The Washington Capitals have retained several depth players by signing defenseman Shaone Morrisonn, right wing Eric Fehr, left wing Chris Bourque, and center Kyle Wilson to one-year contracts. Morrisonn’s contract is worth $1.975 million, Fehr’s is worth $771,750, while the financial terms of Bourque’s and Wilson’s contracts were not disclosed. In 72 games last season with the Capitals, Morrisonn scored three goals and 10 assists for 13 points and 77 penalty minutes. In 350 career games with the Capitals and Boston Bruins, he has nine goals and 49 assists for 58 points and 355 penalty minutes. Fehr appeared in 61 games last season with the Capitals, scoring 12 goals and 13 assists for 25 points. Bourque played in only eight games for the team last season, scoring one goal. He also appeared in 69 games with the Capitals’ AHL affiliate in Hershey, scoring 21 goals and 52 assists for 73 points. Wilson did not play in any NHL games last season, instead appearing in 80 games with Hershey, scoring 28 goals and 30 assists for 58 points. He has yet to appear in an NHL game.
These aren’t bad signings for the Capitals. Morrisonn is a very mobile defensive defenseman who plays with some toughness. His defensive skills will make him an important top-four blueliner for the Capitals next season. Fehr brings plenty of offensive and scoring depth to the team’s forward lines. His improved offensive play last season should get him a top-nine role next season. Bourque possesses a wealth of goal-scoring and offensive talent and could likely become a top-six forward in the NHL. At 5’9” and 173 lbs., he will probably always be criticized for not being big enough, but that likely won’t stop Bourque from becoming a scoring forward in the NHL. Wilson has the skills to become a top-six forward in the NHL, but given the Capitals’ depth on offense for next season, he will likely spend most of it in the minors unless the team becomes ravaged with injuries.
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