Capitals Re-Sign Defenseman Shaone Morrisonn

[VodkaFish]

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Washington Capitals have re-signed defenseman Shaone Morrisonn to a two-year contract, vice president and general manager George McPhee announced today.

“Shaone is a mobile defenseman who defends very well,” said McPhee. “He is a key part of our future and we look forward to his continued growth.”

Morrisonn, 23, played in 80 of the 82 games in 2005-06, including each of the last 76. He led the team in blocked shots with 131 and led the team in ice time in eight games. Morrisonn ranked fourth among Capitals defensemen with 14 points (one goal, 13 assists) last season, and was second on the team and first among defensemen with a plus-7 rating. He also led the team with three shorthanded assists.

The 6’4”, 210-pound native of Vancouver was Boston’s first-round choice, 19th overall, in the 2001 Entry Draft. The Capitals acquired Morrisonn from Boston March 3, 2004.

[BENNETTWOLF]

Excellent move. One of the real bright spots from last year and a defenseman to build around. Probably our best last year. The +7 says something on a bad team.

Defensively responsible, fairly hard nosed and tough to play against and certainly a guy to build around without being flashy.

While i'm not familiar with all of our recent draftees, sounds like the caps have at least 4 #1 picks on the blueline to build around. Steve Eminger, Morrisson, Mike Green and the guy from last year (#14 overall) that recently agreed to terms.

A future blueline that could be quite formidable. I'm reasonably sure i may have forgotten a couple other recent years picks that should be included.

Imagine watching a blueline of six #1 picks mature together.

Morrison reminds me a bit of Adam Foote, wish the current NHL wasn't as "wussy" as it is, i think he'd be a consistent 100-140 pim guy who's hard to play against, consistent and easily overlooked by casual observers.

[DaleHunter32]

Originally Posted by BENNETTWOLF

While i'm not familiar with all of our recent draftees, sounds like the caps have at least 4 #1 picks on the blueline to build around. Steve Eminger, Morrisson, Mike Green and the guy from last year (#14 overall) that recently agreed to terms..

Sasha Pokulok 1rst round #14 last year from Cornell. The announcers last year nearly crapped themselves when Washington made the annoucement to draft this guy (saying he was off the draft board, or at best 3rd rounder). He then made Canada's Jr. Olympic team. The other guy that year they drafted that year in the 1rst round was some big defensive Sasquash from North Dakota, no clue what his name was though

I have never been a fan of Morrisson, but people in Washington love him for some odd reason, kind of reminds me of Kevin Hatcher.. ewww. And the caps have been drafting d-men for the 2 previous year. Let's hope the players from their AHL winning Hershey team can step up and make an impact this year