Sizeable prospect for Caps

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GRAND FORKS, N.D. — With preseason practice approaching late last summer, Joe Finley experienced pain in the back of his knee following a series of workouts.

But he didn't become concerned until after he realized there was no structural damage.

"The scary part is that it was growing pains," Finley said. "I had sprouted up half an inch."

Already a menacing figure in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association for the University of North Dakota, Finley — the Washington Capitals' 2005 first-round draft choice — had grown to 6 feet, 7 inches.

"I hope I don't grow any more," he said. "I'm plenty tall."

And getting plenty ready for the NHL.

As the Caps concentrate on the present and making the playoffs for the first time since 2003, management also has its attention on the future, and a key piece on the blue line figures to be Finley.

A 245-pound junior at North Dakota, the 20-year-old faces a decision following the season, which continues for the top-ranked Fighting Sioux (23-8-2 and unbeaten in their last 15 games) this weekend against St. Cloud State: Play a final year for North Dakota or sign with the Caps.

"We thought he needed to spend at least three years in college, and then it might be time to take him out," Caps vice president/general manager George McPhee said. "It's going to be time for him to play pro soon."

Although it's likely he will endure at least a year of seasoning in Hershey of the American Hockey League, Finley could follow the path of Caps defenseman Jeff Schultz (6-foot-6), who played only 44 minor league games before being called up.