GM George McPhee likes to hide under a veil of secrecy when it comes to trades and free agency. "If there is something there that makes sense, we'll do it," is his favorite mantra (as he reiterated yesterday).
But there are a few guiding principles that he's likely to follow when free agency begins on Thursday:
* Promote from within. The Caps have qualified all nine of their restricted free agents and have a few players in Hershey that are ready for a promotion, specifically John Carlson (an early favorite for the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year) and Karl Alzner. But Michal Neuvirth, Keith Aucoin, Jay Beagle and Mathieu Perreault also will get a look as the GM thinks about next year's roster.
* Find a second-line center. This tune has been whistled before but the 2010-11 season might be the most important go-around. The Caps need a center who will bring out the best of Alex Semin. So far, the only person to do that is Nick Backstrom -- and he's clearly the team's best pivot and should be playing with Alex Ovechkin. With Semin's future very much in the balance, McPhee must either find somebody to help the enigmatic Russian thrive or send No. 28 to another franchise. That player might be Matthew Lombardi (who quite possibly is the best center available) or maybe somebody else. But GMGM isn't going to take a chance after failing with Brendan Morrison (and Eric Belanger, to some extent) last season.
* Find a shutdown defenseman. Another common theme lately is who to pair with Mike Green. Soon-to-be-former Cap Shaone Morrisonn held this spot for a while and Jeff Schultz did a decent job last season. But the Caps need a no-nonsense guy like Hal Gill in this spot and Schultz doesn't exactly fit that bill. Many people endorse Anton Volchenkov in this spot, but he might price himself out of that market rather quickly. A better bet may be Henrik Tallinder, Willie Mitchell (if healthy), Paul Mara or Jay McKee.
* Decide who's going to back up Semyon Varlamov. There are two schools of thought on this one: either go with the "kids" and have Neuvirth up from the start or pick up a wiley veteran to mentor Varly. If the Caps go with the latter, they need to look no further than their goalie coach (Artus Irbe) as a model. Martin Biron or Chris Mason might be ready for this role.
* Don't overspend. With extensions due to some of the RFAs, Brooks Laich set to be a UFA next summer (with Semin and Mike Knuble) and Varlamov heading for RFA-dom next summer, McPhee has many decisions to make on current Caps in the not-too-distant future. (Don't forget Mike Green has two years left on his deal and Carlson is only a year behind him.) Therefore, any free agent signing with the Caps might be lucky to earn $3 million next season -- and that might be pushing it. The Caps have a scary-good future and the madness that starts July 1, for the most part, is just adding to the riches already in the bank.
June 29, 2010
June 28, 2010
The First Step: Qualifying Offers
As is a usual practice this time of year, the Caps extended qualifying offers to their nine restricted free agents: Jay Beagle, Chris Bourque, Eric Fehr, Tomas Fleischmann, Andrew Gordon, Boyd Gordon, Patrick McNeill, Zach Miskovic and Jeff Schultz.
Most saw some time with the Caps this past season. Boyd Gordon, Fehr, Fleischmann and Schultz saw significant ice team and arguably are a key part of the Caps' future. (Flash could be the exception).
Beagle got some looks and might get more ice time next season. Bourque's future is very much up in the air.
Most saw some time with the Caps this past season. Boyd Gordon, Fehr, Fleischmann and Schultz saw significant ice team and arguably are a key part of the Caps' future. (Flash could be the exception).
Beagle got some looks and might get more ice time next season. Bourque's future is very much up in the air.
June 27, 2010
Caps Stick to the Plan
GM George McPhee has perfected the plan: if a trade won't make the team better, don't do it. So, during the 2010 NHL draft, McPhee selected five players and only made one trade -- an exchange of picks. With free agency looming, McPhee is sure to be more active and might even make a trade. But, in the meantime, he's added a crew of highly-touted players who are several years away from making an impact on the ice.
The best of which is Evgeny Kuznetsov, who likes the way Evgeny Malkin and Pavel Datsyuk play. If he can take Malkin's physicality and Datsyuk's two-way tendencies, the Caps have got themselves a great player.
