From The Archives: The Top Capitals Prospects Before Alex Ovechkin
Alex Semin was among the Capitals' top promising young players to watch in 2003.
This article originally appeared in The Hockey News' Feb 21, 2003, vol. 56, issue 24. BY DAVE FAY The Washington Capitals are showing age in a few key spots, but there’s hope reinforcements in the minors, junior and overseas are working toward stepping in when vacancies occur.
Washington’s organizational depth has rebounded nicely from the Jaromir Jagr deal in 2001 when three top prospects went to Pittsburgh in exchange. Three first round draft picks in 2002 boosted the stockade. The team’s Future Watch prospect report card is up from 29th last year to ninth this year as a result.
Here are the top five prospects in order: 1. STEVE EMINGER, D, KITCHENER This very mature defenseman appeared in 17 NHL games with the Caps before joining Canada’s national junior team for the world tournament. Eminger said the prolonged exposure to the NHL was a daily learning experience, practice more so than games.
He displayed quick feet and a short reactionary time. He is an exceptional skater and is hard to beat 1-on-1. Despite his composure and maturity, what he doesn’t have at age 19 is experience.