Washington Capitals: 2021--2022 By the Tens -- Forwards: Brett Leason

Brett Leason

“Bizarre! That's the only word I can use to describe life sometimes. Just freaking bizarre.”
-- James Patterson

"Big, quality scoring forward with upside."  That succinct statement from TSN.ca describes Brett Leason, who just completed his rookie season with the Washington Capitals.  Those were the qualities that might have put Leason on the Caps’ radar in advance of the 2019 Entry Draft, where he was taken by the Caps with the 56^th overall pick (second round).  After playing parts of three seasons with the Hershey Bears after he was drafted, he moved up to play almost half a season’s worth of games with the big club and staked a claim to being a fixture in the future.

Fearless’ Take… Well, he is the player with size that the Caps seem to covet.  At 6’5”, 218 pounds, he might yet fill out some.  Of the 11 rookies suiting up for the Caps this season, Leason finished tied for fourth in goals scored (three, with Aliaksei Protas) and sixth in points (six).  He was third among the rookies in shots on goal (45), fourth in credited hits (20), third in blocked shots (14), third in takeaways (nine), tied for second in first goals scored (two), and was one of three rookies with an empty net point.  And, he did all of this while averaging a modest 8:57 per game in ice time, least among the 11 rookies.

Cheerless’ Take… Leason’s ice time and team success were only distantly related.  In nine games n which he logged ten or more minutes in ice time, the Caps were just 3-5-1.  They were 6-6-1 in games in which Leason recorded two or more shots on goal.  They were 8-7-1 in games in which he was credited with at least one hit…4-8-1 when he had one or more blocked shots.  It would be hard to find more of a disconnect between a player’s crooked marks on a score sheet and team results.

Odd Leason Fact… Leason had points in five games this season.  The Caps went 1-3-1 in those games. 

Odd Leason Fact II… Leason was the fourth player ever selected by the Caps from Prince Albert in the Western Hockey League.  He is already tied for most goals ever scored by a Prince Albert alumnus for the Caps (three).  He is tied with the fifth player drafted by the Caps from Prince Albert, fellow rookie Aliaksei Protas (taken 91^st overall in the same draft as Leason).

Odd Leason Fact III… Third time was the charm for Leason in the draft. He went unselected in both the 2017 (in which he was the 133^rd-ranked North American skater) and 2018 Entry Drafts (unranked in 2018) before he was taken by the Caps in 2019 (25^th-ranked North American skater).

Game to Remember… November 1^st at Tampa Bay.  For a rookie, it has to be the game in which he scored his first NHL goal.  And, it happened to be consistent with what was, at times, a bizarre season for the rookie.  It came in Tampa in the first game of November after the Caps went undefeated in regulation in October (5-0-3).  It was the first goal of the game against the Lightning, just 73 seconds into the contest.  Lightning defenseman Mikhail Sergachev tried to work the puck out of danger from behind his own net, but he managed only advance it as far as Taylor Raddysh, who was being covered by Nick Jensen pinching in from the right point.  The puck slid free and up to Leason at the point.  He took what looked like a harmless shot from the right-wing boards, but after going between the legs of Pierre-Edouard Bellemare, Victor Hedman redirected the puck past his own goalie, Andrei Vasilevskiy, and Leason became the 397^th player in Caps history to score a goal.  The bizarre part?  It was the first of only ten shifts for Leason for the game in which he compiled a team low 5:58 in ice time, only 32 seconds of which – one shift – were recorded in the third period.  And, the Caps lost, 3-2, their first loss in regulation of the season.

Game to Forget… January 24^th vs. Vegas.  A late January game in Washington against the Vegas Golden Knights added a chapter to the sometimes bizarre season Brett Leason had.  In six games leading up to this matchup, the Caps alternated wins and losses.  Leason played in five of them after he was activated from the taxi squad on January 13th, going scoreless with an even rating while averaging 10:42 in ice time.  He would get less than half of that ice time in this contest and did not skate a shift in the third period.  Unsurprisingly, his score sheet line was largely blank.  One shot attempt (shot on goal), one takeaway, and one blocked shot in 5:02 in ice time spread over seven shifts.  It would be in the only game all season in which the Caps were shut out, 1-0, extending their run of alternating wins and losses

Postseason… Leason dressed for one playoff game, Game 2 in the opening round loss to Florida.  No shot attempts, no points, one credited hit, and a minus-1 rating in 8:17 in ice time.  A taste of what the second season looks like.

