{"time":1779493801493,"blocks":[{"id":"KRSa4goUAZ","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"This article originally appeared in The Hockey News' Feb 21, 2003, vol. 56, issue 24."}},{"id":"ZSdqgFQo40","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"BY DAVE FAY"}},{"id":"tsQmsqQeP_","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The\n Washington Capitals are showing age in a few key spots, but there’s \nhope reinforcements in the minors, junior and overseas are working \ntoward stepping in when vacancies occur."}},{"id":"FHv9MwytEI","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Washington’s \norganizational depth has rebounded nicely from the Jaromir Jagr deal in \n2001 when three top prospects went to Pittsburgh in exchange. Three \nfirst round draft picks in 2002 boosted the stockade. The team’s Future \nWatch prospect report card is up from 29th last year to ninth this year \nas a result."}},{"id":"GdhhMb-6Pn","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Here are the top five prospects in order:"}},{"id":"srNiAsZP7A","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"1. STEVE EMINGER, D, KITCHENER\n This very mature defenseman appeared in 17 NHL games with the Caps \nbefore joining Canada’s national junior team for the world tournament."}},{"id":"RFjn9ZrBRz","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Eminger\n said the prolonged exposure to the NHL was a daily learning experience,\n practice more so than games. He displayed quick feet and a short \nreactionary time. He is an exceptional skater and is hard to beat \n1-on-1."}},{"id":"JIqEa5nz8c","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Despite his composure and maturity, what he doesn’t have \nat age 19 is experience. After finishing the season with Kitchener \n(OHL), it is expected he will be back with Washington."}},{"id":"2Nf3vK4tKD","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Acquired: 2002 entry draft, 12th overall."}},{"id":"8Md37t4gqr","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"2. MAXIME OUELLET, G, PORTLAND This trade might make the Flyers sick for a decade or more."}},{"id":"XraNr_bFDT","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Ouellet\n (and three draft picks) were acquired for Adam Oates at last year’s \ntrade deadline. After two sub-par seasons in the Flyers’ system, Ouellet\n had three consecutive shutouts at one point and seven this season in \nthe American League."}},{"id":"8FpX882BGV","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"He has tremendous hockey sense, great \nanticipation and excellent preparation. He arrived in camp in superb \nshape. Goalies typically take more time than skaters to develop and \nOuellet is taking care of that issue."}},{"id":"cvsI2fluah","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Acquired: Trade with Philadelphia, March 19, 2002."}},{"id":"A2-AcHWmCj","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"3. ALEXANDER SEMIN, LW, TOGLIATTI\n The Capitals wish Semin was apprenticing in North America this season. \nInstead, he’s playing for Togliatti in the Russian elite league."}},{"id":"GAUXkupp11","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"“We haven’t seen enough of him,” said GM George McPhee."}},{"id":"UqKTg7c_6K","type":"image","data":{"caption":"","withBorder":false,"withBackground":false,"size":"full","alignment":"center","linkUrl":"","file":{"url":"https://cdn-assets.ziniopro.com/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0035-04504/8244230-1-eng-US/f0035-042.jpg"}}},{"id":"GfBO2U_bmQ","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"STEVE EMINGER"}},{"id":"H2z0owBq7s","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"What is known is this: The left winger has explosive speed, a big shot, is a chippy player and has an excellent skill factor."}},{"id":"X4zCCuTsnG","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"He’s 18 and in the elite league, which speaks volumes about his development. He has excellent hands, but needs to get stronger."}},{"id":"elCiiME8CY","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Acquired: 2002 entry draft, 13th overall."}},{"id":"9NnzQYkvcR","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"4. BOYD GORDON, C, RED DEER Gordon nearly made the Caps’ NHL roster right out of camp."}},{"id":"qqG5rt07sI","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Gordon has been moved from wing to center in major junior this season and has responded with a much better scoring touch."}},{"id":"oNQ6IXZbuG","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"He\n continues to be an all-around player, killing penalties and working the\n power play (he was plus-24 after 36 games), while working hard to \nimprove his skating. He needs to get stronger physically."}},{"id":"IxDeDnPhdG","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Acquired: 2002 entry draft, 17th overall."}},{"id":"0JWGJnv_ng","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"5. NOLAN Y0NKMAN, D, PORTLAND Surprisingly, Yonkman was sent to Portland out of camp. The Caps wanted to take a longer look at Eminger."}},{"id":"BYFG9NW6zi","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Once\n in Portland, it has been a lost season for the second-year pro. He has \nsustained one injury after another, limiting him to less than a dozen \ngames. He is huge (6-foot-6, 245 pounds) and can skate very well for a \nbig man. The Capitals hope he can get in 35 AHL games and then move to \nthe big team."}},{"id":"k9HkIfJtvu","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"“He needs to stay in one place and play 25 minutes a night,” said a scout."}},{"id":"6y96xOORkR","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Acquired: 1999 entry draft, 37th overall. ■"}}],"version":"2.31.5"}

Sammi Silber

sammi@THN

Capitals Mailbag Pt. 1: Big Splash Coming? How Ovechkin Impacts The Summer, What The Future Holds & The Draft

From The Archives: Remembering One Of The Tougest Capitals In Randy Holt

Carbery, Canada Fall To Finland At Worlds, Nation Fails To Win Gold At IIHF Event In 2025-26

What Does The Future Hold For John Carlson? Former Capitals Defenseman Reportedly Interested In Heading Back East, Visits DC

From The Archives: How Olaf Kolzig Led The Young Capitals

For Dylan Strome, 2025-26 Was About Becoming A Leader. Now, He's Ready To Take That Role Further

Former Capitals Center Nic Dowd Looking Forward To First Stanley Cup Final Appearance: 'It Means A Lot'

Capitals Captain Alex Ovechkin Says He'll Have Decision On NHL Future In July In FONBET Interview

From The Archives: Dave Fay Recalls The Start Of The Alex Ovechkin Era

Capitals' Ryan Leonard, Spencer Carbery To Face Off As USA Takes On Canada In Worlds Quarterfinals

Ryan Leonard Strikes Twice, Channels Alex Ovechkin & Sparks Fourth Line In Vital Win For USA Over Hungary At Worlds

Capitals Prospect Maxim Schäfer Playing Key Role As Saguenéens Seek Memorial Cup

From The Archives: Remembering Yvon Labre's Impact On The Capitals

Capitals Worlds Check-In: Leonard Moved To Third Line Amid USA's Struggles, Carbery & Canada Remains Undefeated

Tom Wilson's Advice To Capitals' Rising Talent? Enjoy The Ride: 'The Entire Journey Shapes Who You Are'

From The Archives: Capitals Feel Excitement With 1979 Campaign

Strome Believes More Defensive Awareness Among Keys To Helping Capitals Turn Around Power Play

From The Archives: The Top Capitals Prospects Before Alex Ovechkin

Capitals Defenseman Matt Roy To Play In Karl Alzner's 'Swing Into Summer' Charity Softball Game

Bennett The Perfect Fit For A Capitals Team In Desperate Need Of A Power Play Renaissance