Last year when I did the Top 10 prospects for the Caps Stan Galiev was not there. Galiev, 23 y/o, was a 3rd round pick back in 2010. After some good seasons with the Saint John Sea Dogs he dealt with injuries. Galiev was about to fall out of the Caps organization, then came this season. In 67 games with the Hershey Bears Galiev had 25 goals and added 20 assists and was the power play sniper. Late in the season his hard work paid off with a late season call up to the Caps. Playing in 2 games, Galiev would score his first career goal as well as playing well in both games.
Last year Stan Galiev put himself back on the Caps radar. This summer he was resigned for another two year, and will compete for a spot on the Caps this season. Overall I believe he can make the team this year but will have to have a strong preseason. I was very impressed with him in the two games he played last season. In both games he played fast, controlled the puck, and got chances. I am excited to see him this season.
Highlight Reel Goal in first video, second video is first NHL goal (15:16 of video)
The next prospect we look into is defensemen Connor Carrick. Carrick,21 y/o, was drafted in the 5th round of the 2012 draft. After playing for the Plymouth Whalers he would appear in 34 games with the Caps in the 2013-2014 season with a goal and 5 assists. Carrick would be sent down to the Hershey Bears where he played 13 games. This past season Carrick appeared in 73 games for the Bears and scored 8 goals and 34 assists with 132 PIM's.
This season will be an interesting season for Connor Carrick. I see Carrick right now as a top defensemen for the Bears but would be a call up if the Caps need a defensmen. He is a good puck mover but what worries me is his size to clean the front of the net. Solid skater and surprisingly gets a lot of penalty minutes. At 21, I think Connor Carrick still has a couple of years but he will be an NHL player at some point. I would like him to have a better plus-minus this season. Overall he is still a solid player to have in the system.
Chris Brown was apart of a trade that sent Martin Erat to the Coyotes back in the 2013-2014 season. In his first full season in the Caps organizations Brown (24 y/o) scored 17 goals and 11 assists in 64 games with the Hershey Bears, adding 3 goals and 2 assists in 9 Calder Cup Playoff games. Brown also started the season with the Caps with 1 goal in five games with the Caps this season.
The Caps resigned Brown this offseason and with a possible 4th line spot open, Brown looks to be in the conversation for that spot. I think it was smart to resign him because he had a solid season for Hershey and looked good in the few games he played in the NHL. This could be a make or break year for him though as he will have to make the Caps roster this year or next if he is going to be an NHL main stay. However, I think he could be a solid 4th line player who can pitch in offensively. Time will tell but he will be a player to watch during training camp.
The best story of the 2014-2015 Caps had to have been Liam O'Brien's jump to Development Camp player to signing an entry level contract. O'Brien who is 21 years old scored a goal and assist in 13 games with the Caps. After that he was sent down to Hershey and had 4 goals and 4 assists in 45 games for the Bears. However, in 10 Calder Cup playoff games O'Brien 3 goals and 3 assists.
O'Brien may have a chance to be a 4th liner for the Caps this season. However, at 21 another year in Hershey would be fine. O'Brien reminds me of Matt Hendricks but looks to have more scoring touch. If he plays for Hershey I would like to see him get to double digit goals. No matter where he is next year I believe he will work his way to the NHL in the next couple of seasons.
(Second video his first career goal 2:37 into video)
Chandler Stephenson is the first player from last years Top 10 to appear in this years list. Stephenson was a third round pick back in 2012. This past season Stephenson played 54 games for the Hershey Bears scoring 7 goals and 7 assists.
This season is big for him because if he can have a good season he could put himself in the Caps radar after this season. I would like him to maybe get about 15 goals, and play a top six role for the Bears next season. Stephenson is a pretty good two way center and can be a good penalty killer.
(Video of Chandler Stephenson during the 2014 Development Camp)
Christian Djoos was drafted in the 7th Round in the 2012 draft. Djoos, 21 y/o, played 50 games for Brynas IF Gavie in the SweHL with five goals and twelve assist.
I consider Djoos a "Top Ten" prospect because he has played against grown men for the last couple of years. I like his puck moving capabilities, but I do think he will need to put on some muscle. I also like his ability to play the point on the power play as he has a good slap shot. This will be a big season for him as he is expected to get time with the Hershey Bears. Last season he did play a game for the Bears.
