Speculation: Acq/ Rost. Bldg./ Cap Part XXXII: Toys for Trotz

[LifetimeUFA]

I honestly don't care if the Caps overpay for somebody. Just improve the defense.

I just want them to make a move that shows us that GMBM wont be another McPhee, my expectations are low

 

[strungout]

Pretty good write-up on the potential D solutions from JapersRink's Rob Parker, Jr.

http://www.japersrink.com/2014/6/30/5854984/capitals-free-agents-defense-ehrhoff-stralman-niskanen

That article pretty much eases my nerves about Niskanen or Ehrhoff. I'll gladly take either of the two.

 

[Carlzner]

That article pretty much eases my nerves about Niskanen or Ehrhoff. I'll gladly take either of the two.

I don't know... It doesn't really make Niskanen look like a great option. Ehrhoff, on the other hand, looks like the perfect piece to our Top 4.

 

[ChibiPooky]

That article pretty much eases my nerves about Niskanen or Ehrhoff. I'll gladly take either of the two.

Yeah. I still prefer Stralman to Niskanen, but if they do have an inside track through Reirden that can help them get him for less of an overpayment then I'm on board.

 

[strungout]

The options are there to improve the defense. We all have different opinions on who....but there are options.

Now...just have to get it done.

 

[ChibiPooky]

Since nobody else has posted it yet, it's time to reopen a not-so-old wound.

Was Hornqvist available when the Caps traded for Erat?

 

[Silky mitts]

When was the last time Caps fans collectively went "OMG I can't believe we got ________!" in talking about player acquisitions?

Feds? Arnott?

Huet for me; Grabowski, Vokoun, and Knuble were expected.

 

[blokeyhighlander]

Queue the "we just weren't willing to pay the price" argument.

 

[AlexBrovechkin8]

So will people be happy or upset if we sign Niskanen to a 7 year deal? Just to put that length of time in perspective, Ovie has 7 years remaining on his deal.

 

[ChibiPooky]

It really sounds like they're going hard after Niskanen and playing up the Reirden angle as their selling point.

@alex_prewitt
Todd Reirden said he's been in "constant contact" with Matt Niskanen since Niskanen came to Pittsburgh, and would reach out to the UFA.

 

[strungout]

Since nobody else has posted it yet, it's time to reopen a not-so-old wound.

Was Hornqvist available when the Caps traded for Erat?

I doubt it. Plus the Caps were not offering someone like Neal.

Erat wanted out anyways.

 

[ChibiPooky]

So will people be happy or upset if we sign Niskanen to a 7 year deal? Just to put that length of time in perspective, Ovie has 7 years remaining on his deal.

I'm fine with the term if it helps keep the dollars (read: cap hit) down.

 

[Hivemind]

All RHD defensemen, all the time. Just have Brooks Laich play LD.

 

[Carlzner]

I'm ok with it if we're also acquiring a much better defenseman like Ehrhoff or Gorges... It would also open up trading Green... to free up Cap for a 2C?

 

[BrooklynCapsFan]

It really sounds like they're going hard after Niskanen and playing up the Reirden angle as their selling point.

Aren't teams not supposed to do what Reirden is doing? I don't care, I just feel like there's been a lot of tweets about a lot of players talking to a lot of teams and it's kind of amusing.

 

[strungout]

I'm fine with 7 years if the coaching staff believes in him and is willing to give him a partner to help him succeed.

Alzner is already here...so there you go.

Get a new guy for Carlson (Ehrhoff or Carlson)...and we're good on D for years.

Green is dead man walking either way. Trade (after having a good season under Trotz) or walks as a UFA. This is his last season in DC unless he takes a pay cut.

 

[strungout]

Aren't teams not supposed to do what Reirden is doing? I don't care, I just feel like there's been a lot of tweets about a lot of players talking to a lot of teams and it's kind of amusing.

New rule in the CBA allows teams to talk to UFA's before July 1st. Cant make offers...but can talk. (we like you and will play you with so and so and you'll get these minutes...blah blah blah)

 

[BrooklynCapsFan]

New rule in the CBA allows teams to talk to UFA's before July 1st. Cant make offers...but can talk.

That certainly explains that then.

We've had too many CBAs in the past ten years for me to keep track of.

 

[ChibiPooky]

Aren't teams not supposed to do what Reirden is doing? I don't care, I just feel like there's been a lot of tweets about a lot of players talking to a lot of teams and it's kind of amusing.

They're allowed to talk this year; they just can't nail down specifics or make verbal commitments AFAIK.

 

[ChibiPooky]

I'm fine with 7 years if the coaching staff believes in him and is willing to give him a partner to help him succeed.

Alzner is already here...so there you go.

Get a new guy for Carlson (Ehrhoff or Carlson)...and we're good on D for years.

Green is dead man walking either way. Trade (after having a good season under Trotz) or walks as a UFA. This is his last season in DC unless he takes a pay cut.

If they do get Niskanen, I'm not sure Green makes it to training camp.

 

[strungout]

If they do get Niskanen, I'm not sure Green makes it to training camp.

And I'm fine with that as well.

 

[Devil Dancer]

When was the last time Caps fans collectively went "OMG I can't believe we got ________!" in talking about player acquisitions?

Feds? Arnott?

The last one I remember was Vokoun. That move was both surprising and almost universally praised. Too bad it didn't work out.

 

[Roughing]

So will people be happy or upset if we sign Niskanen to a 7 year deal? Just to put that length of time in perspective, Ovie has 7 years remaining on his deal.

I like the player. I'm okay with the long term....... if the money isn't stupid.

 

[strungout]

Jamie McBain wasnt qualified by Buffalo.

They are going straight tank mode. Not that his defense is great or anything.

 

[CapNMac]

If they do get Niskanen, I'm not sure Green makes it to training camp.

Watching the interview with Trotz on day 2 of draft, he suddenly looked uncharacteristically uncomfortable when asked about Mike Green this season. MY first thought was that they were about to trade him, so I would not be surprised if you are right.