We drafted a defensively responsible, big, edgy center that happens to be the son of one of our former star players and a big, rugged, talented defenseman who will mentor under Dale Hunter next season. We used some assets to trade up to claim these two prospects and we will develop them through our systems and believe they will both play in the NHL in two to three years time.
We have used the most first round picks of any team in the NHL now over the last seven years. This is a big part of our overall strategy to use the draft to feed our system and add depth to the team. We always want players who are young to be pushing players that are coming off of contract. We always want to have lots of assets developing as it gives us “optionality” for trades in the future as well.
I will personally miss Steve Eminger and thank him for his contributions to our team.
Sorry for the Duplicate, my wireless device can be a little frisky.
GoCaps, not sure where you heard that from? If anything, they are going to need to get A-Gus to ease back on the hitting and use his all around skills. The injury doesn’t worry me, at his age and not requiring surgery, he should completely recover. I’m sure the Caps trainers will have him working on strengthening his core, he could be a perfect complement as a number 2 center behind Backstrom and play very well with Semin. If he had been healthy for the world juniors and other tourneys(4 nations, etc..) a skilled center his size would have been a sure fire top 10 to 15 pick.
Though I too am sorry to see Eminger go, this seems like a good draft and for his sake I hope he’ll get more ice time in Philly. I think he will and it’s a good move for him and the Caps. Can’t wait till next season. LETS GO CAPS!!!
I think it was a decent draft but like many, I question the first pick. From what I hear, he is not so edgy as he is soft when injured (which is often). I will keep my fingers crossed and hope we see him live up to his father’s skill. Overall, “ok” draft.
I was sorry to see Eminger go (he was my 3yo sons favorite player… “number four four”), but it looks like the Caps had a pretty decent draft! The future does look bright… thats for sure!!