Post by ALL CAPS on Nov 9, 2023 17:46:40 GMT -5
Capitals Make an Impact as Opening Day Roster Takes Shape
DC Leaks Sports Media & Entertainment
Capitals Sign Defenseman Marcus Bjork to a Three-Year Entry Level Contract. Bjork is an experienced player in the Swedish Hockey League, the top league in Sweden.
Washington, DC -- If there was any question on whether they were committed to winning after failing to launch in Season 20, the nation’s Capitals have answered that question with a resounding, Yes.
First, the Caps made official the signing of rugged defenseman Marcus Bjork (26 years) via unrestricted free agency. Bjork provides the Capitals with added depth in what should become a fierce competition for the 6th and final defensive job for the team this season. His all-around abilities should see him become an important player for the Capitals in the years ahead. Fans can get ahead by purchasing his jersey today.
Next, the Capitals have confirmed a pair of acquisitions via trade on their social media account that should have a more profound impact on the team this season.
While not yet confirmed on the league’s official transactions page, the Capitals have apparently acquired forwards Connor Brown (from the Black Hawks) and Alex Wennberg (from the Columbus Blue Jackets) in separate deals.
If true, this year the Capitals will undoubtedly ice the strongest, most complete group of players that the franchise has ever assembled.
Brown (29 years) is “plug and play” winger, with the ability to contribute up and down the line-up when necessary. His offensive production has declined in 3-straight NsHL seasons, so he will have a lot of questions to answer with the Capitals in season 21. Still, if he is able to meet/exceed expectations, Washington could be a great home for Brown, and the Capitals, to consider on a long-term agreement when his contract expires next year.
Meanwhile, Wennberg (29 years) is an experienced, centerman with quality skating abilities, and a good overall 200-foot game. In an 82-game season, he should contribute somewhere between 45-60 points for the Caps this season while also serving as an important member of the special teams units. Expect him to serve as the third line center with Washington, flanked by some combination of Jeff Skinner, Lawson Crouse and Connor Brown.
Although it’s also true that quality projections on paper don’t always materialize into results on the ice (see Season 20), let us be reminded of the banner that hangs over the door of GM Willis’ media office – “You Play to Win The Game – Aristotle, 322 BC”.
Certainly, the millions (and millions) of Caps fans around the world will hope for better results this season. Time will tell if reality can meet projections.
Richard Thingyi reporting for DC Leaks Sports Media.
DC Leaks Sports Media & Entertainment
Capitals Sign Defenseman Marcus Bjork to a Three-Year Entry Level Contract. Bjork is an experienced player in the Swedish Hockey League, the top league in Sweden.
Washington, DC -- If there was any question on whether they were committed to winning after failing to launch in Season 20, the nation’s Capitals have answered that question with a resounding, Yes.
First, the Caps made official the signing of rugged defenseman Marcus Bjork (26 years) via unrestricted free agency. Bjork provides the Capitals with added depth in what should become a fierce competition for the 6th and final defensive job for the team this season. His all-around abilities should see him become an important player for the Capitals in the years ahead. Fans can get ahead by purchasing his jersey today.
Next, the Capitals have confirmed a pair of acquisitions via trade on their social media account that should have a more profound impact on the team this season.
While not yet confirmed on the league’s official transactions page, the Capitals have apparently acquired forwards Connor Brown (from the Black Hawks) and Alex Wennberg (from the Columbus Blue Jackets) in separate deals.
If true, this year the Capitals will undoubtedly ice the strongest, most complete group of players that the franchise has ever assembled.
Brown (29 years) is “plug and play” winger, with the ability to contribute up and down the line-up when necessary. His offensive production has declined in 3-straight NsHL seasons, so he will have a lot of questions to answer with the Capitals in season 21. Still, if he is able to meet/exceed expectations, Washington could be a great home for Brown, and the Capitals, to consider on a long-term agreement when his contract expires next year.
Meanwhile, Wennberg (29 years) is an experienced, centerman with quality skating abilities, and a good overall 200-foot game. In an 82-game season, he should contribute somewhere between 45-60 points for the Caps this season while also serving as an important member of the special teams units. Expect him to serve as the third line center with Washington, flanked by some combination of Jeff Skinner, Lawson Crouse and Connor Brown.
Although it’s also true that quality projections on paper don’t always materialize into results on the ice (see Season 20), let us be reminded of the banner that hangs over the door of GM Willis’ media office – “You Play to Win The Game – Aristotle, 322 BC”.
Certainly, the millions (and millions) of Caps fans around the world will hope for better results this season. Time will tell if reality can meet projections.
Richard Thingyi reporting for DC Leaks Sports Media.