The only open spot for forwards is going to be on Eller's wing. Ideally, I'd like to try Panik there again. After taking a while to find his touch in DC, he ended up scoring 16pts in the last 27 games. With the offensively inept Hagelin on Eller's other side, Panik is the best shot to create some 3rd line magic the Caps desperately need to rediscover...
...but assuming Panik's $2.75m continues to go to waste on the 4th line (granted, the combo with Dowd + Hathaway actually looked really good), I'm definitely looking forward to seeing Sprong, the only real option left in my mind to grab that regular spot with Eller. Over Sprong's last 2 seasons with the Ducks, he put up 15 goals in 55 games. I really think this is our guy to bring some balanced scoring back to the lineup since the departure of Brett Connolly. And just like Connolly, Sprong is a high draft pick who was supposed to light the lamp, struggled finding his offensive touch early on, came to WSH... And just like Brett, Sprong will reignite his career with Eller as his center!
Awesome write up Brian, thanks for putting together a quality read as usual while we wait for word on next season.
- ALLCAPS18
Thanks for the comment, @ALLCAPS18. Well said!!! I agree, ideally Panik and his skillset are best fit for the third line. You are also right about the Hathaway-Dowd-Panik 4th line that did catch fire before the COVID pause last season. I could definitely see the Caps putting Sprong on either line until one lineup starts to gel more than the other. I miss Connolly and I agree with you about Sprong's potential to produce in a similar role. I am very optimistic about Laviolette and his historical ability to generate production quickly from his teams. I am hopeful our third and fourth lines are also a product of that trend.
Also, I am from Rockville! I went to RMHS. Awesome to see someone else from the area on this Caps thread.
