Washington Capital Round-Up

The Washington Capitals have signed center Brendan Morrison to a 1 year, $1.5 Million dollar contract, re-signed forward Boyd Gordon to a 1 year, $761 Thousand dollar contract, re-signed winger Eric Fehr to a 1 year, $771.75 Thousand dollar contract, defenceman Shaone Morrisonn to a 1 year, $1.975 Million dollar contract and defenceman Jeff Schultz to a 1 year, $715 Thousand dollar contract.

Owner Ted Leonsis has made it clear to the Capitals fans and the league that he wants to win and will make every attempt to get there. By re-signing the core of his Southeast Division Champions and bringing in Knuble and Morrison to replace Kozlov and Fedorov, the Capitals look to be a great bet to repeat as divisional champs as well as Eastern Conference Champions.

Brendan Morrison is far removed from the 2002-03 season where he scored 71 points with the Vancouver Canucks. Last season Morrison split time between Anaheim and Dallas where he struggled to find chemistry at the best of times. With 31 points in 81 games, Morrison has limited fantasy value. Owners should not be mesmerized by the fact that he may play with Semin on the second line as Washington is a deep squad with many options. He may be worth a look if he finds chemistry.

Boyd Gordon and Jeff Schultz are quality depth players that helped Washington excel as divisional champs and into two game sevens in the playoffs. Neither offers fantasy value at this time in any pool format.

Eric Fehr appeared in 61 games last season, his most as a professional to date. Fehr bounced around the top three lines last season and never had time to develop a true chemistry with linemates. With 25 points in 61 games, Fehr is a sniper and has a true nose for the net. Owners should keep Fehr on their list come draft day as he could be a steal in late rounds.

Shaone Morrisonn is a capable depth defenceman that moved around the depth chart in Washington last season. With four full seasons in the league, Morrisonn averages 13 points a season with 70+ PIMs. At times last season Morrisonn found himself on the first powerplay unit with Green due to injuries. At this point he has limited fantasy value, but that may change due to injuries on the Washington blueline.

Mark

Capital Gains

With some of the most talented hockey players in the game on one team, the Washington Capitals are poised to be great for many years to come. After a dominate regular season and over-coming a come from behind series win, the Capital played some of their best hockey in the post season. With their top players stepping up and their youth developing at a rapid pace, look for the Caps to repeat their strong performance next year.

Alex Ovechkin – One of the most exciting and passionate players in the game today. Ovechkin loves to shoot and score goals. There is no denying he is one of themost exciting players to watch in a long time. Draft Ovechkin in the top 3 of your draft. Your preference may vary but you cannot go wrong drafting this stud.

Nicklas Backstrom – Excelling in his third full year of play, Backstrom managed over a point per game and looks more confident in all aspects on the ice. Look to draft him in your first round of your draft. He will be playing with AO for years to come and there is no telling how what his point ceiling is.

Alexander Semin – A dynamic and lethal shooter, the only thing slowing down Semin is injuries. He managed 79 points in 62 games and possesses magnificent talent. If he were to ever stay healthy for a full season he may challenge for the scoring title. Owners that draft him should take into consideration he will miss time due to injury but scores a heap when healthy.

Mike Green – Loaded with offensive talent, Green lead all dmen in goals. Bases on point production, Green is one of the top 5 in the league and looks to have a green light from his coach to score goals. He should be on your radar early as he is a long term keeper.

Brooks Laich – Producing 53 points in 82 games, Laich had a great season. Shuffled around the lines, he never managed to have the same linemates. Look for Laich to improve his totals to 60 points next year and will be a great depth addition.

Viktor Kozlov – An injury plagued season limited Kozlov to 67 games and 41 points. Age, health and up and coming players will have an effect on his draftablity. Look at Kozlov as a depth guy and grab a younger player if you can.

Sergei Fedorov – Experience is the key to Fedorov’s game. He scored some huge goals in the playoffs and acted as the second line center most of the season. Even though he doesn’t produce on the score sheet much, his versatility is key. He should be looked at in deeper roto leagues for faceoffs and the odd assist.

Michael Nylander – No one really knows how Nylander fell out of favor in Washington, but he spent the majority of the playoffs and end of the season in the press box. When he did play he was playing on the checking line and a non-factor. Look for Nylander to be on his way out of DC and playing somewhere else next fall. He will be a buy cheap player.

Karl Alzner – With 5 points in 30 games last season, Alzner had a taste of what the NHL was like last year. Sent down for more seasoning, Alzner should be with the Caps next season. He will never be an offensive force but will be a bruiser on the blueline in Washington for years.

Sami Lepisto – A bit on the smallish size, Lepisto has great potential and needs a bit more experience before hitting the NHL. Owners should keep an eye on him come draft day and draft him in late rounds. Hold on to Lepisto as he may very well be Greens partner on the PP.

Jose Theodore – After being pulled from goal in game one of the playoffs, Theodore’s stock has once again dropped like a rock to the bottom of the sea. Owners that thought they had a solid asset should now be on look out for another goalie or drafting Varlamov.

Simeon Varlamov – After stealing the show in the playoffs, Varlamov showed he is ready for the starting role next season. Still needing some experience, the job will be his to lose in the fall. Owners should keep an eye out for him on draft day.

Mark