When Washington Capitals general manager George McPhee said he expected Marcus Johansson to compete for a job with the team this fall on the day the 19-year-old center signed his entry-level contract, it was a bit of a surprise from a man who is typically pretty reserved in his comments about player expectations. Now that Johansson has spent a week at Kettler Capitals Iceplex practicing and scrimmaging in front of the organization’s scouting and coaching staffs, it seems like the 2009 first-round pick being on the opening night roster is closer to becoming a reality. “He’s a good player and we’re going to bring him along at the right pace, but we’re really confident he can play in the league this year and play for us,” McPhee said. “We could take our time and leave him in Sweden for another year or put him in the American League but we really believe he belongs here.” http://www.csnwashington.com/07/16/...ps/landing_v3.html?blockID=272610&feedID=6458
