Matt Bradley

'07-08 Stats                      Age (on October 1): 30                  Contract: UFA after '11

'07-08 Season Report

Bradley began the season seldomly used. He hit the 10-minute mark in ice time just twice in his first 25 games. His improved forechecking and hitting led Boudreau to play him at least 10 minutes in 23 of his last 26 games.

Forming a solid fourth line with Boyd Gordon and Donald Brashear, Bradley sparked the team with his consistently ferocious efforts. At times he was the most physical player on the ice and finished the season 5th on the team in hits with 126.

Intangibles

Bradley fits in with this team's mojo perfectly. Having been with the Capitals since the lockout, he is playing as big a role as ever for this team. Brashear, who is under contract for next season, has also found a comfort zone playing with Bradley on the other wing.

The two teamed to form arguably the team's best cycling duo and tended to spend a lot of time in the offensive zone, though scoring chances were relatively few but certainly were there.

Future Fit

Bradley just inked for more three years. His play improved as the year progressed and he played extremely well opposite Brashear. With Brashear back for one more as well, the two will likely be paired again on the fourth line.

At 30 years old, Bradley still has a number of solid years ahead. And like fine wine, grinders like Bradley get better with age. As they gain a reputation around the league, opponents begin earmarking them which inevitably pulls them off their game.