The Capitals won big at the 2023 NHL Draft. Here's what to know about their five selections, and why it's a huge step for the team's future.
The Washington Capitals went with the flow in the 2023 NHL Draft, and though it wasn't filled with trades or big moves, it was their best performance at the draft in years.
It all started with the No. 8 pick. General manager Brian MacLellan admitted to making a couple of calls to see if his club could move up, but everyone wanted to stand pat in the first round, leading to no moves and Washington waiting its turn.
The hype surrounding Matvei Michkov was undeniable, as the Capitals were reportedly very interested in the Russian sensation. However, he was taken right before by the Philadelphia Flyers.
For Washington, it wasn't a surprise, let alone anything off its back. The team went about business as usual and was thrilled to see that Ryan Leonard was still up for grabs.
Leonard, a product of the U.S. National Team Development Program, is a huge grab. He's an absolute gamer and plays the game with grit and power, outbattles his opponents, complements stars and showcases skill of his own. The 6-foot, 190-pound winger had 51 goals and 43 assists for 94 points in just 57 games with the NTDP this season, scored the golden goal in the U18 Worlds against Sweden and impressed against NCAA teams to boot.
Leonard is headed to Boston College next season, where he will continue to work on his development. He's likely to be NHL-ready in a couple of years, and though Michkov would have been a good pickup, too, Leonard is a safe call and the right one that will pay off.
READ MORE ON THE HOCKEY NEWS: Ryan Leonard Discusses Being Taken By Capitals, Compares Game To Matthew Tkachuk
The Capitals kept the good times rolling in the second round and cashed in big time with Andrew Cristall. It's a major steal for Washington, who had considered trading up for him and figured he'd go in the first round. When he fell to 40, there was no mistake.
Ranking No. 15 among North American skaters by Central Scouting, the Kelowna Rockets forward is one of the most creative players in the draft. He's an elite playmaker who can thread the needle and pass with deadly accuracy. But his biggest attribute is his quick hands and high hockey IQ, which help him craft highlight-reel plays on the fly.
Not only can he dangle and find his teammates at the right place or the right time, but he can also get to the high-danger areas, walk in and make a move to score. He had 39 goals and 56 assists for 94 games in just 54 games this season. Even Connor Bedard, who played with Cristall, called him the "smartest player" he's played with.
He will be a great piece for the Capitals' future and a surefire top-6 contributor. Expect him to make waves.
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After snagging two high first-round caliber players, Washington continued with Patrick Thomas in the fourth round (No. 104). He had 52 points in 66 games with the Hamilton Bulldogs this past season. He's a natural center and impressive playmaker, but he showcased his versatility playing on the wing this season.
Then came another big-time steal in the fifth round (No. 136): Cameron Allen. The right-handed defenseman adds a lot to the team's depth chart, which needed more support on that right side, and he also brings a lot of talent.
Allen is an offensive defenseman who is a stellar skater, makes a great first pass, joins the rush and can quarterback a power play. He's also in phenomenal shape and was one of the top performers at the NHL Combine.
The 6-foot, 194-pound blueliner had five goals and 20 assists in 62 points in 2022-23. Allen also captained Team Canada's U18 World Championship squad this past year, recording four assists while helping lead the Canadians to bronze.
With the No. 200 pick, D.C. picked up Vincent Iorio's former teammate in Brandon Wheat Kings winger Brett Hyland. He'd been passed over in the last two drafts but broke out with 47 points in 42 games this season to earn a look.
An Indigenous CHL player that hails from the Métis Nation, Hyland has proven to get to the high-danger areas and create time and space for his teammates. The playmaker can also win 1-on-1 battles.
Then, to close things out, general manager Brian MacLellan made a trade, acquiring the 206th overall pick in exchange for Washington's 2025 seventh-rounder. With that selection, the Capitals took goaltender Antoine Keller, who became the first French draftee in franchise history.
Keller is an impressive pick and adds to an already-stacked goalie pool. He plays overseas in Switzerland and spent last season with Genève-Servette 820, and he is expected to make the jump to the National League soon. It's a pick that the organization is excited about.
Looking at the team's draft history, Washington has picked up some great pieces, but with its first high pick since 2007 and five other solid pickups, it was an outstanding performance and a terrific class that provides promise.