Monday, August 13, 2012

30 Teams in 30 Days: Washington Capitals

Earlier we did the Canadian capital. Now it's the U.S'. capital that gets the treatment.

The only Capitals prospects from the OHL were those recently drafted in 2012. Well, all one of them.

Tom Wilson - Plymouth Whalers
Since Wilson signed his ELC recently, there seems to be some talk about Wilson making the Capitals this year as a bottom six player. Physically, he's probably ready. He could jump into an NHL line up right now and make an impact with his physicality, forechecking, and pugilism. But I think it would seriously hinder the development of his offensive game. Let's be honest, he wasn't that great offensively last year. In the playoffs, he was fantastic and finally started to come out of his shell, but that's a small sample size. He needs to go back to Plymouth for another season, to play in a top 6, get powerplay time and increase his confidence with the puck. The potential for a scoring power forward is there since he does have good hands. But the execution needs improvement. If he's back in Plymouth, he should most definitely improve upon his numbers of last year. I'd expect at least a 25-25 season.


*of note, Capitals 5th round selection in 2012 Connor Carrick is going to play for the Plymouth Whalers this year. With Plymouth losing their top 3 from last season, Carrick is going to get every opportunity to play top minutes, and in all situations. I liked what I saw from him at the Under 18's and I'd expect him to have a very good first year in the league.

No comments: