In an offseason filled with cries for change for the Washington Capitals, I hope GMBM takes a step back and realizes that he still has a strong team. A few smart signings could make the team even better, ultimately bringing the Caps closer to their goal. This is the outlook I've taken in my mock offseason for the Caps. In my first move with the Expansion Draft looming, I made a deal with the all too familiar GMGM. There is no way to actually protect Nate Schmidt, a rediculously fast and also young defenseman. He has improved every year and made giant leaps last season, as his play has been that of a top 4 defenseman. In a trade with Vegas, I figure out not only how to protect Schmidt, but also a taker for Brooks Orpik's hefty contract. A second round pick and a young offensively gifted player still trying to establish himself in Stan Galiev, is enough to convince VGS to take Philipp Grubauer in the Exp. Draft, and take Orpik's contract. Grubauer is no consolation prize, and he has starting potential in net. The biggest cost was paid on shipping off Orpiks 5.5 million dollar cap hit. With the cap space freed up, I moved on to improving the team. My first move consisted of resigning my RFAs which for the most part I went with medium length term and salary as well. I locked up some future core guys, and still left room for some of my UFAs. My biggest task was resigning Oshie, as he expressed his desire to stay in DC. Oshie is a perfect fit in Washington. A 6 year 33 million dollar deal convinces him to stay. Newcomers Brendan Smith and Martin Hanzel are signed to what I believe to be realistic contracts for their value this offseason. In my opinion, they will improve the team's overall depth. Hanzel can play a 2-way game, chip in 35-45 points, and bump Lars Eller to the wing. Brendan Smith replaces Orpik as a younger defensive defenseman that can kill penalties. Next I deal Chorney and a draft pick to acquire Smith-Pelly to effectively replace Winnik as the bottom 6, heavy, grinding, penalty killing forward. Brett Connolly had a career high in goals with 15 and is still 24 years young, but there is no longer a place for him on the roster with Jakub Vrana on the rise. A Montreal team desperate for scoring gives up one of their many 2nd round picks for Connolly. To round out my offseason I knew I needed some depth. Matt Hendricks returning to DC gives them depth, leadership, energy, and toughness. Deryk Englland does the same on the blue line. He can also take some of the pressure off of Tom Wilson's role in the fighting department. Wilson is a player who I hope can continue to improve. His defensive game is really good, but next year I believe his offensive game will take big step. Overall I believe I steadily improved the team while still locking up my young core players. This will be tricky to pull off in real life with a crazy offseason approaching, but I believe it can be done. There are also other alternatives to some of the newcomers if going after some of the top free agents doesn't pan out. Kyle Quincey could be a cheaper alternative to Brendan Smith. Washington could also look to the trade market for a forward instead of Hanzel. Plenty of teams will be looking to move players this year more than others. This rounds out my first official mock offseason with many more to come! Let's go Caps!
McDavid, Connor
250 000 $)
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