Note: Congrats to the Caps' PR department, who captured its fourth straight Dick Dillman award from the league. The group continues to distinguish itself with great information and even better relationships with the media, including a vast cadre of bloggers. It's an honor well-deserved.
The best of which is Evgeny Kuznetsov, who likes the way Evgeny Malkin and Pavel Datsyuk play. If he can take Malkin's physicality and Datsyuk's two-way tendencies, the Caps have got themselves a great player.
Note: Congrats to the Caps' PR department, who captured its fourth straight Dick Dillman award from the league. The group continues to distinguish itself with great information and even better relationships with the media, including a vast cadre of bloggers. It's an honor well-deserved.
June 24, 2010
A Lesson From Ted Leonsis
Organizations start at the top, and there's no better place for the Caps to begin next season than owner and visionary Ted Leonsis:
It was great to see Alex Ovechkin win his third straight NHLPA MVP and to watch Ovie and Mike Green voted onto the league's first all-star team last night. Over the last three years, the Caps have been (arguably) the best team during the regular season in the Eastern Conference -- if not the entire NHL.
They've got a President's Trophy, three division titles, a boatload of goals and points and a bunch more accomplishments. But, once they hit the postseason, their fortunes reverse course.
The Caps have won just one playoff series over the last three seasons despite a combined 323 regular-season points over that span. As a comparison, the Philadelphia Flyers have won five playoff series during the same three years (as a five, six and seven seed), despite only 282 regular-season points.
As the draft takes place this weekend -- and possible trades are considered by GM George McPhee -- it's important to remember that the Caps need players who will sacrifice and battle in the playoffs. And no regular-season accomplishments will help them do that.
I am not as big a fan of individual awards and shows as I once was. We have now won a bunch. In retrospect, the awards will be looked at as being milestones in individual careers, but the biggest life time memories will be built around sharing a collective trophy and accomplishing a major communal goal. Enough said.
It was great to see Alex Ovechkin win his third straight NHLPA MVP and to watch Ovie and Mike Green voted onto the league's first all-star team last night. Over the last three years, the Caps have been (arguably) the best team during the regular season in the Eastern Conference -- if not the entire NHL.
They've got a President's Trophy, three division titles, a boatload of goals and points and a bunch more accomplishments. But, once they hit the postseason, their fortunes reverse course.
The Caps have won just one playoff series over the last three seasons despite a combined 323 regular-season points over that span. As a comparison, the Philadelphia Flyers have won five playoff series during the same three years (as a five, six and seven seed), despite only 282 regular-season points.
As the draft takes place this weekend -- and possible trades are considered by GM George McPhee -- it's important to remember that the Caps need players who will sacrifice and battle in the playoffs. And no regular-season accomplishments will help them do that.
June 22, 2010
Schedule Only Tells Part of the Story
Unlike the NFL, which devoted an entire three-hour show to its schedule unveiling, the NHL's release of its 2010-11 docket was a quick matter on the league and team Web site(s). The Caps begin defense of their three (soon to be four) consecutive Southeast Division titles on Oct. 8 in Atlanta, and will host New Jersey the next night. They close the regular season on Saturday, April 11 in Florida before beginning the playoffs the following Wednesday (or so).
What is more intriguing, though, is who will be on the Caps when the season begins. So far, the team hasn't resigned anybody not named Nicklas Backstrom and you can add Milan Jurcina to the "no, thank you" list. Then again, you probably could have predicted that based on the following note from the team's draft guide:
The plot will continue to thicken as this weekend's draft draws closer.
Note: Congrats to former Cap Dino Ciccarelli, who was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame today. Ciccarelli joins Cammi Granato, Angela James, Jim Devellano, and Darryl "Doc" Seaman in this year's class.
What is more intriguing, though, is who will be on the Caps when the season begins. So far, the team hasn't resigned anybody not named Nicklas Backstrom and you can add Milan Jurcina to the "no, thank you" list. Then again, you probably could have predicted that based on the following note from the team's draft guide:
This past season Washington acquired defenseman Milan Jurcina for a conditional sixth-round draft pick from the Columbus Blue Jackets. Jurcina had to play five games for Washington for Columbus to get the pick. He did not play a single game for the Caps once he was reacquired, so Washington retains its sixth-round selection.
The plot will continue to thicken as this weekend's draft draws closer.
Note: Congrats to former Cap Dino Ciccarelli, who was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame today. Ciccarelli joins Cammi Granato, Angela James, Jim Devellano, and Darryl "Doc" Seaman in this year's class.
June 21, 2010
It's About Time: Trade Rumors Focus on Semin
GM George McPhee's poker face is better than most, but at this point, it's hard to ignore the growing momentum behind the "Alex Semin is on the trading block" rumors. Yes, most rumors surrounding the Caps are false, because there are nary any leaks leaving the team's Kettler-based offices.
But when GMGM is said to be shopping around the team's most enigmatic player, this blogger's attention is completely focused on that subject. It's to nobody's surprise that STC fully endorses sending Semin out of town. We've never been a fan and no show of skill (or tryout maneuvers for hockey's version of the Harlem Globetrotters) will change our minds. Semin is not a team player and seemingly won't be able to pair a passion that matches his vast skill-set.
Yes, Semin and Alex Ovechkin are close friends. But now that Ovechkin is captain, the team is the most important thing he must consider -- not a friendship that likely will continue no matter where Semin is skating.
The Caps can't ignore the fact that, of the four teams that made the conference finals, three (Chicago, Montreal, Philadelphia) boast a nasty streak that is paired with a willingness to sacrifice tooth and limb to win the Stanley Cup. The Caps just didn't do that in the playoffs, no matter how much they tried convincing us otherwise.
They didn't lose because of Jaroslav Halak; the Flyers proved he was beatable. The Caps were defeated by the Canadiens because they were outworked and Montreal blocked more shots than the late, great Manute Bol.
Semin is not the team's only trade bait, though. Second on that list is Tomas "Flash" Fleischmann, who reportedly isn't close to a contract (not counting the tender process) with the July 1 free agency deadline looming. Flash has a Semin-esque mystery surrounding his consistency, and that's not exactly something to rave about.
It's no secret the Caps have some room under the salary cap and a few needs. Last summer, the Caps signed Mike Knuble -- who filled a need for toughness that had sorely been lacking. The Caps have plenty of skill -- but, unfortunately, Semin and Flash aren't the type of players who usually skate the Stanley Cup. And, at this point, that's the only thing that should -- and is -- on McPhee's mind.
Note: The Caps announced its preseason schedule today as well as its first two regular-season games: Oct. 8 at Atlanta and Oct. 9 vs. New Jersey.
But when GMGM is said to be shopping around the team's most enigmatic player, this blogger's attention is completely focused on that subject. It's to nobody's surprise that STC fully endorses sending Semin out of town. We've never been a fan and no show of skill (or tryout maneuvers for hockey's version of the Harlem Globetrotters) will change our minds. Semin is not a team player and seemingly won't be able to pair a passion that matches his vast skill-set.
Yes, Semin and Alex Ovechkin are close friends. But now that Ovechkin is captain, the team is the most important thing he must consider -- not a friendship that likely will continue no matter where Semin is skating.
The Caps can't ignore the fact that, of the four teams that made the conference finals, three (Chicago, Montreal, Philadelphia) boast a nasty streak that is paired with a willingness to sacrifice tooth and limb to win the Stanley Cup. The Caps just didn't do that in the playoffs, no matter how much they tried convincing us otherwise.
They didn't lose because of Jaroslav Halak; the Flyers proved he was beatable. The Caps were defeated by the Canadiens because they were outworked and Montreal blocked more shots than the late, great Manute Bol.
Semin is not the team's only trade bait, though. Second on that list is Tomas "Flash" Fleischmann, who reportedly isn't close to a contract (not counting the tender process) with the July 1 free agency deadline looming. Flash has a Semin-esque mystery surrounding his consistency, and that's not exactly something to rave about.
It's no secret the Caps have some room under the salary cap and a few needs. Last summer, the Caps signed Mike Knuble -- who filled a need for toughness that had sorely been lacking. The Caps have plenty of skill -- but, unfortunately, Semin and Flash aren't the type of players who usually skate the Stanley Cup. And, at this point, that's the only thing that should -- and is -- on McPhee's mind.
