Washington Capitals: Replacing The Departed

Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Washington Capitals Must Replace Brouwer

Troy Brouwer is an interesting case, because he did play a key role on the power play. Over the past three years, he has the highest 5v4 goals-for rate in the entire league. He was a very well-liked player from the sounds of it, and was even a member of Barry Trotz’s self-appointed leadership group heading into his first season as head coach of the Capitals. 

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My opinion is probably shared by many, that Brouwer was forced into a top-six role solely based on need, and the lack of available replacements. Brouwer would have been a very good third-liner while receiving significant time of the man advantage. Despite this, he still managed to top 40 points several times as a Capital; no small feat in its own.

It has been argued, but the man who Brouwer was traded for will more than replace his production. Oshie will not take Brouwer’s spot on the second line, though, and will most likely flank Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom. Assuming Oshie takes Brouwer’s spot on the power play, you can probably count him as a lock for at least 45 or 50 points. THN released their point projections, and have Oshie even higher than that.

MORE FROM STARS AND STICKS: Troy Brouwer Tribute

Justin Williams will likely take Brouwer’s second line right wing spot, and he too should probably match Brouwer’s point totals, especially due to the fact he will be playing alongside an improving Evgeny Kuznetsov and either Marcus Johansson or Andre Burakovsky.

Brouwer will not be overly tough to replace. His power play work is what probably got him anywhere near his levels of production, and which is where he was most valuable to the Capitals. Time will tell, but the Capitals have more than one option to replace him.

Next: Not Fehr