Ed. note – Fedor Fedin and Roman Piontkovsky of GlobalCapsFans live to dish out salacious gossip about those players orbiting just out side the Capitals’ exosphere. Here is your sorta bi-weekly edition about kids in the Caps system (CHL, USHL, NCAA, KHL, TL;DR).  It’s Prospect Watch!

Prospect Watch’s Three Stars

1. Evgeny Kuznetsov
2. Dmitri Orlov
3. Cody Eakin

Brandon Anderson, G, Lethbridge Hurricanes, WHL

Stats: 9 GP, 223 Sv, 26 GA, 481:08 TOI

In the middle of the season, Anderson lost his starting job to Dylan Tait. Anderson got a few spot starts as a back-up, and after Tait could not take advantage of his new role, Anderson regained his starting job. Lately, Brandon has shown some improvement, including being named the game’s number one star January 12th against Calgary.

Highlights vs Calgary Hitmen (12 Jan)

Greg Burke, LW, New Hampshire University Wildcats, NCAA

Stats: 4 GP, 0 G, 0 A, -2, 4 PIM

Burke has finally recovered from his bout with mononucleosis, and has been promoted to New Hampshire’s second line.

Samuel Carrier, Lewiston MAINEiacs, QMJHL

Stats: 10 GP, 2 G, 7 A, +14, 9 PIM

Carrier and his MAINEacs had a very productive stretch, winning eight out of eleven. Carrier not only racked up a bunch of points (9pts in 10 games), he also unleashed the fury on Carl-Antoine Delisle of Victoriaville.

Samuel Carrier (#55 in white) fights Carl-Antoine Delisle (Victoriaville Tigres)

Phil DeSimone, C, New Hampshire Wildcats, NCAA

Stats: 4 GP, 1 G, 2 A, +1, 2 PIM

DeSimone continues to lead New Hampshire to NCAA glory. Right now UNH is ranked 7th nationally in the USCHO poll. DeSimone’s third on the team in points with 5 goals and 18 assists (1.15 PPG).

Dan Dunn, G, St. Cloud State Huskies, NCAA

Stats: DNP

All Huskies games including two to win the Florida College Classic, were won by Mike Lee. Dan Dunn was the backup and did not play.

Cody Eakin, C, Kootenay Ice, WHL

Stats: CHL: DNP.
WJC: 7 GP, 1 G, 2 A, +3, 2 PIM

Cody Eakin was very solid in the WJC (3pts in 7 games) and at one point was promoted to Canada’s first line alongside Marcus Foligno and Brayden Schenn. Upon his return to Swift Current, he was traded to the Cup-contending Kootenay Ice for eight assets, including five players and three draft picks. Eakin still hasn’t made his debut for the Ice because of a hand injury.

This past Friday, the Capitals did a feature on Eakin where he talked about his experience in the WJC. Check it out.

Brett Flemming, D, Mississauga Majors, OHL

Stats: 9 GP, 0 G, 4 A, +5, 8 PIM

The Majors have played well, as they’ve lost only two of their last nine games. Flemming has had 4 assists during that span, including one short-handed.

Stanislav Galiev, LW, St John Sea Dogs, QMJHL

Stats: 10 GP, 6 G, 4 A, +8, 4 PIM

At the end of 2010, Galiev slumped, recording just one point in four games. He was obviously very disappointed that he was sent home from the WJC camp. But after the Russian team won the championship, Galiev’s scoring touch returned. He’s recorded 7 points in his last 5 outings.

Hignlights vs Drummondville (14 Jan):

Hignlights vs Drummondville (15 Jan):

Andrew Glass, LW, Boston Terriers, NCAA

Stats: DNP

Andrew Glass is the first player on Prospect Watch to have hockey literally taken away from him. The Terrier was permanently dismissed from his team for being late and missing meetings.

Philipp Grubauer, G, Kingston Frontenacs, OHL

Stats: CHL: 6 GP, 215 Sv, 15 GA, 356:34 TOI.
WJC: 4 GP, 103 Sv, 13 GA, 175:49 TOI

At the WJC, Grubauer didn’t justify the hopes of coaches and fans, and played below average. He was the starting goalie in only 4 of Germany’s 6 games, and was yanked twice as the starter. Since returning to the OHL, he’s won four of his past five games and has been named the game’s second star twice.

