Michael Latta

Sussing Out Why the Caps Didn’t Bring Back Michael Latta

Photo: Patrick Smith

News broke Monday afternoon that the Caps would not extend a qualifying offer to checking-line forward Michael Latta. The Caps had two options, submit a qualifying offer to Latta for $632,000 or let him become an unrestricted free agent come July 1st. The Caps chose the latter, while retaining the rights to RFAs Marcus Johansson, Dmitry Orlov, and Tom Wilson.

For many fans, the move to non-tender came out of nowhere. A few seasons ago, the Caps gave up a top prospect to acquire both Latta and Martin Erat. Latta remains an inexpensive player and his underlying play suggests he could bring value as an everyday player. On top of that, Brian MacLellan had indicated the Caps planned to qualify Lats, even after the Lars Eller trade Friday night.

Two days later, Latta was let loose and saying his goodbyes. Ian and Pat discuss the decision below.

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By 4 years ago

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Let’s Remember the Good Times: Caps Roomies Tom Wilson and Michael Latta are Breaking Up

“It’s been fun, see you never,” Michael Latta tweeted to Andre Burakovsky in September.

After feeling “older and more mature,” the Burracuda moved into his own apartment, leaving the original Caps’ roomies, Latta and Tom Wilson, a brobean short.

Fast-forward to today and things have become harrowing. Washington Capitals General Manager Brian MacLellan non-tendered Latta, a restricted free agent, while tendering Wilson — metaphorically evicting Latta from the team. Talk about awkward. Latta will be free to sign with another team on July 1, breaking the lease between the Caps Roomies for good (at least physically in Arlington). Latta said his goodbyes this evening.

Thank you Washington, love the city, love the fans. Looking forward to earning an opportunity somewhere else.

— Michael Latta (@Latta17) June 27, 2016

Wilson responded.

Going to be sad not having you around next year brother. It was an amazing few years and you'll always be a great friend @Latta17

— Tom Wilson (@tom_wilso) June 27, 2016

During difficult times like these, we must openly weep, become irrational, and eat buckets of Häagen-Dazs. And also: remember the good times!

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By Ian Oland 4 years ago

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Michael Latta’s time with the Washington Capitals appears to be over.

The Washington Post’s Isabelle Khurshudyan tweeted today that the team will not extend a qualifying offer to Latta, meaning the restricted free agent will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Though the Caps could still pursue Latta as a free agent, General Manager Brian MacLellan appears to be focused on qualifying the team’s other RFAs — Marcus Johansson, Dmitry Orlov, and Tom Wilson — and trying to sign and re-sign other pieces of the puzzle, possibly including Latta’s linemate, Jason Chimera.

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By Nathan Burchfiel 4 years ago

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Tom Wilson Debuts Samurai Bun in Fight Training Video

During his season-ending press conference with reporters, Washington Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan lamented the loss of Joel Ward while also stating his desire to see Tom Wilson expand his role. “I think it’s on us to turn Tom Wilson into Joel Ward,” MacLellan said. “It’s on Tom and on us to turn him into that kind of guy that has a net-front presence, that finds loose pucks, finds rebounds, plays good along the wall. I think Tom is our answer to that.”

Wilson, who has led the Capitals in penalty minutes over the last three seasons, has not seen the offensive ability he showed in junior translate to the NHL. On Wednesday night, Wilson gave us a front row seat to the intense summer training that may or may not take him to the next level.

It did not include squats, but did include a samurai bun.

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By Ian Oland 4 years ago

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Michael Latta: 2015-16 Season Review

Let’s be real. When you decided to read RMNB’s season recap of Michael Latta, you didn’t think, man, what a great season. You thought, oh fun, there’s gonna be photos of him at the beach and ketchup bottles stuff.

There is. There definitely is, but I swear that Michael Latta is a solid NHL player who is ready for regular assignments on the fourth line. He’s a gamer. Let’s talk about it.

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By Peter Hassett 4 years ago

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Tom Wilson and Michael Latta Are Still Chirping Each Other in Instagram Comments

It’s already felt like way too long of a summer and the NHL playoffs aren’t even over yet. Thankfully for Caps fans, they can pass the time by endlessly perusing through players’ Instagram photos to see who Tom Wilson and Michael Latta have chirped lately.

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By Ian Oland 4 years ago

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Michael Latta Has Been Benched During the Playoffs For His Hockey Hero Growing Up

The Washington Capitals have played eleven games in this year’s postseason and, so far, forward Michael Latta has been a healthy scratch in all of them.

Normally the fourth-line center, since late February Latta has basically been replaced by Mike Richards. Sitting out can be difficult, but for Latta, it’s been more of an honor. Richards was Latta’s favorite hockey player as a child.

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By 4 years ago

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TJ Oshie’s New Pregame Routine Includes Getting Butt Slashed

Photo: Friends In Cold Places

TJ Oshie shares the Caps’ lead in postseason goals (5) with Alex Ovechkin. Some may say Oshie’s improved finishing ability is due to hard work or being more clutch. I think it’s due to his new pregame ritual.

Let me explain.

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By Ian Oland 4 years ago

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Karl Alzner Misses Another Practice, But Healthy Enough to Attend Washington Nationals Game

Photo: @loshie17

Tuesday night, TJ Oshie and Karl Alzner went to the Washington Nationals game along with their wives Lauren and Mandy, both of whom are pregnant with their couples’ second children. Lauren posted a selfie that her husband TJ took on her Instagram account.

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By Ian Oland 4 years ago

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The Caps’ New Nickname for Michael Latta is ‘The Fire Hydrant’

Michael Latta in his natural habitat.

Tuesday night against the Islanders, Michael Latta got back in the line-up for the first time since February 22. During the first period, Latta made his presence felt, fighting 6’4” defenseman Scott Mayfield after teammate Mike Richards was slammed hard into the boards.

Because of Latta’s latest kerfuffle, we learned of his new nickname, courtesy of Karl Alzner.

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By Ian Oland 4 years ago

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