How will the Capitals address their third-line center spot? Will the Sharks pursue another defenseman?
Capitals could look to within to address third-line center spot.
Capitals could turn to Marcus Johansson to address their third-line center needs.
CSNWASHINGTON.COM: J.J. Regan recently reported the departure of Eric Fehr via free agency leaves the Washington Capitals with a hole at third-line center which could prove difficult to fill. With limited cap space and few decent options available in the free-agent market, the Caps could look to within to address the matter. Earlier this week, Capitals GM Brian MacLellan said he was exploring a couple of things but otherwise expects to be done for now. One option could be sliding recently re-signed Marcus Johansson into that role.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Capitals have less than $470K of cap space for next season, so signing a free agent is out of the question unless they trade or demote someone. A trade is possible, but I expect the Capitals will evaluate their roster during training camp and preseason before deciding if that move is necessary. Demoting a lower-salaried player, like Zach Sill or Michael Latta, and signing a low-cost UFA like Mike Santorelli could be an option.
No blueline addtions for the Sharks?
CSNBAYAREA.COM: In a recent mailbag, Kevin Kurz maintains his belief the San Jose Sharks could use another experienced defenseman, but gets the impression that’s not going to happen. He expects the competition for the sixth defense spot will be an early storyline between Mirco Mueller, Matt Tennyson and Dylan DeMelo.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sharks have just over $1 million in cap space for 2015-16. They have enough wiggle room for an affordable depth defenseman, though I suspect GM Doug Wilson likely prefers to keep that space available for other moves if necessary during the regular season. If Mueller or Tennyson fail to measure up, their demotion would free up room for a veteran edition, though that likely won’t be determined until the end of the training camp period. Affordable depth options via free agency could include David Schlemko, Tim Gleason, Anton Volchenkov or Jordan Leopold.
Gotta say, I like what the Sharks have done in the off season. I think they should kick the tires on Schlemko. I could see him being a real nice addition to the Sharks d-corps. Something tells me he’s just fit. Really love the addition of Ward, as well. Sharks are going to be tough this year.
I’m not so sure. Jones is way too unproven to be a starter and the core has done nothing but aged. They have some good pieces, I’m big on BB, plus Couture and Hertl are good building blocks, but the vets are way past their best before dates and Martin and Ward only add to that. I’m predicting a bottom 10 finish, like last year.
Bottom ten finish? I’ll take that bet right now. What are we betting?
Jones will be better than Niemi was last season and Martin will be able to cover for Burns, including his PK minutes.
Ward will keep honest anyone trying to take runs as Couture or Marleau. And DeBoer won’t hesitate to put Marleau on the 3rd line if he isn’t producing.
What’s the bet?
10 doll hairs, i accept cheque, visa, PayPal or money transfer haha
If I was to bet actual money I’d probably play it a bit safe and just bet they don’t make the playoffs. It wouldn’t surprise me if they made a bottom 10 finish (especially considering how much improvement we’ve seen from the rest of the teams in the pacific) but I’d be floored if they made the playoffs. I’m clearly not clairvoyant but I feel pretty strongly about this.
no. what the sharks did in the offseason were mid-level sideways moves at best, that don’t compare to the moves others in the division have made.
san jose is rotten at it’s core. they’re a bubble team and will end the season on the outside looking in. if wilson is smart he’ll be a seller at the trade deadline, unfortunately the players he most need to move have NTC and no interest in leaving.
I certainly have concerns about SJ goalie situation but I’m still shocked SJ & LA missed the playoffs last season over Winnipeg & Calgary.
This is a solid roster & I would be shocked if they did’t make the playoffs this season but goaltending is a serious concern & may well be the deciding factor.
Hertl, Thornton, Karlsson.
Marleau, Couture, Ward.
Nieto, Pavelski, Wingels.
Torres, Tierny, Smith.
Spare Brown.
Burns, Dhillon.
Braun, Vlasic.
Martin Mueller.
Tennyson, TBD.
You got your D pairs all wrong. They already said Burns & Martin are D2, while Vlasic & Braun are D1. D3 will be Dillon with Tennyson or Mueller, at least through camp.
Also, Pavs will play up with Jumbo & Melker while Hertl will be on the 3rd line with Tierney centering and Wingles on the other wing.
Fourth line will be Goodrow, Smith and Nieto,
Couldn’t agree more with your expected lines. And when Torres gets inevitably injured, maybe Donskoi and Goldobin will be called up. I personally think Pavs should be playing on the 3rd line but it looks like he’s the only one who can consistently score for the sharks.
I see D. Backes to Montreal for L. Eller + 1st and 2nd Round pick 2016. I think it’s in the talks and will probably hapenn at the trade deadline if blues having bad year. Or St-Louis will just lose him at the end of next year. …..
Really?
Why, that’s fascinating.
can’t see the Blues looking for a center with Stastny, Lehtera, Berglund , Brodziak already in the line-up. But if the Habs want to offer a pivot for Backes the conversation likely starts and ends with Plekanec. Both UFAs at end of season , similar numbers offensively and similar cap hit. I would be surprised if the Blues wanted Eller back they already ditched him in the Halak trade. Talent and potential are there but he is not going to unseat Stastny or Lehtera in StLouis.
If Wilson doesn’t realize he needs another defenseman to replace Irwin then he’s dumb. Not that he’s the brightest to begin with. My autistic cousin could probably be a better GM then Wilson & would even know that they need to sign a defenseman to replace Irwin.
Being a Bruins fan I hope they finish last.
They probably should have held onto that first rounder.
I think the ship in San Jose has sailed. And I believe other teams in the division/ conference will only get better and be better. I don’t expect them to make the playoffs unless Hertl turns into Tarasenko. Even then, goaltending is suspect and the core is yet another year older.