Why would we pay someone that still doesn't have a contract over $1M? Doan isn't going to sign with us, he's done. Laich is only a fan favorite, signing him would be only a publicity stunt.

This team is not a legitimate Cup contender with these signings. I'd much rather us let our young kids get some experience in the playoffs than sit them on the bench and still lose.

Why pay Wideman? Because he's only 34, he's a former all star who plyed 20 minutes per night last year for Calgary, went -6, and put up 18 points. He's worth 3M, probably held out for 5, and would be a steal anywhere close to 1M. https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/w/widemde01.html
I'd sign Wideman, not to replace Djoos, who, with a couple more injuries, will still fit under the salary cap, but to replace Chorney who is going to play a few games when Djoos gets benched after a rookie mistake unless the Caps pick up a depth defenseman. Are there other options? Sure! But you have to give something up to get them. Signing a midseason UFA lets the Caps trade away a decent veteran in Chorney, and maybe even get something back.

Laich is slow,but he's got 32 points in 65 playoff games, all with the Caps, and he's only 34. To me that sounds like the kind of player who can put together a hot streak in a 2nd or 3rd round, and help a team contend. Look back at those old Detroit teams and how many of their own "fan favorites" they kept around, and how many found ways to keep producing. https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/l/laichbr01.html. at this point in his career, he's a defensive liability, but maybe less so than anyone the Caps would call up from Hershey, and he has playoff experience, which, as you point out, is valuable.

I'd have suggested Iginla, but he's just as bad defensively, probably not any more offensively useful at 40 than Laich at 34, and less likely to take minimum wage.

Laich is barely an AHLer.
Doan and Wideman retired.

https://www.nhl.com/news/scott-niedermayer-will-rejoin-ducks-delay-retirement/c-345576

Niedermayer was 34 when he signed out of retirement at midseason and remained a force for the Ducks Now, Niedermayer had had 54 points the last season. Wideman hasn't had 54 points for two years. So only about a mill for him, but he's still a massive upgrade over Taylor Chorney, and could even see top four minutes over Orpik, if he gets back into top shape.

Laich, Doan, or Iginla are just options for forward depth without giving up draft picks. I agree that they are on the bubble of actually needing to retire, and I think Doan actually made it official, but I seem to also recall people wondering when Dave Andreychuck would retire, at some point before he led the Lightning through the playoffs. Do the Caps need any of these guys? Nah. But Wideman would help a lot, and adding Laich or Iginla or Doan would take the pressure off of management to overpay in picks and prospects for a rental forward who might not be much better. Agree? Disagree?