Washington Capitals: Top 10 Defensemen In Team History
Washington Capitals Top Ten Defensemen: #3
Defenseman. Capitals. Scott Stevens. 3. player. 19.
Number three on our list is a member of the Hockey Hall Of Fame: Scott Stevens. It’s fitting that Stevens is number three on this list because he also wore the number three with the Washington Capitals.
"Playing junior with his hometown Rangers, Stevens and his Kitchener teammates were the Memorial Cup champions in 1982. That summer, Scott was the first round selection of the Washington Capitals, the fifth overall pick in the NHL’s Entry Draft. Debuting that fall with the Capitals, the big, sturdy rearguard earned a regular spot with Washington, and so impressed the pundits that he was selected to the NHL’s All-Rookie Team. Through eight seasons, including a selection to the First All-Star Team in 1987-88, Stevens helped turn around the franchise. His fierce confidence on the blueline made him a favorite with both his teammates and the fans. Stevens signed as a free agent with the St. Louis Blues prior to the 1990-91 season. – Washington Capitals"
Scott Stevens played eight seasons and 601 games with the Capitals. Here’s how he stacks up when compared to the other defensemen who qualified.
- 429 points (second out of 34)
- 98 goals (fifth out of 34)
- 331 assists (second out of 34)
- +88 plus minus rating (second out of 34)
Stevens was a huge part of the Washington Capitals in the 1980’s. He was a defensive specialist who was also productive on offense. Stevens was also a great enforcer. Few checked harder than him. He had 1628 penalty minutes. That made him one of a kind as far as defenseman.
Even in his departure to the Blues, Stevens helped the Caps. The Caps got five first round picks for Stevens when he signed with the Blues. Two of those five guys? Gonchar and Witt.
Next: Number Two: The Original Johansson