#17 Sergei Gonchar
Sergei Gonchar was one of the best defenseman to suit up for the Washington Capitals. He was drafted in the first round of the 1992 NHL Draft by the Caps at 14th overall. He was a defenseman with offensive skills.
He made his NHL debut on Feb. 7, 1995 in Buffalo against the Sabres and appeared in 31 games the remainder of that regular season recording seven points with two goals and five assists while adding a two goal performance in the Caps first round playoff series against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Gonchar broke out the next season recording 41 points in 78 games in 1995-96 with 15 goal and 26 assists. After a 30 point season in 1996-97 where he finished with 13 goals and 17 assists, Gonchar finish the 1997-98 regular season with 21 points in 72 games which is five goals and 16 assists.
In the spring he helped lead the Caps to an Eastern Conference championship. He had seven goals and four assists for 11 points.
In 1998-99, Gonchar became the first Russian defenseman to score over 20 goals in the regular season with 21 goals and 10 assists in 53 games. He then shattered the 50 point plateau the next season with 54 which was 18 goals and 36 assists.
He never looked back the rest of his time in Washington.