#1 Rod Langway
Number one on our list is the Secretary of Defense, Rod Langway. He was a huge part in the franchise’s turnaround after the Save the Caps campaign, coming to D.C. in a trade along with Doug Jarvis, Craig Laughlin, and Brian Engblom in 1982. He was instantly named team captain.
That 1982-83 squad made the playoffs behind Langway’s Norris Trophy winning season. He was also named a first team all star. Over the next 10 seasons, Langway was a polarizing figure on the Caps blueline. He was known fo this shot blocking and stopping goals in front of the net.
Mike Gartner told the media about Langway and others, “They’re the guys (along with Englbom) you want out there in the last minute of a 3-2 game because you know they’re going to get the puck out.”
Their teammate, Al Jensen added, “You have to respect a guy who works as hard as Rod does.”
In 1984, Langway won a second Norris Trophy along with another first team all-star selection and a second team all star selection in 1985. He participated in five more all star games and also suited up for Team USA on the international stage.
Those are our top 10 defensemen of all-time, who are your top 10 Caps fans? Let us know in the comments!