Post by ALL CAPS on Nov 27, 2023 18:01:05 GMT -5
WASHINGTON ROUND-UP
(Image: David Reinbacher playing with Kloten in the Swiss league was acquired by the Capitals on Sunday. He is considered by some to be the best all-around defenseman in the 2023 draft class.)
In this new series dubbed the Washington Round-Up, we review a series of quick updates on some of the emerging information news stories from your Washington Capitals. In this installment, we go to infinity and beyond as we take a look at both the present and the future of the Capitals.
KELLER SET FOR LAUNCH:
In what could be seen as long overdue for some, it appears as though Clayton Keller has arrived to Season 21 healthy and ready to realize the potential that many have always believe he possessed. The 25-year old forward has long drawn comparisons to some of the games most talented players, but its clear by his demeanor both on and off the ice that Keller is ready for prime-time. “When Keller is on the ice he doesn't just skate but he glides, using his blazing speed to his advantage,” said Caps first year head coach David Quinn. “The way he skates almost feels effortless, literally looking like he is levitating on the ice at some points … each time Keller touches the puck, he is capable of bringing fans out of their seats as they look in awe of his pure talent.” As it stands right now, look for Keller to establish new career highs in virtually all offensive categories this season with the Capitals. This is great news for Caps fans, as the team took a substantial risk by acquiring Keller in Season 20, and it appears to have paid off.
In what could be seen as long overdue for some, it appears as though Clayton Keller has arrived to Season 21 healthy and ready to realize the potential that many have always believe he possessed. The 25-year old forward has long drawn comparisons to some of the games most talented players, but its clear by his demeanor both on and off the ice that Keller is ready for prime-time. “When Keller is on the ice he doesn't just skate but he glides, using his blazing speed to his advantage,” said Caps first year head coach David Quinn. “The way he skates almost feels effortless, literally looking like he is levitating on the ice at some points … each time Keller touches the puck, he is capable of bringing fans out of their seats as they look in awe of his pure talent.” As it stands right now, look for Keller to establish new career highs in virtually all offensive categories this season with the Capitals. This is great news for Caps fans, as the team took a substantial risk by acquiring Keller in Season 20, and it appears to have paid off.
BYRAM TAKES THE REINS AND ENDS UP ON IR:
Bowen Byram has quickly established himself as the leader of Washington’s defensive stable – which is surprising given the experience of the group: Torey Krug, Jeff Petry, Tyson Barrie and Brian Dumoulin. However, Byram’s ability to impact the game as an all-around defenseman, and the level at which he is able to perform in each scenario is what has earned him the respect of his peers. Still, it isn’t all good news, as Byram sustained a shoulder injury in the third period of Sunday’s game against the Devils (4-3 SO Caps win) after a big hit from Ryan Pulock. The injury is expected to keep Byram (day-to-day) out of Tuesday’s home contest against the rival Buffalo Sabers. The Capitals have recalled defenseman Jordan Spence from (AsHL) Baltimore as a supplemental move.
SPENCE GETS THE CALL AGAINST FORMER TEAM:
The move to recall Jordan Spence will provide the Caps, and their fans, with a look into the future as Spence is expected establish himself as an important member of Washington’s defensive stable in the years ahead. He has already made a name for himself within the organization for his abilities since he was acquired from Buffalo (via trade) in March 2023. Spence is an under-sized, but very talented offensive defenseman with a big future. He has already made history as a professional hockey player that hails from Manly, Australia. However, it may be best to temper expectations for now – expect to see Spence spend most of this year dominating in the AsHL with the Baltimore Patriots, regardless of the outcome on Tuesday.
CAPS TRADE 2023 TOP PICK:
In an unexpected move, the Capitals traded Nate Danielson - their top pick from the 2023 entry draft - to the St. Louis Blues on Sunday in exchange for defenseman David Reinbacher. Willis commented on the deal that he was hoping to have the opportunity to select Reinbacher on draft day, but when that was no longer an option, he was happy to select Nate Danielson whom he felt was the best player available at the pick. “Of course, there are always players that we consider to be on a very short list,” Willis said, when asked for comment on some of his draft day philosophies. “In some cases, you have to go with the best player available approach, because, as in most areas of life, when you have quality, you will always have value.”
BALTIMORE WINS FIRST GAME:
The recently relocated AsHL affiliate of the Capitals, the Baltimore Patriots, won their first game of the year at home in a back-and-forth battle against the Henderson Black Knights. Less than 10-minutes into the 1st period, the Patriots had leads of 3-0 and 4-1 but the Black Knights would eventually even things up 4-4 early in the 2nd period. Things remained that way until Jesse Ylonen put home the game winning goal, his second of the night, with just under five minutes remaining in the 3rd period. The Patriots will play host the to Syracuse Crunch on Wednesday night.