Looking Ahead… Leason completed his entry level contract in 2021-2022 season and is a restricted free agent without arbitration eligibility.  Whether he gets an offer from the Caps greater than that of his $842,500 cap hit in his entry level deal might depend as much on the potential he exhibited in Canadian junior hockey as his 36-game stint with the Caps this season.  In 2018-2019, Leason went 36-53-89, plus-55, in 55 regular season games with Western Hockey League champion Prince Albert, more than doubling his goal total from the previous season (15) and almost three times the point total he recorded (32).

In the End…

While he might never reach the level of production he had in his final year in juniors in the NHL, if he can raise his offensive game, he could help ease the transition to the next generation of Capitals and become a part of the new core cadre of players.  At any rate, his rookie season might be remembered as one of the more unconventional in recent Caps history.

Grade: B

Washington Capitals: 2021--2022 By the Tens -- Forwards: Evgeny Kuznetsov

Evgeny Kuznetsov

“Great effort is required to arrest decay and restore vigor. One must exercise proper deliberation, plan carefully before making a move, and be alert in guarding against relapse following a renaissance.” 

-- Horace

When the 2020-2021 season ended for the Caps, the question was less “if” than it was “when” center Evgeny Kuznetsov would be traded, right down to possible destinations.  We have to admit to being in the “when” camp back then.  That Kuznetsov was not traded is a lesson in why media (and bloggers) are not general managers of hockey teams.  After a disappointing season that extended a career arc of diminishing production since his star turn in the 2018 playoffs, Kuznetsov came into the 2021-2022 season appearing rejuvenated and committed to producing at a high level consistently. 

Fearless’ Take… 24 goals, most since he had 27 in 2017-2018.  54 assists, most since he had 56 in 2017-2018.  78 points, most since he had 83 in 2017-2018.  Eight power play goals, tying a career high.  19 power play assists, most since he had 23 in 2017-2018.  27 power play points, most since he had 30 in 2017-2018.  More than 20 minutes of ice time per night (20:17), most of his career.  This season, he was tied for second in goals (24, with Tom Wilson), second in points (78), second in power play points (27), first in shorthanded points (five), second among forwards in average ice time (20:17).  Only forward to average more than three minutes per game on power plays (3:44) and more than a minute per game killing penalties (1:07).  Led team in overtime ice time per overtime game (1:44). Only Capital to be called upon to take a turn in every Gimmick game played by the Caps (eight).  While his offensive numbers did not quite measure up to his 2017-2018 season, he might have displayed a more well-rounded game this season than in that one.

Cheerless’ Take… Kuznetsov was not a particularly effective possession player.  Despite a 73.9 percent offensive zone starts share at 5-on-5, second-highest on the team, his shot attempts-on ice percentage at 5-on-5 was relatively weak (49.7).  His ice time did not track much with Caps success, the team going 21-14-10 when he logged at least 20 minutes, 22-11-1 when he was under 20 minutes. 28-15-6 15-10-5.  And then there were those faceoffs.  There were 167 players taking at least 250 draws this season.  Kuznetsov finished 149^th in winning percentage (43.5).

Odd Kuznetsov Fact… Only two forwards in the league (Jonathan Huberdeau and Adam Lowry) were on ice for most shorthanded points for than Kuznetsov (six).

Odd Kuznetsov Fact II… Kuznetsov had four game-winning goals this season, all of them on home ice.

Odd Kuznetsov Fact III… By now, Kunzetsov’s lack of faceoff success is not news, but while he won ten or more faceoffs in 12 games this season, the Caps were just 6-4-2 in those games.  He lost ten or more draws 25 times, and the Caps went 15-6-4.  

Game to Remember… March 11^th at Vancouver.  When the Caps visited Vancouver in March, they were wrapping up a three-game road trip to Canada’s western provinces. They split the first two games, a 5-4 win in Calgary and a 4-3 overtime loss in Edmonton.  For his part, Evgeny Kuznetsov entered the game against the Canucks with a four-game points streak (1-3-4), the Caps going 3-0-1 in those games.  Kuznetsov opened the scoring in the game’s sixth minute.  Kuznetsov started the scoring sequence when he took a pass from T.J. Oshie at the Vancouver blue line, skated through the left wing circle, and fired a shot that went wide into the right wing corner.  Nick Jensen recovered the puck along the right wing wall and sent the puck back around the end boards.  The puck struck a stanchion behind the Canucks’ net and popped out in front where Kuznetsov was skating through the low slot.  He batted the puck out of mid-air past goalie Thatcher Demko on the stick side, and the Caps had a 1-0 lead 5:34 into the game.  Less than a minute later, Kuznetsov and the Caps had their second goal, this one on a power play.  He took a slingshot pass from John Carlson in his own end and skated the puck to the Vancouver blue line, where he slid it to Carlson at the right point.  Carlson fed Alex Ovechkin for a one-timer from the left wing circle that Demko stopped, but could not control.  Kuznetsov was waiting at the top of the crease, and as he was being whacked by defenseman Tyler Myers, he pushed the puck the last couple of feet past Demko and into the back of the net to make it 2-0, Caps, at the 6:17 mark.  At the time, it was a bit of a mixed blessing, since Kuznetsov’s guiding the puck the last couple of feet denied what might have been Ovechkin’s 767^th career goal, which would have broken a tie with Jaromir Jagr for third-place all time in career goals.

