February 27, 2004
Lang To Detroit
TSN is reporting that the Detroit Red Wings have acquired center Robert Lang, the NHL's leading scorer this season, from the Washington Capitals in exchange for junior winger Thomas Fleischmann, a first round draft pick in 2004, and a fourth round pick in 2006.
Here's the skinny on Fleischmann from Red Wings Central:
STRENGTHS
Fast skater with quickness and agility ... excellent stickhandler with terrific 1-on-1 moves ... gritty workhorse who battles through checks to get to front of net ... capable of scoring goals with his soft hands in tight and a quick, accurate shot ... tremendous vision and great playmaker ... good hockey sense and intelligent offensively ... fierce competitor with good work ethic ...
WEAKNESSES
Doesn't always bury his chances when in scoring position ... sometimes looks for the open man instead of shooting ... slender build needs more muscle for Fleischmann to win battles and create open space in the pros ...
PROJECTION
Fleischmann has made a smooth adjustment to North America on and off the ice. He has the speed, moves and hands to develop into a scoring-line player at the NHL level.
Fleischmann is currently plays for the Moose Jaw Warriors of the WHL, where he is the team's second leading scorer with 28 goals and 41 assists.
A pretty good deal, especially considering the Caps rid themselves completely of Lang's contract, get a pretty good prospect, and a pick that's probably going to come at the bottom of the first round in next year's draft. Looks like it's going to be crowded in Portland next season, home of the Caps top minor league affiliate.
As for the Wings, with a farm system that's so incredibly deep, and without knowing when you're going to have another shot at the Stanley Cup, the deal was too good to pass up. Most significantly, this deal will probably allow the Wings to cut down on Steve Yzerman's minutes, and help keep him fresh for the playoffs.
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The question: Will the Caps keep *anyone*? Gonchar seems as good as gone. Maybe Kolzig stays even though there are two great prospects and one decent backup in line behind him? Maybe Witt becomes the building block of the future?
Maybe they package Gonchar and either Stana or Ouellet. Imagine what they could get in THAT deal.
Posted by:
at February 27, 2004 02:24 PM
In the right hands, a first-round pick is a great thing to have. So now the Caps have two first-rounders this summer.
Let's assume that Gonchar gets traded for some good picks. The next question is: Do the Capitals want McPhee to be in charge when the teams has to make all these picks? I, for one, think he shouldn't be around by then.
Posted by:
at February 27, 2004 04:21 PM
It's probably just the anarchist part of my brain talking, but I love a good fire sale. I've even changed my previously-negative view of Isiah Thomas after he blew up the Knicks roster.
Posted by:
at February 27, 2004 04:24 PM
I think McPhee can be a capable GM if Leonsis lets him make all the hockey decisions rather than meddling in things.
I'm with you SKip. Firesales are great fun for the rest of us, and I find it pretty interesting to watch teams rebuild too. Calgary is finally doing a decent job of it, though they were never good enough to have the big sale anyway. San Jose, Tmapa and the Sens are great examples of what smart drafting can do for you. Hopefully McPhee has been watching them closely.
Next up- the Rangers. Who's going first? I had Nedved or Holik pegged for Detroit but that's a bit doubtful now. Maybe Kovalev?
Posted by:
at February 27, 2004 04:40 PM
I'm looking forward to the quality hockey that will be played in Portland next year. Go Pirates!
Posted by:
at February 27, 2004 04:40 PM
I would think that if McPhee were going to get the axe, he'd have gotten it by now. Do they keep Kolzig as a sop to longtime fans? I doubt it...
Posted by:
at February 27, 2004 04:52 PM
I think John is on to something: They keep Kolzig to appear that they care for their fans. But Gonchar: he's gone...
Posted by:
at February 27, 2004 05:04 PM
The argument for keeping Kolzig is that he's going to be 34, and if there is a prolonged league shutdown, there's almost no point to trading him. He's given no indication that he's eager to leave Washington, and even in a firesale you keep at least one recognizable veteran, the way the Orioles kept Cal around a year too long.
Posted by:
at February 27, 2004 08:20 PM
More importantly, who wants Kolzig? Is there any team that wants him as a starter, and he's too pricey to be a backup. Colorado might want a veteran to backup Aebischer but Olaf costs way too much, especially with Irbe available. I just don't think there's much of a market for Kolzig.
Posted by:
at February 28, 2004 01:12 AM
I agree with Benw - the goaltender market is glutted- who wants Kolzig?
Posted by:
at February 28, 2004 01:50 AM
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02:19 PM