Tom Poti

'07-08 Stats                      Age (on October 1): 31                  Contract: UFA after '11

'07-08 Season Report

Poti was brought in to spearhead the Capitals power play and provide offense the blueline has lacked since Sergei Gonchar was sent packing before the lockout. That plan didn't work out. But the emergence of Mike Green allowed us to soon forget what Poti never brought.

What the veteran did provide was solid two-way play, leadership, and poise. While Poti finished with a career low 2 goals during a season which he failed to net a power play strike for the first time in his career, he did finish 2nd among Caps defensemen in points, plus/minus, and led the D in shorthanded ice time.

Now if the guy would just take a few slap shots (which admittedly he did a couple times as the season wore on) we'd be set. It was months before he wound up for a big shot, something I thought power play "quarterbacks" were supposed to do. I know the Caps coaching staff promotes quick shots getting to the net from defensemen, but Green and Alex Ovechkin sure found ways to fire a slapper from the PP point. After all, Poti had the fewest shots on goal (99) since his rookie season.

Intangibles

As the Capitals roster stands now, Poti will again be the Capitals' most experienced blueliner. A month older than Brian Pothier (whose career is in jeopardy,) Poti is 3 years the senior of John Erskine and 6 years older than Shaone Morrisonn and Milan Jurcina. His steady play and experience must be a catalyst for the young guys' development.

Future Fit

With three years remaining on his current deal, Poti will be a fixture on the blue line for the foreseeable future. While not the impressive offensive threat the Capitals were hoping for, he'll round into a solid puck mover for the team's second defensive pairing.

With Karl Alzner all signed up, I wouldn't be surprised to see the rookie paired with Poti come next season. Alzner's stay-at-home presence and quickness would allow Poti to jump into the play, allowing Poti a chance at reaching the double-digit goal mark -- something he has done three times before.