Tell you the truth the caps would be smart to get Carter, it would make me laugh. don't buy in that he plays soft and don't care crap. People who say that read too many Tim P. articles, which its a fact he didn't like him or richards. Carter is a very good goal scorer and very good defensive. Is he going to wow you with a check? No. He will bring a ton to the team though. At a cap hit of 5.2 he is a steal.
- PhillyFran

I agree with this post. Carter can also kill penalties, wins faceoffs too. He isn't gritty but he isn't that soft besides defenses will key on Ovechkin not Carter. Put anyone on a winning team and watch the party boy nonsense go away. He needs grinders to play with and the Caps have them.

throw in a 2nd rounder and you got a deal


- wood3348

And you throw one in too. Shultz is good, but not THAT good.

I like the idea of Washington picking up Carter. You are spot on with the difficulty in analyzing what to give up for him.

Here is one suggestion:

Columbus trades Jeff Carter to Washington for Braden Holtby (G), Brooks Laich (C), and the Capitals 2012 1st Round Pick.

Why It Works:

1) Laich will provide depth at centre for Columbus. His point totals are limited, but he's good for around 50 points.
2) The Blue Jackets lack goaltending depth with NHL experience, and although Holtby is young, he did play 14 games for the Caps last year with a 10-2-2 record, SV% of .934 and a GAA of 1.79 with two shutouts. In 95 games with the Hershey Bears, Holtby has 56 wins and 9 shutouts. He managed a .914 SV% and a GAA of 2.41.
3) The Jackets definitely want a 1st round draft pick back, and Washington would be best served to give up their own pick and keep Colorado's pick. Columbus will probably want Colorado's pick.

I'm just not sure if this is enough for Columbus to give up Carter.

I like the idea of Washington picking up Carter. You are spot on with the difficulty in analyzing what to give up for him.

Here is one suggestion:

Columbus trades Jeff Carter to Washington for Braden Holtby (G), Brooks Laich (C), and the Capitals 2012 1st Round Pick.

Why It Works:

1) Laich will provide depth at centre for Columbus. His point totals are limited, but he's good for around 50 points.
2) The Blue Jackets lack goaltending depth with NHL experience, and although Holtby is young, he did play 14 games for the Caps last year with a 10-2-2 record, SV% of .934 and a GAA of 1.79 with two shutouts. In 95 games with the Hershey Bears, Holtby has 56 wins and 9 shutouts. He managed a .914 SV% and a GAA of 2.41.
3) The Jackets definitely want a 1st round draft pick back, and Washington would be best served to give up their own pick and keep Colorado's pick. Columbus will probably want Colorado's pick.

I'm just not sure if this is enough for Columbus to give up Carter.
- canuck_fan_in_t.o.

I think Laich has a no trade clause (if I recall correctly).

EDIT: and I'll also add... who the hell would waive their no trade clause to go to Columbus?

I think Laich has a no trade clause (if I recall correctly).

EDIT: and I'll also add... who the hell would waive their no trade clause to go to Columbus?
- Lohaus

Lohaus: I didn't realize Laich had a NTC. Thanks for the info. And you're right about going to Columbus. But the Jackets could be good with the right pieces. Maybe there is another player that would work in this situation.

What do you think of the other parts of the trade (1st rounder & Holtby)??

Common guys! Beat Florida tonight!

Lohaus: I didn't realize Laich had a NTC. Thanks for the info. And you're right about going to Columbus. But the Jackets could be good with the right pieces. Maybe there is another player that would work in this situation.

What do you think of the other parts of the trade (1st rounder & Holtby)??
- canuck_fan_in_t.o.

I'm sure a deal with Columbus could be worked out, absolutely. Washington has the assets to get it done, especially considerting they have 2 first rounders this year.

I should note that I'm not 100% sure about the NTC of Laich though, its just something I thought he had. I might be wrong though but i'm pretty sure that he does.

I'm sure a deal with Columbus could be worked out, absolutely. Washington has the assets to get it done, especially considerting they have 2 first rounders this year.

