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Washington Capitals mock offseason: Scorched earth rebuild

By Dave Stevenson

May 10, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; A Washington Capitals fan watches from the stands in the final minute of the third period during the Capitals' game against the Pittsburgh Penguins in game seven of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Verizon Center. The Penguins won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
May 10, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; A Washington Capitals fan watches from the stands in the final minute of the third period during the Capitals' game against the Pittsburgh Penguins in game seven of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Verizon Center. The Penguins won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 23, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals defenseman Dmitry Orlov (9) celebrates with Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov (92) after scoring a goal against the Carolina Hurricanes in the first period at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 23, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals defenseman Dmitry Orlov (9) celebrates with Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov (92) after scoring a goal against the Carolina Hurricanes in the first period at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

A Bright Future

A few players who didn’t get traded are Evgeny Kuznetsov, Andre Burakovsky and Dmitry Orlov. The first and third are obviously a part of the next core. Burakovsky might be, but if he helps them get someone like Jonathan Drouin, the Capitals should be open to trading him. However, in this scenario, he is a part of the next core.

Kuznetsov signs an eight-year deal with an average annual value of $6.25 million. Mark Scheifele, who has similar production, got eight years with an AAV of $6.1 million. Eight years is a long time, but it likely lowers his cap hit a little bit. Ryan Johansen signs an identical deal to Scheifele. Between the two, the Capitals have a strong future down the middle.

Dmitry Orlov gets an eight-year deal with an AAV of $4.5 million. He might want a shorter deal, but I don’t think he could say no to getting $36 million. I’d be willing to go as high as a $5 million AAV for eight years of Orlov. It’s hard to project what Nate Schmidt will sign for, but four years and $2.75 million seems fair. He’s an important part of this team moving forward regardless of what the Caps do. Burakovsky is hard to figure out, but a four year deal worth $2.75 million per season seems fair.

Matt Niskanen doesn’t get traded unless someone gives up A LOT to get him. He’s a first pairing defenseman and one of the best in the NHL. You don’t get that for the foreseeable future without paying a premium price. Gruabuer gets an extension and is the new franchise goalie. The Caps have enough goalie depth in the minors to compensate in case he isn’t.

Must Read: Top 30 players in franchise history

I honestly can’t envision the Washington Capitals blowing up their core. But if they do it and they play their cards right, they could easily set themselves up for future success.

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