Highlights vs Windsor Spitfires

Anton Gustafsson, C, SCL Tigers, Swiss NLA

Stats: 4 GP, 0 G, 1 A, -1, 0 PIM

Baby Gus returns to Prospect Watch as he signed a deal in Switzerland with the SCL Tigers. The Tigers have a good chance to make the playoffs. Anton has tallied one point, an assist, in his last four games.

Caleb Herbert, С, Sioux City Musketeers, USHL

Stats: 7 GP, 4 G, 5 A, E, 8 PIM

The Musketeers struggled while Herbert was shelved four games due to an injury. Herbert reclaimed the team lead in points though playing eight games less than Ryan Carpenter. He’s also second on the team in shots and shooting percentage.

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Evgeny Kuznetsov, RW, Traktor Chelyabinsk, KHL

Stats: KHL: 6 GP, 1 G, 1 A, +1, 4 PIM.
WJC: 7 GP, 4 G, 7 A, +3, 4 PIM

Game-by-game:

12/26 Russia U-20 vs Canada U-20 3-6 L, 0 G, 0 A, -1, 0 PIM

12/28 Russia U-20 vs Sweden U-20 0-2 L, 0 G, 0 A, -1, 0 PIM

12/30 Russia U-20 vs Norway U-20 8-2 W, 1 G, 1 A, +3, 0 PIM

12/31 Russia U-20 vs Czech Republic U-20 8-3 W, 1 G, 2 A, +2, 0 PIM

1/2 Russia U-20 vs Finland U-20 4-3 W, 2 G, 1 A, +1, 2 PIM

1/3 Russia U-20 vs Sweden U-20 4-3 W, 0 G, 0 A, E, 2 PIM

1/6 Russia U-20 vs Canada U-20 5-3 W, 0 G, 3 A, E, 0 PIM

12/22 vs Avtomobilist Ekaterinburg 4-5 L, DNP

12/24 vs Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk 4-2 W, DNP

12/26 vs Ak Bars Kazan 2-4 L, 0 G, 0 A, E, 2 PIM

1/3 @ Traktor Chelyabinsk 4-2 W, 0 G, 0 A, -1, 0 PIM

1/5 @ Avangard Omsk 0-4 L, 0 G, 0 A, E, 0 PIM

1/7 @ Barys Astana 3-4 L, 1 G, 0 A, +1, 2 PIM

1/9 vs Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk 6-5 W, 0 G, 0 A, -1, 0 PIM

1/13 vs Atlant Mytischi 2-3 L, 0 G, 1 A, +2, 0 PIM

1/15 vs Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod 6-1 W, 0 G, 0 A, E, 2 PIM

Kuznetsov was named the best RW of the WJC and would have been named the best forward if not for Canada’s Brayden Schenn. Overall, Kuz showed his magic against the mega-talented defensemen of Sweden, Finland, and Canada. Kuznetsov scored some crucial goals in the tournament and was surely Russia’s best player. Before the Gold Medal Game I read one fan’s comment: “Only a miracle can help Russia win this one. The miracle’s name is Evgeny Kuznetsov.” Kuz did just what was needed, helping the Russians complete their third straight comeback in the WJC by recording three points in the third period of the Gold Medal Game against Canada. Evgeny was named Traktor’s best player in December and was also rumored to get traded to the KHL’s powerhouse, SKA St. Petersbourg. However, Traktor’s coach Belousov said that they’re not going to trade him even if they are almost out of the playoffs race.

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Nick Larson, C, Minnesota Golden Gophers, NCAA

Stats: 5 GP, 0 G, 2 A, +2, 4 PIM

Game-by-game:

12/31 vs Union Dutchmen 2-3 OTL, 0 G, 0 A, E, 2 PIM

1/7 vs Ferris State Bulldogs 2-2 T, 0 G, 0 A, -1, 2 PIM

1/10 vs USA U-18 Team 9-0 W, 0 G, 1 A, +3, 0 PIM

1/14 @ North Dakota Fighting Sioux 3-2 W, 0 G, 1 A, +1, 0 PIM

1/15 @ North Dakota Fighting Sioux 1-4 T, 0 G, 0 A, -1, 0 PIM

Well, Larson is likely the most improving player of the last two weeks, getting promoted to the first line (from the fourth just a month ago).