I should note that I'm not 100% sure about the NTC of Laich though, its just something I thought he had. I might be wrong though but i'm pretty sure that he does.
- Lohaus

RE: Laich and the NTC, I didn't think he had one but I checked and he appears to have some sort of NTC (possibly limited) but I didn't find the details. Regardless, I doubt that the Caps are going to include him in any potential trade, but I suppose you never know.

Steven - it looks like the rumors do work in getting more traffic/comments in here !

RE: Laich and the NTC, I didn't think he had one but I checked and he appears to have some sort of NTC (possibly limited) but I didn't find the details. Regardless, I doubt that the Caps are going to include him in any potential trade, but I suppose you never know.
- MadCap2008

Brooks Laich = Limited NTC from 2011-12 through 2014-15 (can supply five-team no-trade list at start of each season)

Neuvirth really let them down last night -- needed a big game from the goaltender, and the first two goals were just gifts.

Hi Steven,

I think it would be risky for Washington to get Carter because they already have 2 guys with very long contracts in Ovechkin and Backstrom.

However, since you also follow the Canadiens, don't you think Carter would make more sense for the Canadiens in a trade involving Plekanec?

Hi Steven,

I think it would be risky for Washington to get Carter because they already have 2 guys with very long contracts in Ovechkin and Backstrom.However, since you also follow the Canadiens, don't you think Carter would make more sense for the Canadiens in a trade involving Plekanec?
- wardancr

Agreed.

I'm curious Steven... Why do you feel like you'd need to better what the Jacket's paid to get Carter.

When they acquired him he was coming off a career year and a deep playoff run... now he's floundering and underperforming.

Clearly he's worth less now than he was then...

If the Jacket's truly feel like he'll rebound and return to form with their organization, then he wouldn't be available...

If you're GMGM all you need to do is offer a package that may have a chance of helping the Jackets more long term than if they were to keep Carter in the fold.

The past transaction shouldn't have anything to do with it. That's a sunk cost. Carter today is a mid aged scoring centerman in a serious funk, and on a very long contract. Yes you need to make a competitive offer, but he's not going to command the premium that he did a year ago. At least in my opinion.
- jtommyt

I can understand your point of view on this, but the reality is that there is no way Howson is risking another loss in terms of value by sending Carter off for less than they received.

Though I do agree that his value has decreased, there's still no way Howson isn't looking to recoup at least a majority of what he parted with to gain him in the first place.

In regards to "mid-age center in a funk," at 27 he is in his prime, certainly not "mid-age" and as for his numbers last year versus this year, couple the injuries with a change of scenery and it's easy to see why he isn't playing up to his potential.

And while the value of Carter may have dipped below what the Jackets paid for him, even if slightly, there's still no reason why Howson cannot drive a good price for him.

At his price and given the value he would bring to the Caps lineup, it's definitely not something Washington should merely gloss over. If the opportunity is there, it's absolutely worth considering.

Also, one thing to consider above all else is that Carter with the spotlight on him as a #1 centerman hasn't gone all that well. Slating him in behind a talent like Backstrom would shield him from much of the attention he faces with the Jackets.

True the contract length is an issue, but the cap hit isn't terrible and with the Caps built to compete now and through the foreseeable future, I don't necessarily see the point in shopping for more futures.

Just read on NHL.com that Carter is currently sidelined with a shoulder injury. Do we really need another injured player. Seems we have enough.

Agreed.
- MadCap2008

The contract length is only an issue if you consider the Caps won't be signing anymore of those.

While Green and Semin have fallen off course in terms of earning a longterm extension, there was once a time when both of these players were being considered for similar contracts to OV and NB.

And while I can completely understand the fear in adding another lengthy deal, it's not like Carter is Gomez.

He thrived in the East and has the size and speed that would serve as incredible backup for the Caps top line.

Yet again though, I only used Carter as an example of the big centerman the Caps need. Better yet, taking on one who "can" be a 1st line center and putting him in a protected comfort zone as a 2C just seems to fit with what they need.

Will they do it?

Highly doubtful.

Should they be pursuing a player of his caliber (and one that fits the age range of their current core)?

Absolutely.

Time will tell but the bottom line is they need to make a move to bolster their strength down the middle.

