Caps prospect Cody Eakin has impressed team officials at rookie development camp this week. The 19-year-old arrived in great shape, and coach Bruce Boudreau noted his overall speed and skill when talking to reporters Monday.

But for Eakin, a 2009 third-round pick, his performance here won't matter for 2010-11. The 5-foot-11, 180-pound center is headed back to Swift Current of the Western Hockey League to finish out his junior career. That's not where he belongs after a superb 47-goal season in the WHL last season. But Eakin, who only turned 19 on May 24, is too young to play for Hershey in the American Hockey League.

"I don't think it's the end of the world," Eakin said. "I'm still young, and I think one more year at Swift Current will really help me out off ice and on ice."