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Garrett Mitchell, RW, Regina Pats, WHL
Stats: 11 GP, 2 G, 5 A, -6, 46 PIM

Game-by-game:

12/13 @ Edmonton Oil Kings 3-5 L, 0 G, 0 A, -4, 6 PIM

12/14 @ Prince Albert Raiders 3-6 L, 0 G, 0 A, -2, 0 PIM

12/7 vs Everett Silvertips 2-3 L, 0 G, 2 A, +1, 0 PIM

12/17 vs Prince Albert Raiders 6-4 W, 0 G, 1 A, -1, 4 PIM

12/18 @ Prince Albert Raiders 4-6 L, DNP

12/28 vs Swift Current Broncos 4-3 SOW, 1 G, 1 A, +2, 4 PIM

1/1 vs Prince Albert Raiders 3-1 W, 0 G, 0 A, E, 7 PIM

1/2 vs Calgary Hitmen 4-3 SOW, 0 G, 1 A, +1, 0 PIM

1/7 @ Red Deer Rebels 2-1 SOW, 0 G, 1 A, +1, 2 PIM

1/8 @ Edmonton Oil Kings 1-7 L, 0 G, 0 A, -1, 0 PIM

1/12 vs Saskatoon Blades 4-3 SOW, 1 G, 1 A, +1, 0 PIM

1/14 vs Edmonton Oil Kings 1-4 L, 0 G, 0 A, -1, 4 PIM

1/15 vs Red Deer Rebels 0-6 L, 0 G, 0 A, -2, 19 PIM

It’s a tough life for the Pats as they lose almost all of their games and their rare wins usually come via the shootout. Captain Mitchell does everything he can, picking up a lot of PIM’s for fighting and instigating, and putting as many points as he can on the board. Over Regina’s last eleven games, Mitchell picked up two goals and five assists.

Highlights vs Red Deer Rebels, Highlightnss vs Calgary Hitmen

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Dmitri Orlov, D, Metallurg Novokuznetsk, KHL

Stats: KHL: 2 GP, 0 G, 0 A, -1, 2 PIM.
WJC: 7 GP, 1 G, 8 A, +10, 2 PIM

Game-by-game:

12/26 Russia U-20 vs Canada U-20 3-6 L, 0 G, 2 A, +1, 0 PIM

12/28 Russia U-20 vs Sweden U-20 0-2 L, 0 G, 0 A, E, 2 PIM

12/30 Russia U-20 vs Norway U-20 8-2 W, 0 G, 3 A, +3, 0 PIM

12/31 Russia U-20 vs Czech Republic U-20 8-3 W, 1 G, 2 A, +2, 0 PIM

1/2 Russia U-20 vs Finland U-20 4-3 W, 0 G, 0 A, +1, 2 PIM

1/3 Russia U-20 vs Sweden U-20 4-3 W, 0 G, 1 A, 2, 2 PIM

1/6 Russia U-20 vs Canada U-20 5-3 W, 0 G, 0 A, +1, 0 PIM

12/22 vs Sibir Novosibirsk 3-5 L, DNP

12/26 vs Amur Khabarovsk 4-2 W, DNP

12/28 @ Sibir Novosibirsk 1-2 L, DNP

12/30 @ Neftskhimik Nizhnekamsk 1-3 L, DNP

1/5 @ Ak Bars Kazan 1-2 L, DNP

1/7 @ Avtomobilist Ekaterinburg 4-3 W, DNP

1/9 @ Avangard Omsk 3-4 L, DNP

1/13 vs Yugra Khanty-Mansiysk 0-2 L, 0 G, 0 A, -2, 0 PIM

1/15 vs Avangard Omsk 2-3 L, 0 G, 0 A, +1, 0 PIM

Orlov was named to the WJC all-star team over many first-round defensemen, such as Calvin de Haan and Erik Gudbranson. Being the Russians’ best D, Orlov showed great attacking skills and defensive responsibility. Even though his positional play had some blunders (such as Brayden Schenn’s goal in the gold-medal game) he really looked like he cared and worked hard at both ends of the rink. Despite new management at Metallurg, the team is going to get good money to acquire good players for the next season, and Orlov will likely cross the pond this summer. Metallurg might trade him before the KHL playoffs start, as their GM Leonid Weissfeld said: “A lot of teams were interested in Orlov. Almost the whole League”.

