The Washington Capitals have added a fresh face to the organization, hiring Michael Peca as a player development coach. Peca is expected to work primarily with the players on Washington’s taxi squad this season.
If you remember the Buffalo Sabres team that made it to the Stanley Cup Final in 1999 (only to lose to the toe of Brett Hull), you remember Peca. A whirlwind of offensive talent, defensive responsibility and devastating open-ice hits, Peca made the most of his relatively small frame.
In 864 career games he recorded 465 points, including a career-high 60 with the New York Islanders in 2001-02. He won his second Selke Trophy that season while playing under Peter Laviolette, who happens to be the Capitals head coach. If Peca can instill any of that defensive responsibility—he finished in the top-five of Selke voting for seven straight seasons—in the Capitals depth players, he’ll be a valuable coaching asset.
Great point on Michael Peca’s potential impact for the Caps, @Gavin. You could see the Flyers and Caps being forces to be reckoned with for several years, if he can be a difference maker in that part of their game.
These developmental coaches are vital. Pick the wrong one and you will flounder and the draft pics will just not develop. The Ducks have that type of coach shuffling between Irvine & San Diego. That coach was one of the best to play the game,but now stands as one of the worst to develop a player.
This is one of those under the radar behind the scenes move that most fans never hear about. But they end up having a lot to do with what a team does against similar teams. I can’t complain much given the ups and downs of the roster but being better at playing a two way game is a sure recipe for success.
It’s a shame he was never the same after Tucker took out his knee that 1 year in the playoffs.