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 Investment

The Washington Capitals have signed Mike Knuble to a 2 year, $5.6 Million dollar contract.

After spending the last 4 seasons in Philadelphia, Knuble is off to play with some of the most gifted hockey players in Washington. With 47 points in 82 games last season, Knuble has seen a steady decline in his stats over the years. At 36 years old, Knuble will offer veteran leadership and depth to the Capitals.

Fantasy Outlook: Knuble will undoubtedly be used as a top 6 forward and on the powerplay as well. Playing with Ovechkin, Semin and Backstrom should rejuvenate Knuble and as a result, elevate his point totals. Owners should not expect Knuble’s stats to be in the 70 –80 point range; rather in the 60 point range is reasonable.

Mark