The rumors about big physical defenseman turned out true

 sportsnet.ca, Feb. 6, 2009:

The Washington Capitals have claimed defenceman Staffan Kronwall off waivers from the Toronto Maple Leafs on Friday.

Kronwall, 26, has played 52 career games with the Leafs, registering one assist with 21 penalty minutes and a minus-five rating.

In 42 games with the AHL Toronto Marlies this season, Kronwall has registered seven goals and 18 assists with 46 penalty minutes

Staffan was in the news in his rookie year when Lindros got knocked off by him at the team's practice.

thestar.blogs.com, SEPT. 13, 2005

Big Swede Staffan Kronvall got one in on Lindros, putting the star on his backside with a solid check. Afterward the poor fellow didn't know whether to smile or run for cover:

"I knew it was him – I actually tried to hold back a bit. I could’ve hit him harder. I definitely felt it wasn’t the right guy to hit.

"You gotta respect these guys, definitely. Hopefully he’s going to be my teammate one day. We’ll see what he says after this."

Lindros had a few things to say after the hit, actually.

I don't know why, but his last name was spelled with "V" in his rookie year.

DOB: SEP 10, 1982
AGE: 26
PLACE OF BIRTH: JARFALLA, SWEDEN
HT: 6-3 WT: 209
SHOOTS: L
NHL SEASONS: 2
DRAFTED BY TORONTO IN 2002 (9/285).

He is a younger brother of Nicklas Kronwall. Now Caps have three Swedes! If it'll go that way, we'll have another Detroit Red Wings team. Ok, just kidding.

Most likely he'll be assigned to Hersey for quite a while. And then, who knows?

TWEET