I understand that the near consensus is that the Caps just wasted their best shot at a Stanley Cup this season. I totally understand why that is what's believed, but I feel that this may actually be a better chance for them in this season, and it is due to a couple reasons.
1. The Capitals will most likely not end up being the President's Trophy winners with the huge expectations of a Stanley Cup, especially after they just lost Nate Schmidt. I think that them heading into the playoffs expected to lose will be good for them. I feel that we saw an example of this against the Penguins this year. After they went down 3-1, they dominated the next two games that they were supposed to lose, and then lost a Game 7 that they were the favorites for. I understand that once they get in the playoffs there is a mental block there, but I feel that them not being the favorites kind of takes off the pressure a bit and they may loosen up and just play their game, which is exactly what happened in Game 6.
2. This season is a perfect opportunity for them to do what Pittsburgh has done the past couple of seasons -- get young prospects some extended playing time to try and find impact players. Pittsburgh brought in young players like Guentzal, Murray and Rust because they needed players that could play in the NHL whether it was due to injury or the salary cap. The Capitals have players like Djoos, Barber, Walker, Lewington, Mitchell and Gustafsson that could become diamonds in the rough and make huge impacts, especially Djoos.
3. The team is still really good. Now that they've resigned Oshie, they won't be losing an "irreplaceable" player. The lose of Williams' 20 goals in the middle six should hurt, but it could've been a lot worse. Schmidt will also be tough to replace, but I honestly believe that Djoos could end up being a more than capable defenseman for them. Burakovsky and Vrana should each take some big steps this season, and I wouldn't be surprised if Wilson had a breakout year as well. If Connolly gets some more minutes, his goal total could hover around 18. I truthfully believe that they can be a very good team again and still compete for the Stanley Cup.
I know the situation isn't ideal for the Caps, but I believe that it is better than most people think it is. I think bringing in some new age players along with certain players stepping up and taking their game to a new level could propel them, more so than any trade deadline addition (cough, Shattenkirk, cough) could do.
Also, the reason I have the Caps trading Grubauer for a good prospect and picks is because I don't think there is a team that would want Grubauer and be willing to move a top 4 defenseman that the Capitals can afford. It would be good for them to get some more picks and a prospect, but if they can keep Grubauer under the cap they should. Having a backup goaltender like that is huge
That's an awful big payout for Grubauer, especially for a rebuilding team that needs all the draft picks they can get. The market isn't great for goalies right now and granted, Grubauer has been a steady backup that hasn't stumbled like some of the other options out there currently, VAN won't pay if this is the price. Grubauer might be an entry way to facilitating something else, like an Orpik cap dump perhaps? Orlov might also consider playing in Russia if you do him like that.
Totally agree with everything you said. Caps still have a great team (depending what they do with 2LHD b/c Orpik or Chorney aren't the answer). And as they proved the last 2 seasons it doesn't matter how good you are, just make the playoffs and hope your goalie shows up and you get some bounces. Caps dominated PIT and lost, so why can't Caps do the same? They won't be #1 but still very very very good.
No reason to think that Capitals won't be top contenders again next year. Agree with mem warrior.....a package of Orpik and something good to Vancouver or some team might be the only way to get cap space.
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