Players

Getting to Know… Christian Djoos

(Caps Outsider)

Having only recently returned from injury, Swedish fan favorite Christian Djoos has been a regular part of the Capitals’ defensive lineup since last season, including playing 22 of the 24 Stanley Cup playoff games.

Following in the footsteps of his father, Par Djoos (a former Detroit Red Wing and New York Ranger), Christian Djoos spent his early years developing his hockey skills in the Swedish Hockey League (formerly known as Elitserien). Djoos joined the U16 branch of Brynäs IF for the 2008-09 season before making his way into the U18 squad the following season. The same year, he was also given the opportunity to represent Sweden U16 at the International Junior Tournament.

Over the following three seasons, Djoos remained loyal to Brynäs IF, steadily rising through the various age and ability levels of the organization. He made his SHL debut at the senior level with Brynäs IF in 2011 before becoming a part of the regular roster the following season during which he recorded 2 goals and 6 assists in 47 games.

His regular and consistent work in the Swedish Hockey League as well as representation for both the U18 and U20 national squads between 2012 and 2014 saw the NHL take notice as he was drafted in the 7th round at 195th overall by the Washington Capitals in the 2012 NHL Entry Level Draft. Djoos continued to work hard on home soil, playing another 97 games for Brynäs IF in the SHL in 2013 and 2014 before his North American debut came knocking.

Djoos joined the Capitals’ affiliate, the Hershey Bears for one game in the 2014-15 season before being added as a member of the active roster for the 2015-16 season. Djoos soon became a fan favourite in Hershey during his two seasons and 128 games with the Bears. He would play in 33 playoff games and recorded a total of 25 goals and 72 assists across the two seasons and 2 playoff series’ spent with the Bears.

At long last, the Capitals gave Djoos the opportunity to prove himself at the top level after consistent form in the AHL. He was granted a place on the opening night roster for the Capitals in 2017-18 and made his debut on the 11th October against the Pittsburgh Penguins. It was a dream debut for the Swede, becoming the first defenseman in Capitals history to record two points in his NHL debut with one goal and one assist.

2017-18 was the breakout season Djoos was seeking, playing 63 regular season games for the Capitals and earning his right to line up in the Stanley Cup Finals. A dream debut season was capped by the ultimate prize… Stanley Cup Champion in 2018.

Djoos’ 2018-19 season has been cut short due to injury, having only played 32 games so far this year. Hershey fans were thrilled to see him return to the Bears for a two game conditioning stint several weeks ago. However, he has now returned to the Capitals line up and will prove to be a key aspect to their defensive unit as the push for the playoffs commences.

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