John Erskine: from Grizzlies to Capitals

This is the first in a series of offseason "Where Are They Now?" articles detailing the current happenings of former Grizzly players.

When John Erskine played for the Grizzlies during the 2002-03 AHL season, he racked up 274 penalty minutes, a feat he accomplished in just 52 games. That’s an average of over five minutes per game. His point totals for that year? Two goals, eight assists.

Sometimes statistics don’t tell the whole story, but they do a pretty good job of it in John Erskine’s case. The 6’4, 220-pound defenseman will never be mistaken for Paul Coffey or Nicklas Lidstrom, but his penchant for rough-nosed, hard-hitting, in-your-face hockey has never come into question. Erskine’s about as mean as they come, and he seems to like it that way.

It was his physical style of play, and a willingness to drop the gloves with youthful exuberance, that endeared the Dallas Stars’ 39th selection in the 1998 NHL entry draft to Grizzlies fans. Erskine was big, mean, and young, and the Dallas Stars were hoping he could develop into the type of defenseman that may not quarterback a power play, but who would keep opposing forwards honest in his own zone.

He did just that during the four seasons he spent with the Grizzlies from 2000 to 2004. His only full season with the team was his first, in 2000-01, while the others were spent between Utah and the occasional call up with the Stars. While his discipline sometimes came into question (note his penalty minutes), nobody could argue Erskine’s worth as a bruising defenseman who was strong in his own zone. He quickly developed a strong chemistry with fellow burly blueliner Jeff MacMillan, and the two became their own version of the Bash Brothers for the Grizzlies. He was also a frequent defensive partner to some of the Grizzlies' more flashy, offensively minded defensemen, serving as a veritable ying to their yang, someone they could rely on to back them up when their hunger for the net drew them a little too far away from their blueline. A brash attitude led to discipline issues on and off the ice in Utah, but he was nevertheless a fan favorite because of his brutal style of play.

After being traded and playing half a season with the New York Islanders, Erskine signed as a free agent. with the upstart Washington Capitals prior to the 2006-07 season. The Captials were young and energetic, led by Russian superstar Alex Ovechkin and known for a flash-and-dash style that didn’t always focus on the defensive side of the game. Erskine’s role was obvious: protect his end when no one else could or would.

It seems Erskine has finally found his niche. He was most recently signed to a two-year extension with the Caps, and was an integral part of the team’s playoff run last year. Still not the strongest skater or point producer, Erskine remains a bruising force on Washington’s blueline, an absolute nightmare for opposing forwards in front of his own net, and a willing fighter when called upon. Perhaps the biggest key to Erskine’s success in staying in the NHL? Discipline. In 52 games with the Capitals last year – the same number as his 2002-03 season with the Grizzlies – Erskine notched just 63 PIMs, demonstrating a physical, yet disciplined game that has earned him a solid roster spot on a very good NHL team. He’s grown up and it shows.

John Erskine, Hockey Hall of Fame? Probably not. But a nasty, dependable blueliner he has become. He will be remembered in Utah.

Check out the next installment, which will feature former Grizz captain Mark Wotton.