First, let me get this Orpik "thing" out of the way.

Yes, the Capitals did sign one of the worst contracts in the last few years when they signed Orpik to 5 years, $27M. The aging defenseman has battled his way through the NHL his entire career and became one of the toughest defenders to play against in the league. He was always up against the opposing teams top players, throwing big hits, and taking a beating to clear the front of the net for the Penguins. To be that kind of player in this league on a nightly basis is hard enough, but to be closing in on your mid-thirties and playing that way is even harder. The contract was terrible - we know that already - and it doesn't leave much room for the Caps to play around with cap space and bring in some more offensive support now that Grabovski is gone.

However....

GMBM filled a need for the Caps. There hasn't been a shut-down, physical defenseman on this team since Brendan Witt - and he didn't exactly steal the show at times. Orpik does bring leadership and responsibility to the defensive corps of the Washington Capitals. It's a shame it cost so much to get him, but, honestly, if MacLellan didn't do anything at all we'd be complaining about that too. I'm glad Orpik is here.

I'm also glad Niskanen is here. He brings another good set of defensive and offensive skill to the Capitals. His contract is a bit lengthy as well, but he could very well repeat what he did last year for the Penguins. But with the two defenseman signing big contracts, it has created a logjam for the Capitals at defense - something we're not used to here in DC.

So what happens now?

Mike Green has, as I'm sure all of you are aware by now, been the subject of trade rumors throughout the NHL. Detroit is said to be the place where Green could end up, if, of course, the Red Wings can fill a need a for the Capitals. Green's puck moving skills, right handed shot, and ability to run a power play is something that the Red Wings are no doubt curious about, and he would do very well in Detroit.

However, GMBM has said a few times that Mike Green isn't going anywhere at the moment and that they want to get him "back on track" here in DC. Of course no one wants to believe that because it's more fun to speculate and try to figure out a way for Green to be traded and for who, but I really think Green's place is here in Washington.

Mike Green has had a tough last few years with injury and inconsistent play. The Fans here, myself included, have wanted his head. His defensive play has been atrocious at times and his offense has fizzled compared to a few years ago when he scored 30+ goals. However, the Caps, and I know this is a stale excuse, have been a team that has been trying to define themselves for the last 4-5 seasons and a team without an identity is doomed to fail.

Under Trotz and assistant coach Todd Reirden, I truly believe that Green will find his game and once again be a threat in the NHL. I'm not saying he'll score 30 goals again or even 70+ points, but I can see Green resetting his game and finding that calm that he has lacked for so long.

So what does that mean for his contract year?

I think the Caps will hold on to him as long as he can show that he's still capable of competing in the NHL, and I can see the Caps trying to re-sign him. If he struggles, or it seems as if he's not comfortable with this team, then he'll be traded.

What about the rest of the team?

Barry Trotz has to be salivating over the defensive depth of the Washington Capitals - something I never thought I would ever type. The Caps, at least on paper, look very good in their own zone and have a lot potential to do some damage. For the first time, their weaknesses lie up front.

With the current amount of defenseman on the team, it looks like John Erskine, who has been the only toughness on the blueline the last few years, and Dmitry Orlov could be moved to free up space. Jack Hillen could also be moved, but his contract, at only $700K, is a good one to hold on to as long as he can stay healthy and stop running into things.

The current pipe line of young Caps defensive prospects is also something to be admired. Connor Carrick, Nate Schmidt (if they resign him), Patrick Wey, Cameron Schilling and Madison Bowey - all good players who could make an impact in a few years.

The defense may be tweaked again before the end of training camp and one of these kids could take the last spot if Erskine or Orlov get traded.

Up front the Caps will need some scoring help for Ovechkin. The lack of a true number-two center will need to be met, and Troy Brouwer could be the trade bait that the Caps need to land some help. Marcus Johansson is another player the Caps could try to move out, but he's an RFA at the end of the season and that could be an issue. He's shown some spark, but has been inconsistent.

They do have some great young players coming up in Kuznetsov, Burakovsky and Tom Wilson, and they are no doubt the future of the Caps offense. Kuznetsov and Wilson should make an even bigger impact this year and will be given a lot more responsibility.

The Caps should be a solid team this year. I'm not expecting a Cup, but I'm also not expecting them to be a trainwreck like last year. The potential this team has now is good, not great, but we don't anything until October.

As for Green, I hope he stays and gets back to what made him a top offensive defenseman in this league. He's a slick puck mover and a fantastic skater, and I'd hate to lose that.

More to come...

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