Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports
#1: Brooks Laich
Brooks Laich is the longest tenured Washington Capitals player. The Caps clearly view him in a very positive manner. Their reason for doing so sure isn’t for his production because at this point, he is most likely a fourth line wing.
It’s not all Laich’s fault that he has fell so far in such a short period of time. A lot of his decline had to do with injuries. From the 2013 lockout shortened season to 2015, he has yet to stay healthy for a full season. 2015 could be different for Laich in that regard. He seems optimistic that he could improve in 2015, which would be huge for the Washington Capitals.
"“Last couple years I’ve been concerned about health and so I’ve been focusing on rehab, and a lot of my days were spent skating without pucks to try and make sure my legs were there and this year I don’t have to worry about my legs being there,” Laich said. “I can do stick drills, I can do puck drills, I can do hands drills, I can shoot more pucks, more stuff that’s going to help me out offensively, rather than just being able to skate. At the time, that’s what I needed to do, and this summer, that’s why I’m so excited already for the summer to improve my game, not just my skating.” – Washington Post"
Caps general manager Brian MacLellan said that the Caps need more offense out of Laich.
"“I don’t know if there’s an answer,” general manager Brian MacLellan said. “I don’t think he’s happy with the year he had. I had a year-end meeting with him, and we want the two-way Brooks Laich playing, contributing offensively, scoring goals, making plays and the defensive part. I think he did a good job on the PK and defensive role, but I think we need more out of him to be a successful team.” – Washington Post"
While Laich is certainly an extremely important member of the Caps penalty kill unit, he must be more productive on offense to give the Caps their best chance of winning a Stanley Cup.