Vaguely significant as in more than an AHLer/tweener. Unless someone’s willing to give up a player on essentially an ELC - a 2017 Kempny, or 2021 Lehtonen, but a forward or G - I just don’t see it happening. One article suggested a retained David Ridditch if Calgary fall out of playoff contention, but he doesn’t strike me as more than a backup on a contender.
That’s why I can see them trying to find a Michael Hutchinson-type goaltender who can sit on the taxi squad with some NHL experience, so there’s no circumstance in which they’re forced to play Craig Anderson if one of VV/IS gets injured and the other falters. Copley’s AHL numbers have hardly been inspiring. I definitely think they need a 5C - they didn’t ever replace Stephenson and Boyd, and whatever you think of them as regular Caps they were essential depth.
I’m also not convinced by people who want to see Sprong as a regular over Panik, to the point they’d move Panik just to make that happen. Sprong can score goals, which Panik doesn’t, but come playoff time I don’t see the coaching staff trusting Sprong in situations they’ll trust Panik in. Panik isn’t a defensive liability, cycles well with Eller, skates well and can throw the body. Those things are important come playoffs, even though we need more offensive output from his spot. But I’m not sure the cost of moving out his contract, added to the cost of a significant upgrade, would be worth it.
Edited to add: I think neither the Caps nor Lundy thought a return this season was possible, and have been as surprised as the rest of us by what he’s achieved. So they haven’t closed the door, no, but I doubt his return is part of the Caps plan B, or plan C or D for that matter.
