Washington Capitals defensive prospect Dru Krebs has finally returned to postseason play. The 20-year-old Alberta native has to go back quite a ways to remember what it’s like to participate in playoff hockey.
“I don’t think I’ve played playoffs since like bantam so it’s been a long time,” Krebs told Chat News Today. “But you know it’s always good to play games that really matter and it’ll be a great learning experience for all these guys and for myself as well.”
Krebs, a 6’-0” left-handed defenseman from Okotoks, Alberta, was selected by the Capitals in the fifth round (#176th pick overall) of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. He is enjoying the fruits of a much better season.
“It’s a big, big change in atmosphere and kind of mentality. A lot of guys achieved the goals, the team goal of making the playoffs so it’s really good,” he said.
Last season Medicine Hat missed the postseason as Krebs ended his 2021-22 campaign a whopping -58. This season has been quite the improvement for Krebs and the Tigers, as they made the playoffs and Krebs turned in his best defensive season to date, rising to the the top pairing and finishing +27.
Krebs participated in both the Capitals’ rookie camp and main training camp. He also played in the Capitals first preseason game against the Buffalo Sabres, the team his older brother Peyton plays for.
Photo: Instagram: @Capitals
“It was a cool experience, especially being able to play against my brother, and it’s always cool to play with the pros,” Krebs told the Medine Hat News. “Guys who play at this level and every single level going up, that increases the speed and size and everything, but at that level, it’s the top of the top and it’s just a really good experience to be able to play guys and get that experience underneath my belt.”
Krebs and Medicine Hat teammate goaltender Garin Bjorklund spent some time in Hershey at the end of last season, signing amateur tryout agreements with the Beas on April 20, 2022. However, while Bjorklund came away with a contract with the Capitals, Krebs did not.
Krebs is completing his fourth full season with the Medicine Hat Tigers in the WHL, and remains unsigned by the Capitals. He will become a free agent unless the Capitals extend an offer by the end of the season.
“It’s a contract year for me, so that’s what my pursuit is to get an NHL contract. Also coming back to a really good squad that makes the playoffs and makes a push and also being as big of a leader as possible on this squad,” Krebs said in October. “I want to prove myself as a leader on this team and someone who can really help the squad win some games. It’s just a prove-it year.”
By Jon Sorensen
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