Barry Trotz can't get enough of rookie Andre Burakovsky.
After a very impressive showing at the Capitals Development Camp a few weeks ago, Burakovsky has jumped to number one on a very respectable list of prospects in the Washington organization.
And just how impressed was Barry Trotz? So much that he is even considering him for the position of second line center, behind two other candidates in Marcus Johansson and Evgeny Kuznetsov. While Burakovsky is listed as a winger, he played center during camp and showed a lot of versatility.
The Capitals are desperate for a second line center after losing Mikhail Grabovski to free agency when signing defenseman Brooks Orpik and Matt Niskanen to long-term deals. No one is exactly sure about who will fill that large void, but fingers are pointing to Johansson for the time-being. However, with Burakovsky high on Trotz's list for making the team out of training camp, it is possible he could see some action in the middle this season.
That is, if he can continue what he showed the coaching staff a few weeks ago. Playing against seasoned pros will be a much different experience than playing against "kids", and it will be interesting to see how Burakovsky, whether at center or on the wing, handles the speed and physical aspects of an NHL-type game.
Drafted in the first round (23rd) in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, Burakovsky played for Erie last season netting 41 goals and 87 points in only 57 games. He's fast, smart and seems to be up for any challenge:
"We're hoping that he has that attitude that he's going to come in and compete for a spot, which he will," said Assistant GM Ross Mahoney. "That'll be up to Andre to see how he does. He's only going to be a 19-year-old this coming year, but he definitely has shown that he's got the skill, the hockey sense and has some really good tools. It'll be up to him to come in and make an impression on the coaches." (Adam Kimelman, NHL.com)
If not, there's always Hershey.
If he is sent down, there is no doubt that he will get called up a few times throughout the season as long as he can continue to impress Trotz with his development. No matter what happens though, it'll be fun to watch this kid grow within the organization.
More to come...
Follow me on Twitter: @_Mellin_