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From Spector’s Hockey
THE ATHLETIC: Tarik El-Bashir also weighed in on the Capitals’ offseason needs, including Ovechkin’s contract and Kuznetsov’s status.
El-Bashir feels whatever general manager Brian MacLellan does with Ovechkin’s new deal will affect the rest of this summer’s decision. Moving Kuznetsov’s big contract won’t be easy but there could be a team with interest in the 29-year-old center. He wonders how this year’s disappointing finish will affect the Capitals’ expansion draft protection list.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’ll be shocked if Ovechkin and the Capitals part ways this summer. Kaplan pointed out Capitals owner Ted Leonsis has indicated his intent to ensure his captain stays put.
Because of the flattened cap, Ovechkin might have to accept something between $9 million and $10 million on perhaps a three-year deal. Despite his age, he’s shown little sign of slowing down, with 24 goals and 42 points in 45 games.
A roster shakeup was likely to happen for cap purposes even if the Capitals hadn’t bowed out in the first round. Cap Friendly shows them with just over $72 million invested in 18 players for 2021-22, with Ovechkin as the only core player due for a new contract.
Moving Kuznetsov would help to address that issue. There could be a market for his services but the recent decline in his play, his three-game suspension for “inappropriate conduct” in the fall of 2019, getting placed on the league’s COVID-19 protocol list twice this season and his recent benching for missing a team function all but scream, “buyer beware.”
The expansion draft will help alleviate some of that salary-cap issue as they’re going to lose a player to the Seattle Kraken. It could be a high-salaried veteran such as T.J. Oshie ($5.75 million annual average value) or perhaps someone like Justin Schultz ($4 million), Lars Eller ($3.5 million) or Brenden Dillon ($3.9 million).
BLH’s Thoughts: As an Oilers fan, I’d have time for a salary-retained Brenden Dillion. The club has Darnell Nurse and Adam Larsson but they’re too valuable to the team on the ice, so their toughness is slightly scaled back. A third pair defender like Dillon would have the green light to engage and after watching a few teams target Edmonton’s stars this year, the club needs to bring in some functional toughness.
His fancies are decent for his style as well. You’ll find that his goal share relative and shot share relative in the positive when you read all about them here.
THE ATHLETIC: Jeremy Rutherford believes Schwartz’s status could be the Blues’ biggest question heading into the offseason. He struggled down the stretch and in the playoffs but their left-wing depth is thin.
Rutherford suggests Dunn and perhaps Robert Thomas could be trade candidates. He also feels they need to address their backup goaltending, add size to their blueline, and bring back the versatile Bozak on a one-year, plus-35 contract.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blues have $66.8 million invested in 20 players next season. A new contract for Schwartz will take a big bite out of their remaining cap space but they could have little choice if they don’t feel they can find a suitable replacement via trade or free agency.
Dunn was a fixture in this season’s rumor mill. He could be shopped this summer for a return that addresses one of the Blues’ roster needs.
Rutherford isn’t advocating for Thomas to be traded but wondered where he fits on the top six if Brayden Schenn is their second-line center. As he suggests, it might not hurt to examine his value in the trade market.
Exposing Tarasenko in the expansion draft would be a bold move. However, I don’t think it’s one they’ll consider.
BLH’s Thoughts: I’ve got tons of time for Robert Thomas. I love his combination of skill and grit as well as his positional flexibility. If Edmonton traded for him they could have him as their 2C which would allow McDavid and Draisaitl to play together more often or they could put Thomas on a line with Connor or Leon and he’d provide those two with a reliable winger who has the skill and IQ to keep up.
The video below really breaks down his strengths from an analytical POV.
The question is, how much would a player like this cost? For other Oilers fans, would you be willing to move a top prospect for him? What about a first round pick and a B-prospect like Dmitri Samorukov, Carter Savoie, or Raphael Lavoie?
Let’s be honest though. The Oilers aren’t getting Thomas. As much as I’d love it, the Blues have better options to move than a promising young player entering his prime.
Fun Fact: Both Robert Thomas and Brenden Dillion share the same agent as Edmonton Oilers prospect Tyler Benson. Craig Oster represents all three.
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