Comments on: Trouble Signing

By: invitaMax

invitaMax — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 18:44:36 +0000

I think you are thinking like sukrat, but I think you should cover the other side of the topic in the post too…

By: Steve in Jersey

Steve in Jersey — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 16:33:39 +0000

Definitely part of a bigger plan where something occurs with one of the other D getting traded, not signed etc. McPhee didn’t have to sign Erskine now, but he did, a definite sign that other moves are in the offing. Also a subtle mind game for both D-men on the Caps and in the system to step up their games – a spot will be open by year’s end. All GM’s are looking for D at the trade deadline.

By: Super

Super — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 09:54:35 +0000

Sorry, another minority on this one, but big John hasn’t been quite the defensive casualty that everyone makes him out to be, let alone offensively. I have watched several instances already this year where he has sparked, or even created offensive plays that occur in a Caps goal. Good for John.

By: Off Wing Opinion

Off Wing Opinion — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 21:35:40 +0000

What to Do With Erskine……

I know I’m a little late to the party with this, but I’m still trying to figure out how John……

By: Capital Fanatic

Capital Fanatic — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 20:49:01 +0000

I think this really puts Shaone Morrisonn on the hot seat for next season. His play this year has been less than stellar. Last night, I blame him for that second goal. Why did he choose to leave the guy on the far side completely wide open? Horrible coverage. When Karl Alzner is ready, Morrisonn could be on the trade block.

By: NHL Observer

NHL Observer — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 20:48:14 +0000

The Erskine signing is a bit odd, in that I just never got the feeling that there were going to be teams breaking down the door next summer to sign him. What was the rush, and why so much for so long? I have to think that this is part of a larger plan to ditch Juice, Mo or both, and go with the kids. Erskine provides some muscle that nobody else seems to have on the blueline, but he’s so immobile that this signing reminds me of how good an idea it was to lock up Ben Clymer for a few years…

By: Chimaera

Chimaera — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 20:37:32 +0000

Oh, and I might be in the minority, but I don’t see it as an awful deal. The deal I would make? probably not.
If Erskine can stay healthy (and i don’t know if that is the case).
Next year, Brashear is probably done or just about on his last leg. 1.25 for a guy who can play defense or forward (if he can make the transition, which as a 8-9 minute forward I wouldn’t see why not) actually makes him pretty valuable. Is he a great fighter? No. But he is servicable to the point of where he can keep teams honest. Do I want him fighting Godard or Big George Laraque? Heck no. but he’s more than capable of tuning up Conboy and company in the SE.
He would also provide a lot of flexibility in the lineup, pending on where the young players are.

By: nuftjedi

nuftjedi — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 19:54:25 +0000

I got it. This is linked to Eminger’s situation last year. Whatever John has over GMGM that made them play Erskine while leaving Eminger out to pasture is carrying over into Erskine getting this deal.
…….or not.

By: Sombrero Guy

Sombrero Guy — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 19:42:23 +0000

i can not believe Erskine will be making 1.25 million for the next two seasons. I was prepared to see the deal was for 800K but 1.25 is crazy.

By: Strungout

Strungout — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 18:26:10 +0000

I wouldn’t be shocked to see Morrisonn moved…before the end of this existing season. It’s looking more obvious that the Caps are not going to be willing to pay him what he could potentially get come arbitration time, so naturally it could be setting the wheels in motion for them to get someone back for him, before it’s too late. Not to mention they have a cheaper (by only $300k) version of Mo playing in Hershey right now by the name of Karl Alzner. Young…but ready.