Camp Roster Set

Caps have released their camp roster. It’s a list with some very familiar names on it, and not so familiar names. One thing is certain, the Caps are relying on their prospects to step it up for this season.

Some names that stick out that were in Hershey last year. Mike Green is a young talented defenseman that shows he is quick, strong and already a fan favorite. Brooks Laich is another to watch, who nearly secured a spot at the end of last season playing 73 games in the big league and getting some key goals in the Bears’ championship run in the minors.

If Alexander Semin actually shows up, he will certainly create a buzz for the Caps adding another weapon to the already loaded offensive threat. Brian Pothier will be the only major signing George McPhee did in the off season. The Caps are in desperate need of defense, as was evident last season where Olie Kolzig faced 50+ shots a game. Instead of getting a good stay at home defenseman, McPhee gets an offensive defenseman. It makes sense, kinda of.

The only other signing that raised some eyebrows was acquiring Donald Brashear. Brashear does not add anything to the club except brute toughness. He is the team’s policeman keeping those other goons in line. He will be a heavy hitter and an all out fighter that should keep the drunken lobbyists in the stands at the phone booth amused after they get bored watching Kolzig get pummeled with shots.

There are 6 goaltenders attending camp. The most familiar are of course Kolzig, Brent Johnson, Fredric Cassivi (who was signed by the Capitals after his spectacular effort in net for Hershey), and Maxime Daigneault. The other two are top prospects Daren Machesney and Michal Neuvirth.

It is also interesting that among the names who is not there. Like one, Ivan Majesky is not on the list. Still on the free agent list as of the morning of Sep. 8, Majesky may not be in a Capitals’ sweater this season.

Also missing are Brian Willsie (signed with L.A.), Jeff Halpern (signed with Dallas), Mathieu Biron (signed with San Jose), Nolan Yonkman (signed with Nashville), Jeff Friesen (traded to Anaheim), and of course Brendan Witt (traded to Nashville, signed with Islanders).

One thing is for sure about this camp, the Caps are putting all their cards in the hands of their young players. They are counting on the prospects to show signs of improvement once again this season.