I happen to believe Semin is skilled enough to score 40 goals again if he is used in the right system. He's the kind of player who will suffer under a defensive minded coach like Hunter. I think Doan is not going to reach those heights ever again.
Parise, I do rate of course. However, I'd prefer Ryan because we won't be taking a massive risk in terms of term. I don't rate MoJo and I'm willing to ship in out in a trade for Ryan.
Wouldn't be surprised to see them have a workable amount of cap room heading into the season, hopefully for a mid-season trade. We also have guys to extend and sign to new contracts.
I expect a mid-range free agent signing or two, nothing fancy. I believe any high $$ players are going to be acquired via trade not via bidding war where overpayment comes into play.
Carrying that much at the start would allow us to add like $25 million midseason. Or like half a team at the deadline. I suppose that is one strategy.
I happen to believe Semin is skilled enough to score 40 goals again if he is used in the right system. He's the kind of player who will suffer under a defensive minded coach like Hunter.
I'd like to introduce you to Dave Tippet:
"Hi aquablue. My name is Dave Tippet. I am the head coach of Shane Doan's former team, the Phoenix Coyotes. I run one of the strictest defensive systems in the league. My Coyotes scored 2.56 goals per game this season, good for 18th in the league, and ranked lower than your Washington Capitals."
"Hi aquablue. My name is Dave Tippet. I am the head coach of Shane Doan's former team, the Phoenix Coyotes. I run one of the strictest defensive systems in the league. My Coyotes scored 2.56 goals per game this season, good for 18th in the league, and ranked lower than your Washington Capitals."
Your not going to change my opinion on Doan. I think it is a major risk signing older players, just like we say with Knuble.
Doan would be my choice (sans Sutter/Parise). Great leader, gritty, can score, just what this team needs.
__________________
George McPhee....The Teflon GM. 15 years of failure and counting....
6 - Number of playoff series the Capitals have won since George McPhee took over as General Manager in 1997 (which makes him the third-longest-tenured GM in the League), three of which came in McPhee's first season on the job.
I do find it funny that Crosby with an agent got 8.7 per long term, while Ovi, with his mom, got 9.5. Caps need to outsource negotiations with their own players, lol.
I'm sorry, but at his age, he could decline big time in year 2-3 of his contract.
Doan is 35 and really tied to the Phoenix area. If he has to move because Phoenix can't keep him, I really don't see him signing longer than a 1 year deal -both based on his situation and the risk of a team adding a 35+ deal.
I could well be wrong, but if that's the case, I'd overpay for him.
Also:
Semin 4 points in 14 games playing with Backstrom
Doan 9 points in 16 games playing with Vermette
Doan is 35 and really tied to the Phoenix area. If he has to move because Phoenix can't keep him, I really don't see him signing longer than a 1 year deal -both based on his situation and the risk of a team adding a 35+ deal.
I could well be wrong, but if that's the case, I'd overpay for him.
I doubt he'd move to DC for a year. I have a feeling that he'd hate DC like Tim Thomas.
If Doan is leaving Phoenix, I'd be willing to bet the farm it's for more than a 1 year deal.
He's not leaving the area (not relocating his family), so I'd actually doubt it is more than a 1 year deal. The testing free agency is likely an attempt to get a Cup before he hangs up his skates.
Doan is 35 and really tied to the Phoenix area. If he has to move because Phoenix can't keep him, I really don't see him signing longer than a 1 year deal -both based on his situation and the risk of a team adding a 35+ deal.
I could well be wrong, but if that's the case, I'd overpay for him.
Also:
Semin 4 points in 14 games playing with Backstrom
Doan 9 points in 16 games playing with Vermette
Hunter's system was the problem. Let's see what Semin could do under a more offensive system and a decent center
