George is usually tight-lipped about developments at the draft. I am surprised he is being so open and transparent. At 5:00 pm last night, I talked to him on the phone and asked him how it was going. He told me that barring a last minute trade that included the pick that if we had the opportunity at number 24, we would draft Marcus Johansson. And sure enough, that is what we did. So the scouts were all in agreement as was the staff and our GM so I have to feel good about the pick.
George and staff believe he is strong on his skates; a well rounded two way center with very good hockey sense; plays D; and has skill and will get even more strength. So in the last three drafts we have taken 3 Swedish centers. The Swedes seem to be all of the rage in the NHL now with 7 drafted in the first round yesterday.
I also asked George about the possibility of trades at the draft. It was surprising that there was so little movement or activity this draft weekend. The only trade of note was the Chris Pronger trade where Anaheim got their four first round picks asked for - 2 players drafted in the first round previously; a first round pick this year and first round next year; plus a third round pick thrown in for good measure - so 5 assets for one asset.
We were asked for one of our young goaltenders, John Carlson, and our first round pick this year and next year. All for a great player who is 35 years old in the last year of his deal. This was inconsistent with our plan so we had to pass.
Today the draft continues. We intend to use our picks and continue to load up on prospects and develop these players in our system.
Tags: NHL Draft, Ted Leonsis, Ted's Take, Washington Capitals
I’m glad your last name isn’t Snyder or we would have given all of that plus more draft picks to get Pronger.
Is it October yet?
What Swedish center did the Caps take in 2007?
Glad GMGM passed on the Pronger deal. That would have been way to much to give up for the return.
To much young talent to lose.
Excellent pick, thank you GMGM for not selling the known for an unknown.
Ted liked the entry draft pick of Marcus Johansson.This coming season I would like to see us improve on deffense{not a lot, but some}. Now that Federov is a gone it will be hard to replace his leadership,but we need another center.In my oppinion we need a presence in front of our offensive and deffensive nets. Mainly the net in front of our goalie. Varlamov did a steller job, but he did not have much help.In my oppinion it is the main reason we lost to the Pens.We need players at both ends willing to be phisical. Thanks for a Great season,and I hope 2009-2010 will be better. the organization is moving in the right way. Im possitive George will do what he knows best to continue foward to reach the ultimate goal. An avid Caps fan since 1974.Gary