless his losing a season to injury keeps him under the limit he will be gone.
Like so many other players we lost for nothing I would move him before that happens.
PS: On Orlov. I don't believe a 24 years old guy can be taught defense to the highest level. I bet he can get better but will always one of the worse guys in the defensive zone (in terms of top-4 quality). If he's durable from now on and still physical - maybe he's ok with the right partner. Is he worth everything to try to keep him? No.
The Caps are going to lose somebody for nothing. Pretty likely. How do the Caps trade Orlov so as to not lose him for nothing while at the same time getting another player as good or better to replace him?
What if we moved a deal centered around Samsonov for Shattenkirk? Thinking they would want top young goalie talent. Then after next season we have the option to either resign him or Alzner while having a stacked D next year. Fixing the D is going to be a lot tougher than making a top 9 better.
For the top 9 I think David Perron would fit nicely into that spot.
Surprisingly Carlson isn't in his prime yet. Hall is at his peak perhaps.
If GMBM is looking to get faster and a mmore offensive minded third line - why not just put MoJo there?
Centers being Backstrom, Kuzy, MoJo, and Beagle
That leaves two winger positions to fill
Ovi - Kuzy - Oshie
Burro - Backstrom - XXX
XXX - MoJo - Williams
Winnik - Beagle - Wilson
MoJo is a playmaker. Find another 20 or so goal scorer to put on his line. I thought MoJo played very well at cetner this year actually. Plus, MoJo is pretty good defensively and doesn't take penalties. He can be reliable out there.
To pencil MJ in at 3C, you'd first have to convince Trotz, who didn't like him enough to keep there this last season.
Mojo-Williams also seems highly unconvincing, unless you somehow strike gold with their LW.
Not an easy problem. If they want to go heavy, they need to add Ward-type players, and Mojo does not really fit the bill in the bottom 6. If they want to get (physically) faster, well, they have a LOT of work to do.