The Canucks came back, however, and took a 3-2 lead early in the third period.  The Caps drew even on another power play.  Carlson, Ovechkin, and Kuznetsov were engaged in a three-man passing drill at the perimeter of the offensive zone when Ovechkin snapped a shot that Demko once more stopped but failed to control. A scramble in front of Demko ensued, and the puck squirted out to his left.  Kuznetsov darted in from the right wing wall to jump on the loose puck, but his he whiffed on his first attempt to convert.  He did not miss on his second, using his superior hand-eye coordination to shoot the puck off Demko’s left pad as he was skating past the goal post, tucking it behind Demko to tie the game and complete his hat trick.  The Caps completed the comeback when Lars Eller scored just 42 seconds into overtime for a 4-3 victory.  For Kuznetsov, it was his second career hat trick and his fifth three-point game of the season.

Game to Forget… February 28^th vs. Toronto.  The Caps closed out February with their first game in DC after a perfect 4-0-0 road trip.  They then laid an egg against the Maple Leafs on home ice.  The Leafs and Caps exchanged goals to start the game, but after the Caps tied it on a Conor Sheary goal 16:23 into the period, Toronto scored twice in a span of 1:09, the latter goal coming with just 1.6 seconds left in the period to take a 3-1 lead into the first intermission.  The Caps came back, though, scoring once in the second period and again, on a shorthanded goal by Tom Wilson 1:44 into the third period.  The Leafs would score late in a period again, though, taking the lead on a Rasmus Sandin goal with 3:23 left in regulation.  The Leafs added an empty net goal for a 5-3 win.  Kuznetsov had a brutal game, taking a pair of minor penalties, winning just five of 14 faceoffs, and going minus-4 for the only time in the regular season and the fourth time in his career he did so, his first time on home ice.

Postseason… Kuznetsov’s postseason had an uneven quality to it.  He posted two goals in six games after going without one in three games in last year’s playoffs.  His three even strength points tied for second on the team (Nicklas Backstrom had four), and his 16 shots on goal were tied for third on the team.  On the other hand, he had a minus-3 goal differential at even strength, and those three even strength points for which he was on ice at even strength were the only even strength points for which he was on the ice in the series against Florida.  He also had seven giveaways to two takeaways, and his 42. 7 faceoff winning percentage ranks 58^th of 65 players taking at least 50 draws.

Looking Ahead… Kuznetsov has three years remaining on his contract that carries a $7.8 million annual cap hit. At the level of production he provided this season, that might be a bit of a bargain.  Of 12 centers with cap hits between $7.0 and $8.5 million this past season, Kuznetsov finished sixth in goals, second in assists, fourth in points, and second in average ice time (source: capfriendly.com)  But that’s the issue, will Kuznetsov continue producing at his 2021-2022 level, or was this season a one-off in what has been a disappointing trend in production? 

In the End…

By appearances, Kuznetsov had more focus and determination, and he just seemed happier playing hockey this season.  Having reached his 30^th birthday and about to embark on his tenth NHL season in 2022-2023, he sits squarely in what should be the prime of his career.  For the Caps to keep that competitive window open just a bit longer, he is going to have to build off this year’s effort and play like a very talented player in his prime.

Grade: A-

 

Washington Capitals: 2021--2022 By the Tens -- Forwards: Axel Jonsson-Fjallby

Axel Jonsson-Fjallby

“The first step, my son, which one makes in the world, is the one on which depends the rest of our days.”
-- Voltaire

The Washington Capitals employed 11 rookie skaters this season, tying the number they skated in 2013-2014 and 2005-2006 and most since the Caps iced 14 rookie skaters in 2003-2004.  Axel Jonasson-Fjallby was one of the 11 rookie skaters the Caps dressed this season, and for a fifth-round draft pick (147^th overall in 2016), it was a pretty good year.  He did not stand out in terms of offensive numbers, but he was given a range of responsibilities that will serve him well as his development continues.

