Shaone Morrisonn

'07-08 Stats                      Age (on October 1): 25                  Contract: RFA

'07-08 Season Report

After establishing himself as a star stay-at-home prospect in his first full campaign in Washington, Morrisonn has yet to blossom into an overpowering defensive presence. I have likened him to the style of play Rod Langway brought to D.C., just without as much physicality. While Langway's play would grade him an A or A+ on a yearly basis, Morrisonn is still down at around a B-, which ain't bad, but I was hoping he'd be banging on the A- door by now. Hope that makes sense.

Bruce Boudreau expertly paired a puck rushing youngster, Mike Green, with Morrisonn and the pair began clicking. When Morrisonn was out with a bruised ankle for a few games, Green looked a bit lost out there. It took a few games for Mo to get back in game shape himself, but once he did he was beatable.

In the playoffs, Morrisonn had the worst plus/minus of all Capitals defensemen at -3. But there is still plenty to like with Morrisonn. He doesn't turn 26 until the end of 2008 and he is poised to spend many years side by side with Green.

Intangibles

Smith & Wesson. Johnson & Johnson. Green & Morrisonn. Ok, not quite, but for years to come this pair could be controlling the last 10 minutes of every other game they play in. They are that good, and they are still inexperienced. The two of them combined are not much older than Detroit's Chris Chelios. There's a lot of hockey left to be learned and we can only help they are doing it together in D.C.  

Future Fit

Once re-signed, Morrisonn is primed to be a top 4 defenseman on the Capitals for at least a half decade. Players who play his style show exponential improvement through the years Morrisonn is entering. Stay-at-home types are all about reading, reacting, and positioning -- cerebral skills that come with time unlike physical gifts skilled players can use to excel earlier in their careers. 

From what I've heard there hasn't been much talk about offers to Morrisonn who is a RFA come July. He should be available at a reasonable price (perhaps $1.5-2 for 3-5 years.) Certainly worth the cost for a top 4 guy who is a defenisive specialist. But I wouldn't complain at all if his toughness moves up a notch or two, just like his paycheck.