Note: The Caps announced its preseason schedule today as well as its first two regular-season games: Oct. 8 at Atlanta and Oct. 9 vs. New Jersey.
My Hall of Fame Ballot
I was fortunate enough to be asked by James O'Brien over at NBC's Pro Hockey Talk for my Hall of Fame ballot, which included four players and an honorable mention. My submission:
1. Joe Nieuwendyk
It may not be an original pick, but it's hard not to start with him. He's a proven winner who also looks like he's going to have success as the Stars GM. A lock.
2. Dave Andreychuk
He's one of 74 players all-time with more than 1,000 points and is 28th all-time in points overall. He's a leader who played 1,639 games in a brilliant career.
3. Doug Gilmour
He's 12th all-time with 964 assists in his 1,474-game career. Although he was somewhat overshadowed by Wayne Gretzky as a center, he certainly is worth of induction alongside the Great One.
4. Cammi Granato
If you're going to include women on the ballot, why not start with somebody from a strong hockey family? Granato led the USA to two Olympic medals (a gold and silver) and a boatload of other international titles.
Honorable Mention -- John LeClair: He may not be a sexy pick, but he's certainly worthy of induction. He won a Cup on a great Canadiens team anchored by Patrick Roy and then nearly led the Phiadelphia Flyers to a title. And he won a silver Olympic medal too.
It was hard to omit Caps favorites Adam Oates, Dino Ciccarelli and Peter Bondra -- but their time will come soon enough.
1. Joe Nieuwendyk
It may not be an original pick, but it's hard not to start with him. He's a proven winner who also looks like he's going to have success as the Stars GM. A lock.
2. Dave Andreychuk
He's one of 74 players all-time with more than 1,000 points and is 28th all-time in points overall. He's a leader who played 1,639 games in a brilliant career.
3. Doug Gilmour
He's 12th all-time with 964 assists in his 1,474-game career. Although he was somewhat overshadowed by Wayne Gretzky as a center, he certainly is worth of induction alongside the Great One.
4. Cammi Granato
If you're going to include women on the ballot, why not start with somebody from a strong hockey family? Granato led the USA to two Olympic medals (a gold and silver) and a boatload of other international titles.
Honorable Mention -- John LeClair: He may not be a sexy pick, but he's certainly worthy of induction. He won a Cup on a great Canadiens team anchored by Patrick Roy and then nearly led the Phiadelphia Flyers to a title. And he won a silver Olympic medal too.
It was hard to omit Caps favorites Adam Oates, Dino Ciccarelli and Peter Bondra -- but their time will come soon enough.
June 20, 2010
A Busy Time Ahead
Over the next 10(ish) days, the NHL will crank it up a bit before the real summer hiatus starts in mid-July (after the prospect camps). A look at some upcoming dates:
We obviously know that the Caps will be in the 2011 Winter Classic, but the rest of the schedule should some insight into what to expect for next season. And the draft and free agency period will provide further clarity into that subject, although GM George McPhee isn't likely to rush into anything.
Tuesday: 2010-11 schedule announced
Wednesday: NHL Awards (Las Vegas)
Friday and Saturday: NHL Entry Draft (Los Angeles)
Thursday, July 1: Free agency begins for players with expiring contracts
July 12-17: Capitals Development Camp at Kettler
We obviously know that the Caps will be in the 2011 Winter Classic, but the rest of the schedule should some insight into what to expect for next season. And the draft and free agency period will provide further clarity into that subject, although GM George McPhee isn't likely to rush into anything.
June 14, 2010
Hershey Bears Win the Calder Cup
The Hershey Bears are showing a thing or two to their NHL affiliates. For the second year in a row, and third time in five years, the Bears have won the Calder Cup -- this time with a dominating 4-0 victory tonight over the Texas Stars. Future Caps John Carlson and Karl Alzner each scored for Hershey and Michal Neuvirth pitched a very impressive shutout.
All three spent time in the red, white and blue this season and probably will be in the NHL full-time starting in September. The same could be said for playoff MVP Chris Bourque, who is definitely improving with age. (His hall-of-fame dad was in attendance tonight at Giant Center.) Keith Aucoin, the regular-season MVP, also was impressive.
