Michael Latta has impressed head coach Barry Trotz through the first two preseason contests and is making a strong case to remain with the team to start the regular season, Alex Prewitt of The Washington Post reports.

Latta has impressed head coach Barry Trotz through the first two preseason contests and is making a strong case to remain with the team to start the regular season, Alex Prewitt of The Washington Post reports.

Analysis:

Latta is the last remaining fragment of the failed Martin Erat trade in 2013. He spent most of last season with AHL Hershey, tallying 14 goals and 34 points in 52 games. Given Tom Wilson's recovery from an offseason leg injury, Latta's imposing physical play and checking abilities make him a strong candidate for fourth-line minutes if Wilson is unable to start the season. With only four points in 17 NHL games, the hard-nosed Latta may be a solid role player for the Capitals this season, but he does not possess significant fantasy value unless he can work his way up the lineup.