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Patrick Wey, D, Boston College Eagles, NCAA

Stats: NCAA: 3 GP, 0 G, 1 A, +1, 4 PIM.
WJC: 6 GP, 0 G, 0 A, -2, 2 PIM

Game-by-game:

12/26 USA U-20 vs Finland U-20 3-2 W, 0 G, 0 A, E, 0 PIM

12/28 USA U-20 vs Slovakia U-20 6-1 W, 0 G, 0 A, -1, 0 PIM

12/30 USA U-20 vs Germany U-20 4-0 W, 0 G, 0 A, E, 0 PIM

12/31 USA U-20 vs Switzerland U-20 2-1 W, 0 G, 0 A, -1, 0 PIM

1/3 USA U-20 vs Canada U-20 1-4 L, 0 G, 0 A, E, 2 PIM

1/5 USA U-20 vs Sweden U-20 4-1 W, 0 G, 0 A, E, 0 PIM

12/30 @ Colgate Raiders 6-5 W, DNP

12/31 vs Mercyhurst Lakers 4-1 W, DNP

1/7 @ Providence Friars 4-1 W, 0 G, 0 A, E, 2 PIM

1/8 vs Providence Friars 3-1 W, 0 G, 1 A, +1, 2 PIM

1/16 @ Maine Bears 1-4 L, 0 G, 0 A, E, 0 PIM

Patrick returned from the WJC and found his place on Boston College’s first defensive pairing. On the bronze-winning USA team, he didn’t have a lot of TOI, but was a stable PKer.

More: Patrick Wey for The Almanac

Heart-throb Brooks Laich made an appearance at Kettler today. (Photos by Addison Huber)

Group A Observations

Braden Holtby still looks a little shaky in net, letting in a few goals he probably should have saved. This could be a function of the fact that he recently had LASIK surgery done on his eyes and they aren’t quite back to normal yet. It is also important to remember that Holtby went from starting to backing up Michal Neuvirth and did not play very much over the last two months of his season.

Anton Gustafsson continues to remain an enigma. It is clear that the young Swede pick has a plethora of talent, certainly worthy of him being first-round draft selection. However, there were times during the week when his motivation appeared questionable. For example, during offensive zone entry drills today, there appeared to be moments when Gustafsson would stop skating and lackadaisically enter the zone.

Evgeny Kuznetsov. Wow. Definitely the breakout prospect of 2010 Development Camp. After Marcus Johansson, Kuznetsov most likely has the best chance of being in a Capitals uniform sometime soon. Kuznetsov is pretty much the complete package: great passing, smooth skating, and hard shooting. Kuznetsov also has a number of intangibles that will likely help him make it to the NHL level. He has a natural hockey sense – he would always seem to be at the right place on the ice or able to put his passes in the right place. Kuznetsov also is an on ice leader: he quickly understands new concepts and teaches the other Russians, especially Dmitri Orlov who has a less firm grasp of English. Finally, he obviously loves the game – he plays with a permanent grin on his face and was always the first on and last off the ice during the practice sessions. It is obvious why the Caps had him ranked 12th on their draft board. The only criticism of Kuznetsov would be that his frame is not quite filled out, but the Russian has the ability to fix that with some weight room sessions.

Group B Observations

Philipp Grubauer and his awesome goalie mask.

Trevor Bruess looked a lot better in the drills today than in previous Days of Development Camp. Although he looked good in the two scrimmages, until today, he had not really stood out in the workouts. Bruess looked very comfortable in front of the net and scored several deflection-type goals. This fact is all the more impressive because of his smaller stature.

Stan Galiev continues to impress. The young Russian has an absolute cannon of a snapshot that he scored with several times. Galiev also has puckhandling skills reminiscent of another Russian Capital, Alex Semin. Galiev’s affinity for both getting in the crease and throwing hits, however, is most definitely NOT like Semin.

