Washington Capitals: Top 30 Players In Franchise History

Mandatory Photo Credit: David Stevenson

Yvon Labre

Coming in at number 23 on our list of the greatest Washington Capitals players in franchise history was a defenseman who helped set the tone for the Capitals back when they were an expansion team: Yvon Labre. Labre’s career was sadly a very short one. He only played in 351 career games thanks to multiple knee injuries. However, the defenseman remains one of the most popular and beloved Capitals players of all-time.

Labre spent the first two years of his NHL career with the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Capitals claimed him in the expansion draft. Labre set the tone for the expansion Caps with his hard-hitting and by standing up for his teammates. He fought anyone despite being just 5’11” in height and weighing 190 pounds. He emerged as an early leader. He served as the Capitals captain for three seasons and was named captain when he was just 25 years old.

Labre’s stats aren’t that impressive. However, when you look at the influence that he had and the team that he had around him, you have to realize that Labre’s value did not come from his stats. It came from his heart. Fewer players have had a bigger heart than Labre. It’s sad that he never got to make the playoffs, but when they made the playoffs for the first time in their history, Labre was extremely excited.

Labre helped the Washington Capitals build a foundation and fans will always love him for that.

Next: #22