Capitals continue to sit tight. Is Marcus Johansson poised to center 2nd line?

When asked whether the Washington Capitals were done signing free agents this offseason, George McPhee replied “yes”.  This after signing former Cap Brian Willsie to a 1-year, 2-way deal today.  As is team practice, the terms of the deal were not immediately disclosed.  This is most likely a signing that will land Brian in the AHL with the Caps primary minor league affiliate, the Hershey Bears.  Granted, a comment made in passing is not the end all be all, but is yet another clue that McPhee is prepared to enter the 2010-2011 season with essentially the same team that won the President’s Trophy a year ago.  That and a few AHL call-ups ready to be promoted to the big leagues.  Most notably will be Karl Alzner and John Carlson.  Both are expected to bolster the back line that has been meticulously labeled as the Caps’ weakest link.  Along with the lack of depth in down the middle, prior to the NHL’s free agency period opening up on July 1, the Caps’ were expected to be major players in the free agency frenzy.  Coming off the most disappointing end to a season in franchise history, most thought key additions would be made in key areas.  Additions that would put the Capitals over the top.  As of now, just a few minor league signings have been made.

The first priority was securing a cluster of RFA’s that were integral in the Caps’ success last season.  Restricted free agents including Jeff Schultz, Eric Fehr, and Boyd Gordon have all be re-signed.  All avoided arbitration.  The lone RFA still remaining is Tomas Fleischmann, who is still in talks with the Caps.  However no deal has been agreed upon, and arbitration is likely.

With the additions of Karl Alzner and John Carlson to the blueline, the second priority was the need to upgrade the center position.  The Caps brought in Brendan Morrison last summer.  Morrison had been injury plagued over the last few seasons, but was still a serviceable pivot.  Also being an advantage to Morrison was the fact that he was a veteran on what would be and still is a young team.  Morrison was also re-united with his University of Michigan teammate, Mike Knuble.  But ultimately the Brendan Morrison experiment fizzled out.  Morrison managed just two goals after Christmas, and just one point in the first round playoff series against the Canadiens.  Not exactly the scoring prowess you need from a top six forward.

So here we are.

The Capitals have a glaring hole to fill.  If we are to take George McPhee at his word, the Caps have two options.  The first option is to re-sign Tomas Fleischmann and use him as the second line center; or use the man they drafted 24th overall in the 2009 entry draft, Marcus Johansson.  The Landskrona, Sweden native is just 19 years of age, but is already making huge strides at Capitals development camp that is going on this week.  Bruce Boudreau has already taken notice of the young Swede, and has already compared him to Nick Backstrom. 

Boudreau said “It’s my first look at him, and he carries himself like he’s going to be a very good player.”   Boudreau continued” He’s a better skater than [Nick Backstrom] him  but he’s big in the back so you can see where he can control the puck and will be hard to knock off the puck.”

Significant praise as Backstrom is arguably a top three center in the NHL, and is coming off his first 100 point season.

The Caps inked Johansson to a three year entry level contract, the same day they signed the Caps’ other main Swede Nicklas Backstrom.  Is this a sign of things to come?

Marcus Johansson will without question be in the Caps’ lineup, either next year or in years to come.  But Johansson is just 19 years of age, and has never played a professional game in North America.  Thus far, Johansson’s resume consists of time in the Swedish Elite League with Farjastads.  In 87 career games with the club, Johansson managed 15 goals and 30 points.  What you don’t want the Caps to do is rush his development by throwing him the fire that is the NHL.  The NHL and the Swedish Elite League are worlds apart.  It will take time for Johansson to develop into the center the Capitals need, and the center Johansson can become.  Is a season in Hershey the better option for the young Swedish pivot?

If  Johansson continues to impress in development camp the way he has, Johansson just may take the road Nick Backstrom took.  Backstrom was able to make the transition between the European style of play, the bigger ice sheet, the more skill oriented approach, and translate it to the NHL.  I have no doubt that Johansson can do the same.  The Caps didn’t waste anytime starting Backstrom in Hershey.  His first professional game in North America was played in a Caps sweater.  And with McPhee’s philosophy toward this year’s free agency period playing out the way it has, Johansson’s fate just may be the same as his fellow countryman’s, Nick Backstrom.

Using Johansson to fill spot on the second line will also benefit the Capitals financially.  Assuming the Caps re-sign Tomas Fleischmann, the Caps will retain around $5 million in cap space.  George McPhee should hold on to that cap space and use it as a security blanket next season.  The Caps are expected to be a contender once again, and with that title comes added pressure to succeed.  A security blanket of $5 million will give the Caps flexibility to make moves during the season should the need arise.  Hypothetically, if Johansson is not the right fit at the second line center position next season, the money saved by not going after a high priced free agent will allow the Caps to address that need mid-season, via trade or waivers claim. 

The Caps could also use that money to bolster their blueline should the additions of Alzner and Carlson not pan out short term.  We’ve seen numerous times how the salary cap can benefit teams.  We’ve also seen how the salary cap can destroy a team’s chances of Stanley Cup glory. 

The Caps are better off remaining under the cap so they have the flexibility to tinker the lineup if needed next season.  Let’s see what Marcus Johansson is all about.  Is he worth the hype?  My hunch is yes.

What do you think?  Is McPhee doing the right thing by remaining quiet this offseason?  Should Marcus Johansson get his shot in the NHL next season?

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