The Caps Core - The Story So Far

Collin Graf, F

Age: 23

Team: San Jose Sharks, NHL

Graf started off the season slow, mostly due to poor deployment and the Sharks starting slow on the whole, but then around mid November, he found himself on a line with Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith, and has yet to be moved. Currently at 19 points in 36 games with 6 points in his last 4 games, he's proven his ability to produce at a high pace. Offense isn't all he offers either. On top of his role on the top line and PP2, he also plays on the team's top penalty kill.

Zeev Buium, D

Age: 20

Team: Vancouver Canucks, NHL

Recently traded to the Vancouver Canucks as part of one of the biggest deals I've ever seen in hockey, it's been a year of ups and downs for Buium. Currently at 17 points in 36gp, he ranks 38th among all defensemen in the league in scoring and 2nd among rookie defensemen behind only Matthew Schaefer.    The downs have been mostly defensively, though he has expressed in many interviews that he is working on his defense and wants to prioritize becoming an elite 2 way defenseman. For a rookie offensive defenseman, I'm not overly concerned.

Marco Kasper, F

Age: 21

Team: Detroit Red Wings, NHL

Marco has unfortunately struggled mightily to put up points this season, scoring a mere 5 points in 36 games. At this point, it can't all be contributed to luck, but I don't think in all the time I've watched the NHL that I've ever seen a player this unlucky so as to not even get a few secondary assists here or there. Regardless, Kasper does a lot of things right defensively and loves to throw the body, but the points just haven't been there. He was a 2nd half player last year, so let's hope Marco can regain his confidence over the Christmas/Olympic breaks and end the season on a high note.

Emmitt Finnie, F

Age: 20

Team: Detroit Red Wings, NHL

Potentially the biggest surprise coming into this season, Finnie has established himself as an NHL player at 20 years old, which is pretty incredible for a 7th round pick. Currently at 18 points in 37 games, he ranks 6th in scoring on the 5th place team in the entire league, and has played key roles on the top line, pp2, and the pk. He hits often, shoots often, skates fast, and is incredibly smart (per Todd McLellan). Expect to see Finnie in a top 6 role for the Caps next season. 

Nate Danielson

Age: 21

Team: Detroit Red Wings, NHL

Danielson was slated to start the season with the Red Wings, but was unfortunately injured for some time to start the season, but has nonetheless established himself as an NHLer upon returning. He currently has 7 points in 22 games while also playing a great 2 way game as a rookie. Given he's been playing on a line with two of the most snakebitten members of the team, current Capital Marco Kasper and former Capital Elmer Soderblom, the low totals are to be expected. However, I suspect that once the floodgates open, they'll start to score at a much higher pace. 

Igor Chernyshov, F

Age: 20

Team: San Jose Sharks, NHL

Chernyshov started his season in the AHL following a disappointing training camp, and it took him a while to get going but eventually he really got going, scoring 23 points in 25 AHL games despite an extended scoring drought to start the season. Will Smith's injury then led to a call up with Chernyshov playing on a line with Macklin Celebrini and fellow Capital Collin Graf. He currently has 3 points in 3 games and has been given unanimous praise by Sharks players, management, and fans. He's a very exciting prospect. 

Arseny Gritsyuk, F

Age: 24

Team: New Jersey Devils, NHL

Gritsyuk has quickly adapted to the NHL game, scoring 16 points in 32 games. He has played all over the top 9 for the devils, having spent most of his time getting acclimated to the team and their systems on the 3rd line alongside Connor Brown and Cody Glass. As of late, however, he's spent most of his time in the top 6, currently with Jack Hughes and Dawson Mercer. Regardless of what line he's been on, he's shown that his game is incredibly versatile and that he can build chemistry with other players very quickly.

Spencer Knight, G

Age: 24

Team: Chicago Blackhawks, NHL

Knight got off to a scorching hot start to the NHL season, though without Bedard, the Hawks have struggled mightily and it has reflected in his stats. I don't contribute much of that to him, the Hawks are a young team with a young defense and there's bound to be growing pains. Knight has been able to maintain a .914 save percentage despite that with a 10-9-5 record. He has been arguably the team's second best player and has singlehandedly won them games they should not have, much like he's done with the Caps in the DCHL. We look forward to his and the Blackhawks' continued growth as a team. 

Sam Rinzel, D

Age: 21

Team: Rockford IceHogs, AHL

One of those young defensemen, Sam Rinzel, had a very rocky start. He looked phenomenal in his 9 game stint at the end of last season, and then again in the preseason, but looked a bit lost to start this year. Scoring 8 points in 28 games, he was eventually sent down to the AHL. In 5 games in the AHL so far, he's at 7 points. I'm not at all concerned with his slow start in the NHL this year, and he'll likely be the next call up should an injury occur. 

Trey Augustine, G

Age: 20

Team: Michigan State, NCAA

Augustine continues to thoroughly dominate the NCAA, leading the league in save percentage and goals against average with a .937% and 1.71gaa, as well as putting up 3 shutouts in 14 starts. He currently has a 10-4-0 record.

Lynden Lakovic, F

Age: 19

Team: Moose Jaw Warriors, WHL

Lakovic unfortunately suffered a season ending injury, likely putting a cap on his WHL career.  Prior to the injury, however, he looked absolutely dominant, putting up 18 goals and 11 assists for 29 points in 22 games played. 

Cullen Potter, F

Age: 18

Team: Arizona State, NCAA

Potter started off very slow, but has been able to put a respectable season so far with 16 points in 18 games played. It's not a ton, and he hasn't necessarily stood out a ton in the NCAA as I'd hoped, but given he had 22 points in 35 games last season, he looks poised to eclipse those numbers this season.