Caps Select Godfrey, Ruth With Early Second Round Picks

The Caps have been busy this morning, selecting defensemen Josh Godfrey and Ted Ruth and sending the 41st pick to Philly for the 84th pick this year and the Flyers' second-round pick next year. With guys like Oscar Moller, Maxim Mayorov and Akim Aliu still on the board, these picks are a bit surprising to me.

A bit on Ruth (Godfrey was not profiled in the Entry Draft Media Guide):

TED RUTH
U.S National U-18 • USDP
6'1", 199 lbs. Defense, shoots right
Born: February 14, 1989 in Naperville, Illinois
Final Ranking: 32 • Mid-Term Ranking: 34 • North American Skater

Central Scouting Report: A stay-at-home defenseman with good mobility…has a good wrist shot from the point that gets through to the net… plays the body hard and hits with authority… quick to get to the puck in the corner and strong one-on-one.

Hockey Profile: Completed his second season with the U.S. National Training Development Program in 2006-07… won a silver medal with Team USA at the 2006 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge… played for Team Illinois Midget Major of the Midwest Elite League posting 33 points (16-17-33) prior to attending the U.S. Under-17 Team… will attend the University of Notre Dame in the fall.

Personal Profile: Nickname is Babe after Babe Ruth… most memorable hockey game played: Under-17 World Challenge – "we lost and it was a good lesson learned"… most memorable hockey game watched: 1999 Stanley Cup Final between the Dallas Stars and the Buffalo Sabres… says his parents have had the most influence on his career because they push him and always support him…patterns his game after former New Jersey Devils’ great Scott Stevens – "he was an overall solid defenseman and a leader"… his pre-game rituals always include a nap and some quiet time to clear his head… if he could invite any three people to dinner they would be: the first President, George Washington, Alexander the Great and hockey great Bobby Orr... best hockey gift he ever received: "first pair of skates that my dad bought me. I think I was about six and it started me off in hockey"… favorites include: "the Datsyuk" (shootout move), Dallas Stars (NHL team), Scott Stevens (player), O.A.R. (group), Tony Hawk Underground (video games), Boondock Saints (movie), Entourage (TV show) and Denzel Washington (actor).