Hi Steven,

I think it would be risky for Washington to get Carter because they already have 2 guys with very long contracts in Ovechkin and Backstrom.

However, since you also follow the Canadiens, don't you think Carter would make more sense for the Canadiens in a trade involving Plekanec?
- wardancr

Carter would also be perfect for the Canadiens, though it would be a role reversal of what he would be expected to do in DC.

If Montreal pursued him, they would certainly be making him their #1.

For the Caps, he fits in as the perfect #2. And while the Habs are in need of player like Carter to fill the skates of their #1, as most around here who have suggested Carter's injury history and attitude are problematic, he may not be ripe for a city of Montreal's nature.

That said, on talent and intangibles alone, Carter certainly fits the need the Habs have.

I still think that because of the issues mentioned above, he would be far more successful in an insulated role like the one he would likely get in Washington.

Then again, from all accounts it seems like the guy just needs out of Columbus.

I think Carter needs to play in front of fans who demand him to play... a fanatical hockey market if you will. I'm quite sure if Carter played in Montreal, or Toronto, he'd be a star.

I normally don't post in here but I was at the game last night because the fiance is a caps fan...::for now:: Roman Hamrlik has to go he is so out of shape he was sucking wind in the first period...constantly being beat outside and way out of position in his own zone... I think buffalo has the depth at young D that may work in a trade with all the picks you guys have...but just cut that old man...

I could tell because I was 2 rows from the ice behind the net....

I can understand your point of view on this, but the reality is that there is no way Howson is risking another loss in terms of value by sending Carter off for less than they received.

Though I do agree that his value has decreased, there's still no way Howson isn't looking to recoup at least a majority of what he parted with to gain him in the first place.

In regards to "mid-age center in a funk," at 27 he is in his prime, certainly not "mid-age" and as for his numbers last year versus this year, couple the injuries with a change of scenery and it's easy to see why he isn't playing up to his potential.

And while the value of Carter may have dipped below what the Jackets paid for him, even if slightly, there's still no reason why Howson cannot drive a good price for him.

At his price and given the value he would bring to the Caps lineup, it's definitely not something Washington should merely gloss over. If the opportunity is there, it's absolutely worth considering.

Also, one thing to consider above all else is that Carter with the spotlight on him as a #1 centerman hasn't gone all that well. Slating him in behind a talent like Backstrom would shield him from much of the attention he faces with the Jackets.

True the contract length is an issue, but the cap hit isn't terrible and with the Caps built to compete now and through the foreseeable future, I don't necessarily see the point in shopping for more futures.
- Sven_119H

Mid-aged wasn't intended as a comment on his quality as a player, nor his potential for the future, but rather simply to point out that at 27, he can't really be considered a young player anymore. A struggling 22 year old with potential is easier to look at with rose-coloured glasses than a struggling 27 year old with a history of success. Especially when that success came on a team as strong as the Flyers were.

I agree that he'd likely perform better in a more sheltered role...

Why/how has nobody mentioned that the Caps might not want him because his head is so screwed up?

He is toxic in the locker room. The BJs are trying to push him out of time because his primadonna horsesh*t has alienated management and his teammates.

100% of the Caps' struggles are psychological. On talent alone, we can go toe-to-toe with anybody in the league. We need confidence, and we need somebody on a current hot streak of production to spark production for the team.

Jeff Carter would make teams play us different, in a very helpful way, but the cost/benefit of having him here, regardless of how much it will cost us in talent and prospects, isn't there.

And I can't even believe folks are talking about trading Brooks Laich. I'd trade alex ovechkin before I traded Brooksie. 21 is the heart and soul of this team. Cut. It. Out. Leonsis wouldn't have OK'ed that kind of money for a third-liner unless there was something very special about him. Brooks Laich is going to retire a Cap.

100% of the Caps' struggles are psychological. On talent alone, we can go toe-to-toe with anybody in the league. We need confidence, and we need somebody on a current hot streak of production to spark production for the team.

- CapsPsycho

lol...keep telling yourself this.


The whole, we've got more talent than other teams top-6, etc, etc..it's just wrong. It wasn't even right two years ago when all of them had career years because of BB's open flow system.