Questions around Capitals' defense-core have them searching for another D-man this offseason
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The Washington Capitals have several action items to consider this offseason, many of which have to do with the team's forwards. The Capitals' defense, however, cannot be neglected, as pressing issues on the blue line continue to raise questions about their effectiveness on the back end.
The top 4 defense pairings have been shored-up already, with Jakob Chychrun and Matt Roy having already been established last summer.
Yet, if anything at all can be taken from defenseman Martin Fehervary's absence in this season's Stanley Cup Playoffs, it's the importance of depth when they were forced to deploy Alex Alexeyev and he could not fill the void.
Dylan McIlrath and Ethan Bear were options, of course, but McIlrath's speed was a liability as a matchup against the Habs and the Canes, and Bear hadn't played a single NHL game all season.
Vincent Iorio and Chase Priskie were the next defense in the depth chart, but after that it was all 1st-tear defenseman beginning their entry-level contracts.
With John Carlson and Trevor van Riemsdyk entering the final season of their deals with Washington, adding a capable defenseman, or two to the roster makes good sense, and is smart management from a contingency standpoint.
Carlson is eligible to sign an extension on July 1st, but the Caps have already said they are taking a wait-and-see where things go approach with his career, before committing to more years.
Adding another d-man just makes sense at this point, as too many questions remain unanswered, and it buys the team some time as d-prospects develop into NHL-ready players.
Some names to consider this offseason in free agency are right-hander Henri Jokiharyu (a younger option), and Jani Hakanpaa (a veteran), though DC would have to be conscious of ice time and role
when it comes to choosing the right player.
when it comes to choosing the right player.
With July 1 just around the corner, decisions will be made soon enough.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 8 | 37 ANSWERS Questions around Capitals' defense-core have them searching for another D-man this offseason Should the Capitals add another top-4 defenseman to their roster from free agency, or develop a prospect? | ||
| Free agency | 19 | 51.4 % |
| Develop a d-prospect | 18 | 48.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
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