I agree on Djoos. I don't know why he wouldn't get at least what Bowey got, especially considering that he actually played every night when they won the Cup.

I'm a big Faksa fan, and I think he's one of the more true underrated players in the league. I like him better than Eller probably, even though Faksa did not have a good growth year at all.

But I have real concerns about losing him in a year. Eller is locked up on a fair contract for four years. While this helps us cost wise this year, long term it does not financially. I don't think Faksa signs for $3.5 IF he has a good year (40+ points I'd expect, which if he continues developing he should).

It's a gamble with a small payoff. There is literally no one in the system ready next year to take on 3C duties.

The Caps have different long term financial needs than the Stars. The Stars have a ton of money and term locked up in their top two centers. The Caps have money and term locked up in their middle two. With the expansion draft and new CBA looming, and Backstrom and Holtby's contracts expiring next year, having an expiring RFA 3C provides excellent financial flexibility to expose and/or sign the necessary players. I'd rather see Vrana locked up longer term now, have money for Backstrom and/or Holtby next year, and risk having to trade Faksa and make a reach on a 3C replacement until McMichael is ready than be forced to deal from a position of weakness when Eller is inevitably exposed and/or traded for below-market only to immediately have to worry about re-signing Vrana again.

The Caps window could conceivably slam shut after this season. I believe Faksa is an improvement on Eller in several different ways, and gives the team a better chance to succeed this season before truly difficult decisions have to be made.

I'm not sure the Caps have too many difficult decisions next year. Backstrom- yes, Siegenthaler - yes, Holtby - no, Boyd - probably no. Samsanov will be up and taking over the starting job so Holtby will either be traded at this season's deadline or allowed to walk at the conclusion depending on how the season is going. I like Eller and he fits here well and has a very good contract. Just my thoughts. Go Caps!