Washington Capitals: Top 30 Players In Franchise History

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Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Sergei Gonchar

Coming in at number 11 on our list of the greatest Washington Capitals players in franchise history is another defenseman known for his offensive prowess: Sergei Gonchar. Gonchar played for the Caps for 10 seasons to begin his majestic career. Before Green lit the red light on a consistent basis and helped his teammates do the same, there was Gonchar. And Gonchar was even better at doing what Mike Green did than Mike Green himself.

Gonchar played in 654 games for the Capitals. He scored 144 goals for the Caps with his legendary slapshot. He was equally adept at dishing passes with 272 assists. He had 416 points as a catalyst of the Capitals offense at the time. He had five Norris Trophy nominations with the Caps. That includes four in a row from 1999 to 2003.

Gonchar is one of the most influential players of all-time because he helped bridge the gap from Russia to the NHL. Very few defensemen before Gonchar were able to come over to the NHL and have almost immediate success. Gonchar worked hard and was able to do so. In doing so, he created a blueprint for Russian blue liners to follow.

Gonchar is not a Hall of Famer yet, but it is very likely that when he retires, he won’t have to wait long before he is enshrined in the Hockey Hall Of Fame.

Next: #10