Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports
Oshie Brings Skill To Top Line
On the eve of the first day of free agency, the Washington Capitals made a splash by signing Justin Williams. Less than 12 hours later on a conference call, Capitals General Manager Brian MacLellan talked about how he saw Williams being on the second forward line. I found that a bit odd since MacLellan had specifically said that he was looking for a first line forward. MacLellan had a plan because the same day, he got his first line wing when he traded for St. Louis Blues forward T.J. Oshie.
MacLellan had to give up second line right wing Troy Brouwer in order to get Oshie. However, Oshie is much better fit for a top six forward role than Brouwer, who is ideally a checking line wing. Oshie is a better skater and more productive than Brouwer. While Brouwer does have better stats than Oshie in some regards (especially on the power play), that was mostly a product of who he played with.
Oshie’s unique blend of quickness, passing and shooting should make a great fit to play alongside Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom. Oshie seems ecstatic about the possibility of playing with the elite duo on a regular basis.
"“To get out there with them would be amazing … I feel kind of like a kid in the candy store … playing with that caliber of player … I’m willing to come in and earn all the ice time I can get.” – Yahoo Sports"
While Oshie is skilled, don’t think for a second that he isn’t tough. The Western Conference is extremely competitive. To survive in the wild west, you’ve got to be tough. Oshie had success out there, so there’s no reason to think that he isn’t tough. If the Caps find themselves in a shootout, Oshie is pretty good at those.
Next: #3: Young Centers