Quoting: NoVaSpartan
I wouldn't say I quite agree that he doesn't have the production to warrant 3C, I felt he looked decent in very limited minutes last year, especially when he briefly took 3C from Eller, but I think Lavi limiting his minutes didn't allow him to fully show his talent. I do have questions about his defensive ability (especially defensive awareness, more often than not I saw him watching 2 on 1 plays down low instead of covering for a defenseman).
I do agree that he shouldn't go to the 3C at this point though, I'd have him on the 2nd line as he should get far more development and opportunities with Mantha and Strome rather than Eller/MoJo and Oshie, at least until Wilson returns, when the Caps can reevaluate. Right now, I would still want the Caps to at least consider trading Eller, as I think Protas and Snively have impressed me enough to warrant getting a starting spot, and I can't see either of them making the roster with Eller/MoJo still around. I can agree with what you said about contending teams not necessarily worrying about developing the youth (which much of twitter fails to grasp), but in this case, I think Protas and Snively have earned spots with their play, not with their potential to maybe be better than Eller eventually.
Edit: I'd personally want the lines at this point to be:
Ovechkin-Kuznetsov-Brown
McMichael-Strome-Mantha
Snively-Eller-Oshie
Sheary-Dowd-Hathaway
Quoting: ClockReads2113
I don't want to get rid of Eller, but I think he's the first out if Backy comes out. We'll need the space.
I think McM could be 2C right now, he's that good. He averaged like 13th forward time last season and was arguably out best possession player. He was a beast. Put him on the 2nd line full time and I be he cooks.
Quoting: qc14
I definitely agree that there is no need to get rid of Eller right now. I think there are probably 16 forwards who legitimately could have an NHL spot this year and that is without Wilson or Backstrom in. Obviously its not the best to block spots for younger guys like McM, Protas, Snively, but the goal this year should be to win the cup, development be damned. As we saw last year as well, there is absolutely zero guarantee that everyone stays healthy, and I expect Oshie and Mantha at least to miss some time. While I would rather see McM at the 3c rather than Eller, having 5 NHL centers is by no means a bad thing.
Edit: While McM's counting stats weren't great last year even when adjusting for his very minimal ice time, they were perfectly fine for a rookie. What was more encouraging though, was that his possession stats and chance creation stats in particular were some of the best on the team. Defensively, I view him a bit like Carlson in that while overall he actually is a good defensive player, the mistakes he did make on D tended to be big ones that would lead directly to big chances against (which once again is not that worrying as a rookie). If he improves his finishing, I feel really good about McM as a middle 6 center. That being said, he needs to be the one to take that spot -- they are absolutely not in a position to be giving minutes to anyone just so they can figure it out.
Great points all the way around. Really appreciate the feedback here.
@NoVaSpartan - I love those lines you put together. Snively and Protas have REALLY impressed me (and others on the Caps have spoken out about those specific players - including Iorio in there). Also, solid idea to put McMichael on the second line. That would provide more opportunities for him and hopefully - more finish.
@ClockReads2113 - Couldn't agree more - Eller is the first one out if Backy comes back / if they need to create space for a TDL acquisition / if McMichael establishes himself as a 3c. Slightly disagree with you on McMichael being a 2c right now, but that's just me.
@qc14 - Depth is always a good thing! I agree with everything you said, especially the defensive parts. McMichael is not a bad defender, but his mistakes have resulted in big chances / goals. I bet that will be fixed as he develops
Another thing to think about:
If the Caps traded Eller and replaced with McMichael (or Protas for that matter), that would REALLY hurt the PK. Who would be the 2nd PK center (behind Dowd)? Kuzy did a solid job on the PK, but he is eh on faceoffs and late in the game when you need a kill, you aren't going to put him out. McMichael? We already touched on his defensive ability so that's a no. Protas? I mean, maybe but you wouldn't play Protas just for PK time. Eller provides a sense of security with the team I think. This could certainly change, and you don't keep someone around for just PK time (unless you are Hags), but still something to consider.
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