DC-area tidbits in small bites
The Washington Capitals development camp is a wonderful thing.
Every year, the organization showcases its abundance of talent - and believe me when I say there is an abundance - but every year, there are always one or two guys that stand head and shoulders above the rest of the crop. Those are what you call your "special" players.
Last year that honor belonged to John Carlson, with guys like Matthieu Perreault and (in my opinion) Dimitri Orlov not far behind.
This year? After one day, it's pretty clear who everyone's eyeballing to make the the opening night roster: Marcus Johansson. The 24th overall pick in 2009 couldn't make camp last year due to a commitment to his Swedish team, but he's at Kettler Iceplex this year with a purpose. Caps fans everyone are hoping - no, praying - he is the answer to that gaping second line center hole. It's looking more and more like a real possibility, although it's still very early.
I'm indecisive which is why I like polling so much, so I'll leave it to you:
3 comments
Comments
I think he’s got a great future and will be a very good player for the Caps in the near future, I just don’t think it’s this year. He’s still so young and despite his 2 years in the SEL I don’t think he’s going to be ready for NHL duty. Expecting him to follow the same development path as Backstrom isn’t fair, and I’d rather make sure he’s ready than try to force him in the lineup. If he plays his way on, great. But it’s a long season and I have a hard time imagining he’s physically ready for it. Whether he can play 2C for us in October and November isn’t the question (Right Bmo?), the question is whether he’ll be able to do it in April-June, and I’m skeptical that he can physically hold up.
Sometimes you need a criminal lawyer, sometimes you need a criminal lawyer.
by Rob Parker on Jul 12, 2010 7:21 PM EDT reply actions
I’d have no problem if he started the season in Hershey. That said, if he’s ready and he’s our best option by the season opener, I think it would be silly not to have him on the roster because of uncertainties about his physical makeup.
SB Nation DC / DC Landing Strip / Twitter
by Alex Reed on Jul 12, 2010 8:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Agreed. If he performs in training camp and shows he can handle it, give him the chance. I’m not counting him out, I’m just trying to acknowledge how big a jump it is and how difficult a task it will be.
Sometimes you need a criminal lawyer, sometimes you need a criminal lawyer.
by Rob Parker on Jul 13, 2010 11:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed