Christian Hanson signed by Caps, 1yr, $525k, 2way deal

[cw]

http://theahl.com/capitals-sign-hanson-p171662

http://www.washingtontimes.com/blog/capitals-watch/2011/jul/11/caps-sign-christian-hanson-one-year-deal/


So the only way they materially could have out bid the Leafs was on his AHL pay.

 

[Can8899]

Does he have a better shot at making the Caps 3rd or 4th line?  If so, that could have been a contributing factor as well. 

You never know what behind the scenes discussions go on as well.  Perhaps he was told that he was penciled in for the Marlies again next year and decided that he wanted to move on.

 

[Nik]

I don't know. Maybe he was told by the Caps that if he outplayed other contenders for the 3rd or 4th line job he'd make the team.

 

[Entropyinthecorner]

Maybe the Caps told him he could sit beside OVI in the locker room and that was better that sitting beside anyone in our locker room.  All in all no great loss.  His spot is easily filled.

 

[cw]

I don't know. Maybe he was told by the Caps that if he outplayed other contenders for the 3rd or 4th line job he'd make the team.

The Leafs probably told him the same thing. The difference being that at least with a new team, he starts fresh with people who haven't necessarily made up their minds as firmly or with guys ahead of him who had previously beaten him out of a spot. Of course AHL salary level might have factored into it as well.

 

[Nik]

The Leafs probably told him the same thing.

Maybe. But he has a pretty good reason to think the Leafs would be full of it when they said that.

 

[cw]

Saw a dig on HF that made me smile a little. (paraphrased)

"Somebody found Burkie's wallet?"

 

[pindreamer]

I liked what I saw in Hanson.  He ran everyone and what he lacked in speed and talent he made up for in enthusiasm and energy.

 

[CarltonTheBear]

I don't know. Maybe he was told by the Caps that if he outplayed other contenders for the 3rd or 4th line job he'd make the team.

I hope he makes it, but that's an odd club to try and make the NHL on. They're pretty set at forward, unless they make a trade or two. Which of course they might considering how close to the cap they are.

 

[Nik]

I hope he makes it, but that's an odd club to try and make the NHL on. They're pretty set at forward, unless they make a trade or two. Which of course they might considering how close to the cap they are.

I'd agree if he were trying to crack a top 6 role it'd be an odd choice but, and I say this admitting that the various strengths of Washington's 4th line isn't my primary area of expertise, I don't look at their bottom six and not see a possibility of squeezing someone out there.

Just looking over their roster it doesn't appear as though the guys they have in those roles are terribly accomplished/celebrated.

 

[CarltonTheBear]

I hope he makes it, but that's an odd club to try and make the NHL on. They're pretty set at forward, unless they make a trade or two. Which of course they might considering how close to the cap they are.

I'd agree if he were trying to crack a top 6 role it'd be an odd choice but, and I say this admitting that the various strengths of Washington's 4th line isn't my primary area of expertise, I don't look at their bottom six and not see a possibility of squeezing someone out there.

Just looking over their roster it doesn't appear as though the guys they have in those roles are terribly accomplished/celebrated.

Just a rough look at what their top-9 looks like:

Ovechkin-Backstrom-Knuble
Semin-Laich-Ward
Brouwer-Johansson-Chimera

Leaving Hendricks, Halpern, King, Beagle, and Hanson.

Hendricks and Halpern seem like locks. Halpern just signed with the team and they clearly intend to play him. He's also a pretty good 3rd/4th line player. Hendricks seems like a bit of a fan favourite, and also put up pretty good numbers last season.

So I suppose it wouldn't be impossible for Hanson to make the team as a 12th/13th forward, as King and Beagle aren't just anything special.

 

[nutman]

Hope this one dont come back to bite us in the butt.

 

[oldrugbyguy]

Good for Hanson but guess only Washington came a calling as would think he would try to sign for a team that had a good chance to get in every day line up?

 

[CaptainObvious]

This guy bugged me for the fact he wouldn't go the extra mile, in terms of dropping the gloves. I'm sure he wanted to get out of his father's shadow, but I believe he was brought here that would  include that element...and just wouldn't do it. You knew he had the skills to do such and he certainly doesn't have to be a Rosehill, just when the timing was right. He'd still be here imo if he did...Bye.

 

[Bullfrog]

Hope this one dont come back to bite us in the butt.

I wouldn't worry about it too much.

 

[cw]

Hanson interview on FAN590 today
http://www.fan590.com/media.jsp?content=20110712_111134_6172

Says the Leafs were true to their word and gave him a fair shot to make the club

Explained the Caps are tight on cap space and because of that, he's got a shot to make their team.

 

[ZBBM]

Hanson interview on FAN590 today
http://www.fan590.com/media.jsp?content=20110712_111134_6172

Says the Leafs were true to their word and gave him a fair shot to make the club

Explained the Caps are tight on cap space and because of that, he's got a shot to make their team.

So it all comes down to the rather sensible reason that he feels he's got a better chance with WSH.