The Caps would look to move him west first, and he’d fit in nicely with his Dad’s other team in Colorado. They’re rebuilding the way the Caps did in the 2004-2007 time frame…

In the first game against Buffalo, he looked solid playing with Beagle and Gordon. He’s skating with Beagle and Bradley this time, so I’m getting the impression, more and more, that they want to know if he can play on the energy line (a.k.a. be Brashear’s replacement on the fourth.) It’s increasingly looking like his best last hope to see ice time with Washington, if the preseason is any indicator.

He’s been effective but not a stand-out so far. His saving grace is that the Capitals essentially give him up for nothing if they put him through waivers. I could see him as playing until Fehr recovers, being a healthy scratch, and as awful as it might be to the head of the Bourque lobby, being part of a multi-skater deal to land a top four defenseman.

That said, the dream scenario is that he skates here and has success. Goodness knows he’s earned it, as well as he’s progressed over the years, and as patient as he’s been. It may not seem like it, but he’s from the 2004 draft class, the top of the second round at 33rd overall. (Picked after OV, Schultz, and Green.)