Washington Capitals Top Ten Centers In Team History
Washington Capitals Top Ten Centers: #9
Coming in at number nine on our list of the best Washington Capitals centers in team history is an underrated center from the 1980’s. That center? Alan Haworth.
"In Washington Alan would develop into a very good player that the Sabres would have liked to have had in their lineup. He became a consistent 25 goal threat while rounding into a solid two way player. In 1985-86 he enjoyed his best year in the NHL, scoring 34 goals and 73 points while posting another 10 points in 9 playoff games. He had great speed and a hard slap shot, but also became a dependable defensive player. In 1987-88 Haworth was a key part of one of the biggest trades in NHL history. He, along with fellow native-Quebecer Gaetan Duchesne and a first round draft choice (used to select the wonderful Joe Sakic) were traded to Quebec for goalie Clint Malarchuk and leader Dale Hunter. The move was especially controversial because of Hunter’s surprise departure. Haworth, a natural center, was brought in as his replacement. Those were awfully big skates to fill, but Alan did an admirable job, turning in a career second-best 57 point season including 23 goals and 34 assists. – Washington Capitals Legends"
Here’s how Haworth stacks up against the other Washington Capitals centers who qualified.
- 346 games played (11th out of 23)
- 129 goals scored (eighth out of 23)
- 139 assists (12th out of 23)
- 268 points (11th out of 23)
- 67 plus/minus rating (second out of 23)
Alan Haworth was a great two-way center for the Washington Capitals. In an era dominated by scoring, his defense stood out, and he was still able to be a pretty productive player.
Next: Number Eight: A Player Who We All LAICH