Hershey provided a blueprint for the Caps on how to close out an inferior opponent, how to perfectly execute Bruce Boudreau's puck-possession system, how to play as a team and how to thoroughly dominate a game when needed. Bears Coach Mark French, who learned from Boudreau and now-Caps assistant Bob Woods, did an amazing job in his first year behind the bench.
The Bears just completed arguably the best season in the AHL's 74 years. And now, it's time for the Caps to bring that winning tradition to the big leagues.
All three spent time in the red, white and blue this season and probably will be in the NHL full-time starting in September. The same could be said for playoff MVP Chris Bourque, who is definitely improving with age. (His hall-of-fame dad was in attendance tonight at Giant Center.) Keith Aucoin, the regular-season MVP, also was impressive.
Hershey provided a blueprint for the Caps on how to close out an inferior opponent, how to perfectly execute Bruce Boudreau's puck-possession system, how to play as a team and how to thoroughly dominate a game when needed. Bears Coach Mark French, who learned from Boudreau and now-Caps assistant Bob Woods, did an amazing job in his first year behind the bench.
The Bears just completed arguably the best season in the AHL's 74 years. And now, it's time for the Caps to bring that winning tradition to the big leagues.
June 13, 2010
Hershey Remains at AHL's Center
As the Hershey Bears get their first opportunity to clinch the Calder Cup for the second consecutive season, they're also already on the docket for a few key league events next season.
First things first: the Bears beat the Dallas Stars for a third straight time, 2-1 (OT), after Alexandre Giroux scored the game-winner. Michal Neuvirth, who might be with the Caps all of next season, has been superb for the second straight season with the Bears.
Next season, the AHL's 75th, will begin in part with a set of home-and-home games between the Bears and Rochester Americans on Oct. 10 and Oct. 16. The rest of the AHL's "original six" -- Providence Bruins, Springfield Falcons, Lake Erie Monsters and Syracuse Crunch -- also will participate (Providence plays Springfield and Lake Erie plays Syracuse).
Then, on Jan. 30-31, Hershey's Giant Center will host the AHL all-star game.
Note: While the NHL schedule is about a week away from its release, the Caps have announced a few key dates of their own, including the second annual Caps Convention.
First things first: the Bears beat the Dallas Stars for a third straight time, 2-1 (OT), after Alexandre Giroux scored the game-winner. Michal Neuvirth, who might be with the Caps all of next season, has been superb for the second straight season with the Bears.
Next season, the AHL's 75th, will begin in part with a set of home-and-home games between the Bears and Rochester Americans on Oct. 10 and Oct. 16. The rest of the AHL's "original six" -- Providence Bruins, Springfield Falcons, Lake Erie Monsters and Syracuse Crunch -- also will participate (Providence plays Springfield and Lake Erie plays Syracuse).
Then, on Jan. 30-31, Hershey's Giant Center will host the AHL all-star game.
Note: While the NHL schedule is about a week away from its release, the Caps have announced a few key dates of their own, including the second annual Caps Convention.
June 9, 2010
Rock. Shock. Blackhawk.
The Chicago Blackhawks captured the Stanley Cup tonight with a thrilling 4-3 overtime victory over the Philadelphia Flyers, their first title since 1961. The wait seemed even more eternal because, right after Patrick Kane scored, not too many people realized the puck was in the net. The play went to the replay booths and eventually the Hawks were declared the champions, sans the customary "the Hawks win the Cup!" proclamation from the announcer, in this case NBC's Mike "Doc" Emerick.
The Hawks blended a brilliant combination of grit and skill to eliminate Philly in six games. This, in fact, was the only game of the series won by the road team and quite nearly went the other way as the Flyers had numerous chances in the final minutes. But, alas, the Hawks brought a title back to the Second City, ending the longest title drought in the league.
Mr. Cleo called this one back on June 13, 2009, the second time he's done that in the four years since he started predicting a champion one year in advance. (The other correct call was the Detroit Red Wings' title in 2008.)
Continuing the tradition, your 2011 Stanley Cup champions: the San Jose Sharks. (And, please, don't come looking for Mr. Cleo if it doesn't happen.)
