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Erskine is ‘top four’ on Washington’s blue line, says coach Oates

John Erskine

Veteran defenseman John Erskine is in no jeopardy of losing his spot in the Washington Capitals’ top four, according to head coach Adam Oates.

“He’s not losing his job,” Oates said, per CSNWashingtoncom. “He’s not. It’s not even up for grabs. He’s top four on our team.”

Erskine is a big, tough defensive defenseman who led all Washington blue-liners with 91 hits last season while providing what forward Troy Brouwer calls “that presence on the ice.” (See: image to the right)

The Caps do, however, have a couple of young d-men in Dmitry Orlov and Tomas Kundratek; hence, the speculation about Erskine’s role with the club for 2013-14.

Washington’s three other top-four d-men are Mike Green, John Carlson, and Karl Alzner.

Related: Watch Erskine rob the Jets...twice