Washington will be looking to bolster their offense. The question will be: At what cost?
The offseason is officially fully here.
After the Florida Panthers hoisted the Stanley Cup for the second straight year on Wednesday night, the Washington Capitals can fully start their offseason discussions around the NHL Draft and Free Agency.
The Caps will be looking to add to their team this offseason whether in free agency or via the trade. One name that has floated around: Dallas Stars forward Jason Robertson.
The 25-year old forward has had a productive career in Big D, but has been largely overshadowed by Wyatt Johnston, Matt Duchene, Roope Hintz, and others on the studded Stars roster.
Not to mention, Dallas is having cap issues this offseason with less than $50k left to work with as it currently stands according to reports. It's been reported that Dallas is trying to re sign Robertson, but they may have no choice but to move him to save money.
Could a change of scenery make sense? I sat down with Brian Sweet from Blackout Dallas to get his thoughts on a potential trade.
Matt Miguez: What do you like about Jason Robertson's game? What do you dislike?
BS: The one thing about Jason Robertson’s game that I like is that he’s able to take over a game on certain nights if he gets hot. He’s also got a great defensive game as well which makes him a great two-way player. The only downside about his game is when the Stars need him to show up, he tends to crawl up and go hide in the corner. For an example, take a look at the last two playoff runs the Stars have. He wasn’t much of a factor when the Stars needed his offense.
MM: How is he is the locker room? He is a quiet guy, leader, etc?
BS: He’s a good guy to have in the locker room. He’s very nice and doesn’t put anyone down. He’s the type of player that you wouldn’t have to worry about off the ice either. Spencer Carbery would love him as an addition to his team for next season. However, I don’t know if he would end up being an assistant captain or the captain of the Capitals. He’s kind of quiet on the ice and isn’t the vocal type telling his line mates what to do.
MM: How do you think he'd fit with the Caps?
BS: He would give the Capitals a young wing that could be a top 6 player in their lineup. I think it would give the Capitals possibly another gear in the playoffs and could derail the Panthers’ chances at a dynasty next season. He would be someone that would bring value to the lineup for the Capitals. If they are able to pair him with the right line mates, the Eastern Conference better watch out.
MM: Do you think the Stars are willing to move him?
BS: At first it looked like he was going to be the perfect tradable player because of what he brings to the table in terms of his play style. However, the Stars recently came out saying the recent reports of them shopping Robertson around were completely blown out of proportion. If the Stars were to trade him, the trade package would have to be one that exceeds his value. It would have to be something that Jim Nill couldn’t pass up on. Plus, another reason the Stars won’t trade Robertson is if they make Neil Graham the next coach of the franchise. He’s one of the coaches that’s developed Robertson into a machine. I think they would want to keep players he’s familiar with for his first year as an NHL coach if he gets the job.
MM: What is a realistic trade package?
BS: It’s hard to make a trade package based on the players the Stars would be asking for since both are unrestricted free agents. Jakob Chychrun would have to be re-signed to team team-friendly contract for the Stars, plus a couple of first-round picks to recoup the two they lost in the Mikko Rantanen deal. That’s how much Robertson means to the franchise, and they want him here for his career. The Stars also want to get younger while still competing for the Stanley Cup. I don’t know if the Capitals have any prospects that Nill would be interested in.