The Hawks blended a brilliant combination of grit and skill to eliminate Philly in six games. This, in fact, was the only game of the series won by the road team and quite nearly went the other way as the Flyers had numerous chances in the final minutes. But, alas, the Hawks brought a title back to the Second City, ending the longest title drought in the league.
Mr. Cleo called this one back on June 13, 2009, the second time he's done that in the four years since he started predicting a champion one year in advance. (The other correct call was the Detroit Red Wings' title in 2008.)
Continuing the tradition, your 2011 Stanley Cup champions: the San Jose Sharks. (And, please, don't come looking for Mr. Cleo if it doesn't happen.)
June 7, 2010
Cup Fever. Watch It.
The Chicago Blackhawks, for the second time this series, won a shootout over the Philadelphia Flyers. Game five's 7-4 victory put them one more win from the Stanley Cup, but given the home-ice dominance during this series, this series appears headed for seven games. Either way, game six is Wednesday in Philly and game seven would be Friday night back in the Second City. Both will air on NBC at 8 p.m.
In the meantime, you can watch the Hershey Bears and the Texas Stars in the Calder Cup finals on Comcast SportsNet. Game three is tonight and game four is Wednesday night. The Bears are down, two-games-to-zero, so they need a win to force a game five. All games in Dallas begin at 8:30 p.m.
In the meantime, you can watch the Hershey Bears and the Texas Stars in the Calder Cup finals on Comcast SportsNet. Game three is tonight and game four is Wednesday night. The Bears are down, two-games-to-zero, so they need a win to force a game five. All games in Dallas begin at 8:30 p.m.
June 1, 2010
Ron Weber, the Draft Picks and the Stanley Cup
Longtime Caps play-by-play announcer Ron Weber, who is still a regular presence in the Verizon Center press box, has been bestowed the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award for outstanding contributions as a hockey broadcaster. The first voice of the Caps, Weber called an outstanding 1,936 consecutive games (often alone) during his 23 years behind the mike.
Although I don't remember much of the Weber era, he certainly always called a mean game and hasn't lost a beat in his observation skills. I've spoken to him a few times and it's a joy to hear his perspective on the current version of the red, white and blue. This is an honor long overdue for a man who very much lives up to his legendary status.
Meanwhile, the Caps took care of some draft-pick housekeeping today by retaining defensemen Dmitri Orlov and Brett Flemming and right wing Garrett Mitchell. Of the three, Orlov has the highest upside.
Orlov played in the KHL last season, putting up four goals, seven points and 49 PIM in 41 games with Novokuznetsk after doing well at last summer's development camp.
"We were really pleased when we drafted him," GM George McPhee said of Orlov, "and we continue to be really pleased in what we have in this player. He is a real good young man, has good character and personality, and he sure has a lot of talent."
The Caps continue to watch as the Chicago Blackhawks inch closer to their first Stanley Cup since 1961. In taking the first two games at home, the Hawks showed they can win a shootout (6-5 in game one) or a low-scoring tilt (2-1 in game two). But one thing is for sure: tomorrow's game three in Philly won't be easy. In fact, Mr. Cleo expects the Flyers to win the game.
Although I don't remember much of the Weber era, he certainly always called a mean game and hasn't lost a beat in his observation skills. I've spoken to him a few times and it's a joy to hear his perspective on the current version of the red, white and blue. This is an honor long overdue for a man who very much lives up to his legendary status.
Meanwhile, the Caps took care of some draft-pick housekeeping today by retaining defensemen Dmitri Orlov and Brett Flemming and right wing Garrett Mitchell. Of the three, Orlov has the highest upside.
Orlov played in the KHL last season, putting up four goals, seven points and 49 PIM in 41 games with Novokuznetsk after doing well at last summer's development camp.
"We were really pleased when we drafted him," GM George McPhee said of Orlov, "and we continue to be really pleased in what we have in this player. He is a real good young man, has good character and personality, and he sure has a lot of talent."
The Caps continue to watch as the Chicago Blackhawks inch closer to their first Stanley Cup since 1961. In taking the first two games at home, the Hawks showed they can win a shootout (6-5 in game one) or a low-scoring tilt (2-1 in game two). But one thing is for sure: tomorrow's game three in Philly won't be easy. In fact, Mr. Cleo expects the Flyers to win the game.
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