Puck 'N Hockey

I really only wanted to see a handful of players at the development camp scrimmage on Saturday.  At the top of my list was Marcus Johansson since he has been described by most as the Capitals’ prospect closest to NHL ready.

Marcus Johansson

Marcus Johansson looks like an NHL skater.  Johansson has that Swedish, power stride.  At the same time, he keeps his head up and uses his great vision to enter the offensive zone.  I was particularly impressed with his stick handling in tight spaces while being checked by defenders.  The reports are true.  Johansson has that Nicklas Backstrom ability to use his wide frame to shield the puck.

I was a little surprised to see Johansson, a natural center man, get stuck on the wings during some defensive zone break outs leading to a couple turnovers.  Having not seen any of the Development Camp practices, I am not sure what the coaching staff was trying to implement.  However, I felt like if Johansson had made 45 degree cuts towards center ice on certain plays, the break outs may have been much smoother.  Marcus Johansson has been playing on the larger ice surface in Sweden which demands a different style of play.  This may be why he seemed out of place in these situations.

Is he NHL ready?  Maybe.  Considering the Capitals’ needs at center, Johansson should arrive at the camp in September competing for a spot in Hershey.  There is a very slim chance we could see him at Verizon Center sometime this season.  That all depends on how the rest of the Summer goes for the Caps and the young Swede’s training regimen.  I think he needs some North American development time first.