Fielding many young dmen got Caps nowhere. I doubt fielding 5-6 young F would, as someone already mentioned. Trade value lost is another question but McPhee is already fired (for that too).
Seeing Bura and Kuz got me thinking Bura has had a major step forward with a season in OHL. Roughly a year ago he didn't want to go overseas... Now he played with McD and probably seen how much better and more matured a young player can be, seen that you can work more and with more aspects of the game. I'm sure McD's influence was a driver for Bura. Now he looks adapted.
Kuz getting here 2 years earlier had a chance for an easier transition, now he has to lose some time to get out his habits and get in many new habits (especially with C position). Also his injuries. He will need time and Trotz is using him adequately for now I think.
Getting Wilson on a 4th will help Kuz immediately I guess. LOB doesn't have a chemistry with Kuz at all IMHO. So we need to wait I think.
Anyway getting 2 miniSemins for half the price and without much stick penalties yet... And both as C for now. That's gross. Still I'm all for getting Vermette
to stabilize that all in playoffs. No way we are getting far in post-season with such weak (physically) young inexperienced centers.
And Vermette is good in the dot, nice PKer and to be UFA this summer. After 4 games Arizona projected to be out of playoffs in April (who needs s.s.). That's a match!
Laich for Vermette! Make it happen
))
About the first line: they were less visible tonight but kinda more effective
Would be good if Brouwer seized this opportunity, just for Barry to have stability in some line. This will allow to work just on 2nd line further, not with all lines altogether.
Also Brouwer is a main brick for this team, he has bigger contract than Fehr, young enough to play a couple of years in that position, so it could become long-term line. You can depend on that after all and it's important.
Fehr should be used as util then, that will limit his contract btw = useful cheap loyal player. I like.