Capitals prospect and Swift Current Bronco Cody Eakin has been one of 39 players invited to Canada’s selection camp for their 2011 World Junior Championship team. The 19-year-old Winnipeg native was selected by the Capitals in the 3rd round (85th overall) in the 2009 entry draft. The tournament will take place in Buffalo this year.
Eakin impressed at both Development Camp and training camp for the Capitals this summer, and he even played his way into the 2nd line center debate. Though he is small at just 5’11, 179 lbs, what he lacks in size he makes up for in speed and agility. He is a power skater, a tough forechecker, and has the work ethic and skill level to fill a role on any type of line.
In 24 games while serving as captain for the Broncos this season, Eakin as lit the lamp 12 times and added 15 assists. Those 27 points rank second on his team and 36th in the WHL. With much more skilled players being invited to the camp, that is probably not the role that Eakin could fill on the team.
What Eakin does bring to the table, however, is his speed, work ethic, and his hard-hitting style of play coupled with noted leadership abilities. Should he make the team, Eakin would likely serve a third-line role, which happens to be the role he appears to be groomed for at the NHL level.
As rosters start to be released by the various countries, there are a few more Caps prospects to keep an eye on. Evgeny Kuznetsov, Dmitry Orlov, Patrick Wey, and Philipp Grubauer are all candidates for their countries’ teams. As rosters are announced, updates will be posted here.
No comments:
Post a Comment