Interview with Washington Capitals 2010 Draft selection Samuel Carrier
[Ed. Note: We couldn't make camp today, so we thought we'd share our interviews from yesterday post-scrimmage]
With the 176th pick in the 2010 NHL Draft, the Washington Capitals selected Defenseman Samuel Carrier. He's played over 120 games in the QMJHL in two seasons, and boasts a strong offensive upside along with steady defensive skill. Carrier spent last season with the Lewiston MAINEiacs, and previously played alongside fellow Caps prospect Dmitri Kugryshev during his 2008-09 season in Quebec.
Rock the Red: How do you feel the scrimmage went for you today?
Samuel Carrier: The more the game went on, the more I was comfortable. The game was a lot faster than Junior.
RtR: How did it make you feel to be drafted by the Capitals?
SC: It's an unbelievable feeling. This is a great organization, great players, and I can't be happier.
RtR: What excites you most about the Capitals organization?
SC: You have a winning team, it's a great city, and great training.
RtR: What did you think about the crowd at today's game?
SC: It was surprising! They even came to the practice this morning. Nice fans!
RtR: You list Mike Green as one of your favorite players. Aside from him, who do you model your game after?
SC: Andrei Markov. I like to be an offensive-defenseman with a great pass who can join the rush.
RtR: I noticed your point total jumped from 9 in 08/09 to 42 in 09/10. As an offensive-defensman, is your greatest asset as a Power Play Quarterback?
SC: Oh yeah.
RtR: What other aspects of your game can you credit this to?
SC: On average I got more ice time than the year before. That helps a lot.
RtR: After playing with him with the MAINEacs, what can you tell us about Kugryshev?
SC: He's a great kid. I had a lot of fun with him. He's a great player with a lot of skills that loves to score. [laughs]
RtR: That's all good assets to have! What about yourself - what do you want to work on most this week?
SC: My skating. It's much faster than Junior, so I've got to work on my speed and my footwork.
Although we didn't get to see him man the power play during the scrimmage, Carrier played fairly consistantly. He seems to be enjoying all of what Development Camp has to offer, and soaking in the knowledge from Coaches and other players alike. At 18, Caps fans will have a bit to wait before he makes his appearance, but he knows what he wants to accomplish - and knows what he needs to work on to get there.