Marcus Johansson exudes a quiet confidence that is easily detectable. While not the flashiest player, Johansson can shoot and score with ease. Johansson delighted the crowd during the practice-ending shootout with an outside-in move on Taylor Nelson that separated the goalie from his skates. Finally, Mackan can flat out skate. Johansson is such a good skater that it appears he is just gliding over the ice, his skates barely making a sound, even on the less than spectacular ice surface at Kettler during Camp.

Braden Holtby Interview Highlights

Goals for 2010-11 season: “My goal is to play as many games as I can at Hershey so that if the NHL games come, I will be ready.”

On why he came to Camp: “There’s not much of a choice [on my part]. [The Capitals staff] talked a lot with me throughout the season… it’s tough becuase the [previous] season went so long, but these camps are fun.”

On being at Camp: “I think its better to be a veteran… I haven’t gotten the chance to show that… I’ve always been the young guy, the rookie.”

On hitting Kuznetsov the previous day: “There’s no off-ice issues; it was just the heat of the moment on the ice.”

On getting LASIK: “It went really well, just a few little things [aren't 100% yet]. I’ve had numerous problems with contacts: they’re not the best thing for a goalie.”

Russian(s) to the Bakery?

Chris Gordon of Caps Snaps catches Kuznetsov and Orlov housin.'

After Kusnetsov and Orlov came out of the locker room and fulfilled their media obligations, they appeared ready to make a mad dash for the gate to get out of Kettler and grab some lunch. However, in the course of their exit they saw the tabled high with baked goods that blog readers had brought for the media folk today. Seeing this glorious sight, Kusnetsov stopped dead in his tracks and grabbed Orlov. The two Russians proceeded to HOUSE 2 or 3 red velvet cupcakes each in quick fashion, all the while being photographed by the assembled media. Kusnetsov seemed to love the attention and stopped, mouth wide open, posing for a picture and laughing. After eating their fill, they grabbed a plate and piled it full of cupcakes to take back to the locker room, all memory of their previous intentions forgotten.

Alex Semin’s Biggest Fan

There are many hockey fans and they come in varying degrees of intensity. The rarest type of fan is the extremely dedicated “superfan.” Throughout the course of my week covering Development Camp I noticed several dedicated people who had used their vacations or sick days to attend every weekday of Camp. One person in particular, sporting an away white Alex Semin jersey COVERED in signatures, really stood out, so I caught up with Feodora and asked her a few questions about her unique apparel.

How many signatures do you have on your jersey?
“I actually don’t know exactly, but over 100.”

How long has it taken you to get that many signatures?
“Two years. I got this jersey in April of 2008.”

How did you get all those signatures? Do any of them have good stories associated with them?
“I got most of them by hanging out at Kettler, But, I actually got Alex Semin’s signature in the garage. I saw him coming out and I chased after him. I think it was the fastest I have ever run.”

Do you have any other jerseys? Do you have a favorite?
Yes, I have a practice jersey, a Hershey Holtby jersey, and a Kugyrshev jersey from last year. The Semin jersey is my favorite though, because they have never lost when I’ve worn it [to a game].

When and how did you get into hockey?
“In December of 2007 I was actually at a Wizards game and I went into the store at Verizon Center and saw the Ovechkin and Semin jerseys. I didn’t know there were Russians on the team and it got me interested.”

Is Semin your favorite Capital? Why?
“I’m from a Russian family, so that’s part of it. I think he’s the best player in the world because he’s a very raw player with lots of pure talent.”

What do you think of the new Russian prospects?
“[Evgeny] Kuznetsov is one of the most amazing players I’ve ever seen. I like Dima’s [Dmitri Orlov] physicality, and I think he’s a very sly player.”

On Wednesday, RMNB statistician and all-around good guy Neil Greenberg was granted a credential to take photos for the Washington Examiner (See the story here). Check out his entire gallery of photos, including some that didn’t make the cut for the Examiner below. And make sure to let Neil know your favorite in the comments.

Yes, the impossible has happened: The Capitals have given us a credential.