Fearless’ Take… You could call his numbers, for the most part, modest.  He ranked sixth of 11 Caps rookies in goals (two), sixth in points (four), fifth in shots on goal (29), fifth in credited hits (18), fifth in blocked shots (eight).  But there was one area in which he stood out a bit more – penalty killing.  “AJF” averaged 42 seconds per game in shorthanded ice time, second among rookie forwards (only two seconds per game less that Beck Malenstyn).  His offensive game might take some time to come around, but he already has been getting defensive responsibilities rookies do not often get.

Cheerless’ Take… It is early in his career, but Jonsson-Fjallby shared something with the player he might someday be replacing.  His shooting percentage (6.9) was eighth of nine rookies recording at least one shot on goal.  It is almost exactly that of Carl Hagelin’s shooting percentage in his three-plus seasons with the Caps (6.7).  Of 90 forwards recording at least 25 shots in their rookie season, Jonsson-Fjallby’s shooting percentage ranks 72^nd.  His personal shot attempts-for percentage at 5-on-5 (47.0) ranked eighth of the 11 rookies, too.

Odd Jonsson-Fjallby Fact… In 11 games in which he skated at least 12 minutes, the Caps were 9-1-1; they were 5-6-1 when he skated less than 12 minutes.

Odd Jonsson-Fjallby Fact II… He is the third skater in Caps history with a hyphenated last name, joining Devante Smith-Pelly and Jean-Luc Grand-Pierre.

Odd Jonsson-Fjallby Fact III… Jonsson-Fjallby had two goals this season, both against the New York Islanders, one at home and one in New York.  Semyon Varlamov was the victim in goal for both.

Game to Remember… March 15^th vs. New York Islanders

When the Islanders came to town in mid-March, Anthony Mantha got the Caps off to a good start with the game’s first goal in the 13^th minute of the first period.  The Isles would comeback with a pair of goals in the second period to take a 2-1 lead after 40 minutes.  In the 11^th minute of the third period, Dmitry Orlov intercepted a pass in his own end and worked is way up ice, leaving a pair of Islander defenders in his wake to enter the offensive zone on a 2-on-1 with Jonsson-Fjallby.  He slid a pass past the stick of defenseman Ryan Pulock, setting up Jonsson-Fjallby for a one-timer that beat goalie Semyon Varlamov past his blocker on the short side for his first NHL goal, tying the game at 2-2.  The teams exchanged goals to push the game to extra time, where the Caps won, 4-3, in a Gimmick.

Game to Forget… April 29^th at New York Rangers.  The last regular season game of the season for Jonsson-Fjallby and the Caps left a bad taste in his and their mouths.  For his part, Jonsson-Fjallby skated just 9:47 for the game, one of six games out of 23 he played that he logged less than ten minutes in ice time.  He had just one crooked mark on his line of the score sheet, a single shot attempt (shot on goal), and he finished a minus-2.  What was particularly odd about his game was not that he skated only 15 shifts, third fewest among the 18 skaters for the Caps, but that five of them ended in penalties, none of which were charged to him.

Postseason… Jonsson-Fjallby did not play in the postseason.

Looking Ahead… Jonsson-Fjallby is entering the final year of a two-year deal that carries a $750,000 cap hit in 2022-2023, after which he will be an arbitration-eligible restricted free agent.  Almost ten years younger and with a cap hit $2.0 million less than Carl Hagelin for next season, he is an attractive alternative to take over Hagelin’s spot on the fourth line, especially given Hagelin’s uncertain future after suffering an eye injury this season.  What makes his future more intriguing is that there is evidence his offense will improve.  In his last three seasons with Hershey in the AHL, he was 38-34-72 in 136 games, a 23-21-44 scoring pace per 82 games.  If he can make progress toward that level of production, and assume a regular role in penalty killing, he can do his part to keep the Caps’ fourth line productive.

In the End…

Axel Jonsson-Fjallby took a bit of a detour before suiting up for the Caps.  Although he was drafted by the Caps, the big club put him on waivers for purposes of reassignment last October.  He was claimed by the Buffalo Sabres, but visa complications gummed up the transaction, and he returned to the Caps on a waiver claim a week after the Sabres claimed him.  He seems, for the moment at least, to have a home in DC, where he could assume a regular role for the Caps next season.  He could be quite a value addition for a player taken as a fifth-round draft pick.

Grade: B