All’s Quiet in DC

The NHL’s free agency deadline has come and gone and as expected, the free agency frenzy is in full swing.   A number of big name free agents will be fitted for their new sweaters in the coming days.  Depending on which camp you’re in, the Capitals have been expected, or unexpectedly quiet today.  Most of us in DC are incredibly anxious to see how George McPhee handles the free agency period, and more specifically how he will address the Caps’ most pressing needs.  I am of the opinion that the number priority this offseason is the addition of a second line center.  Nick Backstrom is arguably one of the top two or three centers in the NHL at this point, but to much is being asked of him.  The Caps are in dire need of another pivot to play with Alex Semin.  We’ve seen the numbers that Alex Semin can put up.  Imagine Semin with a true legit pivot man, one he has never had here in DC.

The other need so frequently referenced is the need of shutdown defenseman.  I may be in the minority on this one, but with Karl Alzner and John Carlson joining the club full time next season, the Capitals blueline is already better than it was for the majority of last season.  That said, I would without hesitation welcome some defensive depth as currently John Erkine and Tyler Sloan represent the Caps seventh and eighth defenseman.  Neither of them would be high on anyone’s list defensive pairs.  But with the likes of Anton Volchenkov, Paul Martin, and Zbynek Michalek all being signed elsewhere, the list of coveted defenseman is dwindling.  Still remaing (as of 8:00pm) is Willie Mitchell who has long been rumored to be on the Capitals’ radar.

But unless you are new to the game and just now becoming a follower of George McPhee, you would have now learned not to believe any Caps rumors you hear.  McPhee and the Caps organization as a whole are notoriously tight lipped out personnel dealings.  So be not surprised if the signings the Caps make in the future seemingly come from left field.  Mike Knuble is exhibit “A” from last year.  Knuble’s bags were packed and a one way ticket to LA was in hand.  Quickly things can change.

It appears that GMGM is being patient this time around.  He has publically said that he happy with the current state of the Capitals roster.  When asked to address the need at center, he points to the players down on the farm in Hershey.  This shouldn’t be a surprise, afterall McPhee drafted these players so of course he is going to place these players on a pedestal.  Matthieu Perreault may be ready for the NHL, but giving him duty on the second line is a tall order.  Perreault has shown the ability to succeed in the NHL, but not for long periods of time.  Perreault was first on McPhee’s list of callups, and for the most part brought a spark to the lineup.  But that spark didn’t sustain itself over the course of 10-20 games.  Perreault is much better for a third line as he provides speed and energy, but lacks the pure playmaking ability required to center an elite second line.  Perreault certainly has the talent to mature into elite center, but his time is still yet to come.

McPhee also mentions Marcus Johansson as a possible replacement for Brendan Morrison on the second line.  But again, Johansson has yet to play a game in the NHL.  Expecting Johansson to play second line minutes, along side an NHL elite scorer is too much to expect. 

The Capitals must look outside the organization to fill this need.  But with the first day of free agency turning into a de facto mid summer trade deadline (or so it seems with all the signings today), the Capitals may miss out on their man.  Matt Cullen, Olie Jokinen (thankfully), Saku Koivu, and others have all found homes for next season.  The already short supply of NHL proven centers is dwindling.

So for now, DC must wait.  McPhee has surely been on the phones all day.  He is an aggressive GM.  He is willing to make a splash, however GMGM always has the team’s long term interests as a priority.  McPhee will not mortgage the Caps’ future away in exchange for short term success. 

So we wait……

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