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Sanford Impressing Capitals Brass

October 3, 2016, 12:14 AM ET [5 Comments]
Eric Mellin
Washington Capitals Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
Earlier this summer, Zach Sanford signed a 3-year, entry level deal with the Washington Capitals, leaving behind a stellar, yet shortened, career at Boston College.

The Capitals were open to leaving a spot open on the roster for anyone who they wished to see gain some NHL experience this season, and so far the 21 year old from Salem, MA has opened the eyes of Washington's coaching staff, including Barry Trotz.

"We're really impessed the way he's played," said Trotz, who is back from his stint with Canada at the World Cup in Toronto.

While, Trotz was away, Assistant Coach Todd Reirden was running training camp, and saw something special in the way Sanford was adapting to an NHL-style of play. Reirden noted Sanford's size and strength as well as his puck possession and was impressed with how he handled himself on the ice.

The Capitals traded up three picks in the 2013 NHL Entry draft to snag Sanford at 61st overall. He scored 13 goals and 26 assists in 41 games for BC as a sophmore, and was looking to add to his success before the Capitals came calling.

Sanford was to see time down in Hershey this season, which may very well still be the case, but Washington likes the progression he has taken already and may want to try putting the natural center at wing since the Capitals are running pretty deep down the middle with Backstrom, Kuznetsov, Lars Eller and Jay Beagle.

Sanford's potential move to wing would only last as long as he is in Washington. His game will only improve down in Hershey in his natural position as he will see more playing time.

So far Sanford has met all expectations during training camp. At 6'4", 191lbs, he dwarfed many of his fellow prospects, and the Caps know that Sanford's frame is another big plus in determining where he'll end up by the end of camp.

“He’s certainly got an NHL body,” said Caps Director of Player Development, Steve Richmond. “He looks like he could be ready. We’ll see.

More to come...
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