Quintin Laing

'07-08 Stats                      Age (on October 1): 29                  Contract: UFA after '09

'07-08 Season Report

2007-08 will be a year Laing will never forget. After toiling in the minor leagues for 528 of 531 professional games (that's 99.4% of his games in case you were wondering,) Laing was finally given a chance to play at the NHL level by Bruce Boudreau.

He quickly endeared himself to Caps fans with his selfless play and all-out effort. Most noted was his shot-blocking ability. Laing led all NHL forwards in blocked shots per game with 1.33/game, though his pace lessened as the year progressed.

Laing was unable to secure his place in the lineup because of his offensive zone play. While it wasn't for a lack of effort, Laing's forechecking and board play was ineffective at best. Once Matt Cooke arrived in town, Laing played just four games the rest of the way.

Intangibles

Laing is the ultimate team player. If you were to Google "taking one for the team" you just may find his toothless grin. The superlative moment of his season came when the Capitals nominated him for the Bill Masterton Trophy. Laing was also profiled on NHL.com late in the season.

Future Fit

*CORRECTION* I previously thought Laing was unrestricted this summer.  I was wrong as his contract ends after the upcoming season.  At just 28, he has several "prime" years left. It remains to be seen if he'll ever become an everyday player in this league but he makes for an excellent injury replacement.