Day 1 (View All Of Addison’s Photos)

Walking into Kettler Capitals Iceplex this morning, a chill flickered across my skin as I admired the clean sheet of ice that stretched in front of me; not only because the rink was 30-plus degrees cooler than the humid July air outside, but also because of the fresh start that this development camp represented. After the crushing first-round defeat in the 2010 playoffs that sent the Caps home early, development camp is the first milestone on the path to the 2010-2011 season. It seemed many other people had the same idea. During both sessions, there was a good number of spectators in the stands – probably 75 or so – definitely a good turnout for a weekday.

The goosebumps on my arms were complimented by butterflies in my stomach – as a rookie journalist, today I would be passing through the heavy metal gate separating players and press from the general public on the back side of the practice rink. After meeting the Caps PR staff and receiving my press pass, my nervousness abated somewhat, until about a minute later, when I walked into the press room and found myself surrounded by Tarik El-Bashir, Mike Vogel, Brett Leonhardt, Corey Masisak, Dan Steinberg, and all the other big name journalists who cover the Capitals.

Observations – Group A

Group A pays close attention to Bruce Boudreau

Group A featured Kuznetsov, Eakin, Gustafsson, Della Rovere, Finley, Orlov, Dunn, and Holtby. Cody Eakin was by far the most impressive member of Group A in terms of skill. He looked confident handling the puck and was strong enough to keep from getting pushed off it. The feisty redhead also displayed impressive speed and endurance during the end of session Herbies. Kuznetsov was also impressive, showing off some nifty stick work during the session, and was certainly one of the quicker prospects during wind sprints. Listed on the roster at 6′ 170lbs, Kuznetsov actually looked a little smaller than that. He would probably benefit from some weight room sessions to add bulk to his frame. On the flip side, Joe Finley is absolutely monstrous and used his size to his advantage, throwing a few monster hits and generally burying people into the side boards. Finley, however, did get caught out of position a few times on 2-on-1 drills. Dmitri Orlov also played with a physically pleasing edge and looked generally solid. After the official end of the session, Della Rovere, Eakin, and Kuznetsov stayed on the ice to practice shooting, culminating in a full-ice long shot contest.

Observations – Group B

George McPhee looks on from above.

Group B showcased Johansson, Galiev, Bruess, Stevenson, Wey, and Grubauer. This group was also composed of a large number of invitees. In this group, the spotlight was squarely on top prospect Marcus Johansson, the Caps first round pick (24th overall) from the 2009 NHL Draft. According to Capitals PR Director Nate Ewell, the team is taking a serious look at Johansson to start with the NHL club this season to provide depth at center. Johansson displayed remarkable poise and skill centering a line with another highly regarded prospect, Russian Stanislav Galiev (3rd round, 86th overall 2010 NHL Draft), on the wing. Johansson was by far the quickest of all attendees in Group B, and according to Coach Boudreau he might even be a better skater than fellow Swede Nicklas Backstrom. Along with Johansson, Galiev was also impressive, showing off his puck handling and shooting skills for the duration of the Group B session.

Touching Rookie Moment of the Day

Chris Bond, an invitee from Centreville, VA and part of Group A, came over to the gate to greet his mother, who had been taking pictures while he was on the ice. A quick peck on the cheek from his mom left Bond with a thoroughly embarrassed look on his face. That look, however, was quickly replaced my pure mortification when his mom leaned over and exclaimed: “Honey, I brought your swimsuit for you!” To which Bond quickly replied: “Mom, I told you, I don’t need a swimsuit.”

Interview Highlights

Bruce Boudreau

On Marcus Johansson: “He will let us know he is ready [for the NHL] by the quality of his play.”

On upgrading the team: “We have a great team in Hershey, they won two Calder Cups… Tomas Fleischman can play 2C, so can Brooks Laich.”

Evgeny Kuznetsov (translation from Caps in Pictures)

“It is nice to be on a team with Russians.”

“The Capitals are like a finely tuned machine.”

Stanislav Galiev

“I like North American-style hockey… it is faster, better, they hit harder.”

On the thing he misses most while in North America: “Friends.”

On goals: “[I want to] make the [Russian] World Junior Team.”

On being on the Caps: “It is incredible to be on a team with the best players in the world.”

Marcus Johansson

“It feels like [the Capitals] believe in me.”

“I try to bring my A-game every night.”

“You can’t go out there and fake it: you’re good or you’re not.”

Extra Photos