It's a day before the draft and the Washington Capitals have been all over the rumor mill with links to Patrick Sharp and the Edmonton Oilers, in regards to Mike Green's rights. Since George McPhee was GM, most rumors were highly speculated as the Caps never released any information about what they were looking for or how they wanted to strengthen their lineup. In the Brian MacLellan era, not much as change, however with the current roster, however, and how they fared this past season, it's easy to pinpoint where the problem areas are for Washington.
It starts at right wing, most notably on the top line alongside Nicklas Backstrom and Alex Ovechkin. The Caps need a constant there and not the 9-10 players that played the position this past year. They need someone who is active on the puck and can score, giving Ovechkin some more room and less pressure to be the go-to-guy on every shift.
There are a few top right-wingers possibly available this off-season, whether it via trade or free-agency. Let's take a look, shall we?
T.J. Oshie - St. Louis Blues: Oshie is rumored to be on the block as the Blues try to figure out what went wrong last year (sounds a lot like the new San Jose Sharks) He's got two years left at a $4.175M cap hit. It's doable, but what in the world would the Blues want? Or what wouldn't they want?
Justin Williams - Los Angeles Kings: The Kings are in cap trouble if they can't unload some salary. Williams will attract a lot of attention, and the Capitals would love his playoff experience. Williams is a UFA and it all depends on who he thinks has the best chance of winning.
Kyle Okposo - New York Islanders: He may or may not be available, but Okposo's value will demand a good return for the Isles who are looking for a new spark next season as they begin their journey in Brooklyn. It's a stretch to say the Caps are involved, but they certainly have to kick the tires and see what the Isles want.
Patrick Sharp - Chicago Blackhawks: The Hawks are asking a little too much for Sharp (prospect, roster player and pick) but chances are Chicago will end taking what they can get, and the Caps could have the answer. Washington has a nice pipeline of young talent, just as long as this doesn't become the next Forsberg-for-Erat deal. Sharp's salary is high though (2 years left at $5.9M), and the Capitals might have to sacrifice one of their UFA's to obtain Sharp's services.
Chris Stewart - Minnesota Wild: Acquired at the trade deadline, Stewart didn't to make much a name for himself in Minnesota, but the UFA may return to the Wild if they can agree on a deal. If Stewart hits the market, the Caps may want to acquire his tough, no-nonsense game to replace Joel Ward. Whether or not he could play on the top line though is the question.
Radim Vrbata - Vancouver Canucks: He has one year left on his $5M cap hit, but it's possible the Canucks deal him to get some better assets. I doubt it, but you never know what can happen - they dealt Schneider at last year's draft.
Alexander Semin - Carolina Hurricanes: He has three years left at $7M a season - insane. However, the GM Ron Francis might just buy the crafty Russian out, and that could mean a discount on the former Capital and good friend of Alex Ovechkin. Semin is this generations Alex Kovalev in that he very well could be the most talented player in the world, but has the motivation of a turnip. It's not out the realm of possibility.
If the Caps want to upgrade other positions, like a 2nd or 3rd line center, then there is one name that comes to mind:
Mike Richards - Los Angeles Kings: Richards, in my humble opinion, isn't done yet. His contract may be poison, but that doesn't mean he's not worth a ton to a team in need of a good locker room presence. Richards can bring a lot to a hockey team, and the Caps would benefit from his experience and his leadership, not to mention is good two-way game, which under Trotz would only get better.
What do you guys think?
More to come...