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Washington Capitals draft needs and recent draft history
Posted: Sat June 27, 1998 at 7:13 a.m EDT
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NEEDS: The Capitals need to find the Fountain of Youth but
without a first-round selection, they will be hard-pressed to
get the young, punishing defenseman they sorely need. Five of
their top seven rearguards are 31 or older and their age showed
in the Stanley Cup Finals against Detroit. Hopefully, Washington
can find a defenseman who can stay healthy, as the injury bug
has bitten the Caps' defense many times over the last few years.
A playmaking center also is needed, since Adam Oates, Dale
Hunter and Michal Pivonka are all over 32.
RECENT FIRST-ROUND DRAFT PICKS:
1997 -- NICK BOYNTON, D -- Recorded 38 points in 40 games, but
was a bit inconsistent in his own end for Ottawa of the Ontario
League. Has the size the Capitals covet on the blue line and
should be with the big club within two years.
1996 -- ALEXANDER VOLCHKOV, RW -- Just call him the enigma.
After a solid 1996-97 in juniors, Volchkov scored just seven
points in 34 games with Portland of the American League and was
deemed immature. At 20 years old, it's still too early to give
up on someone with his talent.
1996 -- JAROSLAV SVEJKOVSKY, RW -- If he can stay healthy, he
would be just what the Caps need. Has good goal-scoring ability
and a great attitude and work ethic. Played in only 17 games
due to injuries, scoring four goals. Should be a major
contributor this season.
1995 -- BRAD CHURCH, LW -- Has good skating ability for his size
(6-1, 210), which Washington needs to protect sniper Peter
Bondra. However, he lacks the scoring touch needed to play on
Bondra's line, netting just six goals in 59 games with Portland.
1995 -- MIIKKA ELOMO, LW -- After failing to stick with Portland
of the American League, Elomo went back to his native Finland
and had five points in 16 games for IFK. Figures to be a
longshot to make it to the NHL, but is only 21 years old and
could bounce back.
© 1998 Sportsticker Enterprises, LP
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