SimplySensational
Heard of Hough
If anything he should be talking about the 4th line. He loves rolling 4 lines even when down by multiple goals and the 4th line can barely muster shot attempts.
if he continues to grow, I would agree with that. those comments back that up. time will tell. I guess I don't see a 2c coming in and Trotz moving Kuz to a slot taken currently by a north American style player.
Why would you expect dissension over moving a very good ES player that plays a 3-zone game, has no long-term salary commitment, and steps his game up in the playoffs?I'd be willing to move Ward as part of a salary dump. I expect dissension.
Why would you expect dissension about moving a very good ES player that plays a 3-zone game, has no long-term salary commitment, and steps his game up in the playoffs?
Can't see any reason people wouldn't want that.
Because his salary can help off-set bringing in a guy like Vermette who would easily provide more to the team.
I'm pretty meh on Ward and if management doesn't intend to bring him back, then move him.
I would hope that this is not an Oates-like imperative. Burakovsky on the top line suggests it isn't, at least not always.one word mistake changes everything. not north American style is how that should read.
its not clear that trotz wants one brouwer or Wilson or Ward line player on each line?
It's an asinine idea. Like, completely, considering there are other players that offer less in the playoffs that could garner more value in a trade and off-set Vermette's salary impact (which is insignificant considering the LTIRing the Caps could do).
Is "leadership" your code for outstanding play and great chemistry with the team's best line? Why anyone would want to ship any player off from that line is beyond me. Ship out the $2.5M vet thats been relegated to the 4th line and press box at times this season, or one of the wingers on the least consistent line on the team.Laich would be #1 on my list, but NTC and "leadership" will likely keep him here.
I'd be down to trade Chimera, Brouwer-type, or Mojo, but you'll find people vehemently opposed. So it doesn't leave much.
Depends how it shakes out:
Ovechkin-Backstrom-Burakovsky/Traded RW
Mojo-#2C-Brouwer/Kuz
Chimera-Fehr-Wilson
That top 9 would be more than capable.
Is "leadership" your code for outstanding play and great chemistry with the team's best line? Why anyone would want to ship any player off from that line is beyond me. Ship out the $2.5M vet thats been relegated to the 4th line and press box at times this season, or one of the wingers on the least consistent line on the team.
And again, they don't need to shift salary for Vermette.
Erskine and Orlov both being injured gives them around $4M in flexibility without moving anyone.
I'm gonna chime in on Kuz & Bura.
Yes, they're young and probably less reliable than other vets.
But I have a hard time imagining Caps going far with them (especially both) sitting.
Just not enough skill without them.
Who is going to score?
Ovi-Backstrom-some plug? We've seen how they can struggle 5-on-5.
Mojo-Vermette-Brouwer? I'll believe it when i see it.
Fehr-Ward line? Their extra hustle is gonna be tested in playoffs when EVERYBODY hustles.
These Caps are just not a championship-level grind team, no matter how much improved under Trotz.
I see the Caps' only chance of doing damage in playoffs in being able to amalgamate the skill with the grind. Yeah, it's a lot to ask of Kuz & Bura. But I just don't see the Caps going deep with a grind-fest. This way at least the young players will get playoff experience.
I would hope that this is not an Oates-like imperative. Burakovsky on the top line suggests it isn't, at least not always..