Capitals Prospects Profiles on NHL.com

We’re all waiting, patiently but impatiently, for the start of rookie camp in less than three weeks. NHL.com whets our appetites with these profiles of the Washington Capitals‘ impressive stable of youngsters chomping at the proverbial bit, including Karl Alzner (perhaps the most likely addition to the October roster), Semen Varlamov, and Oskar Osala:

Osala, who signed a three-year entry level contract with the Capitals in June, played for the Espoo Blues in Finland last year, scoring 18 goals and 17 assists in 53 games, while earning 62 penalty minutes and was named Finland’s Rookie of the Year. He finished second on the team in goals, fifth in assists and points and was tied for third in penalty minutes.
The Vaasa, Finland, native was the Capitals’ fourth-round choice (No. 97 ) in 2006. From 2005 through 2007, he played with the Mississauga Ice Dogs of the Ontario Hockey League, collecting 87 points (39 goals) in 122 games over two seasons. Osala shared the tournament lead with four other players after notching five goals for Finland at the 2007 IIHF World Junior Championships.
“(Coach) Bruce Boudreau really liked him in training camp last season and was very impressed and wanted to make sure we got him signed, so he got his wish,” McPhee said.