The Washington Capitals annual Development Camp is in full swing and some prospects have turned heads among the coaching staff.
The Washington Capitals have begun rookie camps this week, and as reported a few players are turning heads that coach Todd Reirden and his staff are impressed with.
In a tweet reported by Capitals insider Isabelle Khurshudyan of the Washington Post, the team’s Director of Player Development Steve Richmond described forward Axel Jonsson-Fjällby as well as defensemen Alex Alexeyev and Martin Feherevary as being close to NHL ready.
Axel Jonsson-Fjällby started turning heads two years ago in the World Juniors, and during training camp last year for not only his beauty of flow, but for his great play. He started last year with the Hershey Bears, but left mid-season to play back in his home country of Sweden to play for Djurgårdens IF of the Swedish Elite League.
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Jonsson-Fjällby produced three points in 16 games in Hershey, and 10 in 36 in Sweden. His defensive play is what he’s known for, and has worked hard this offseason and it’s on display at MedStar.
Alex Alexeyev was the Capitals first round draft choice in 2018 as the last pick in the first round, and experts said the Capitals where lucky to land a player of his skill level.
Alexeyev played this past season in the WHL for the Red Deer Rebels. He was a star defensemen for the Rebels this year who was featured on their top power play line as well as killing penalties.
Scouts have compared him to fellow countrymen, and future teammate Dmitry Orlov. Unfortunately Alexeyev’s season was cut short due to a knee injury.
Despite the injury, it looks like Alex has recovered well since being hurt. Alexeyev was having a great season producing 43 points (10 goals 33 assist) in 49 games, and was an assistant captain for Russia during the World Juniors this year.
The Capitals have reported he will start this coming year in Hershey, but his name will he called on if someone gets hurt for his NHL debut potentially this coming year.
Lastly we have Martin Fehérváry who was drafted in the second round last year after Alexeyev. Fehérváry who is a native of Slovakia. He’s played the last two season playing professionally in the SHL (Swedish elite league) for HV71. He also was a member for Team Slovakia during the World Juniors, and during the IIHF World Championship over the Spring where he got to play against NHL talent vs. Team USA and Team Canada.
Martin is a stay at home defensemen similar to Brooks Orpik. Fehérváry played 49 games producing 10 points (1 goal, 9 assists) but plays a physical game. He will start in Hershey along with Alexeyev, but will compete all season in the AHL to see who gets called up first.
Director of Player Development, Steve Richmond, on who's close to making the jump to the NHL next season #CapsDevCamp pic.twitter.com/chEGcjaxyL
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) June 27, 2019
The rookie camp is starting to show what prospects is ready to make the next big step to make their dreams come true playing in the worlds best pro hockey league in the NHL.
Personally I think all three prospects will play eventually, but will it be in the 2019-2020? Who knows, but they will have a good chance sometime this year with some empty spots yet to fill.