The Capitals are reportedly leaning toward drafting a blueliner come Friday.
The Washington Capitals are reportedly headed into the 2024 NHL Draft with an agenda when it comes to their 17th overall pick in this year's NHL Draft.
Per The Athletic's Scott Wheeler, Washington is reportedly set to target a defenseman or center in this year's draft.
"There's a belief among those I've talked to that they're going to target a D this year," Wheeler wrote in his latest mock draft.
Wheeler cited that Washington has taken an influx of wingers over the last handful of seasons, including Ryan Leonard and Ivan Miroshnichenko, so there's a desire to get a different type of player. Two potential options could be Czech defenseman Adam Jiricek and Norweigan blueliner Stian Solberg.
He also didn't rule out the possibility of the Capitals picking up a centerman.
"I'd also expect centers such as (Michael Hage) and Jett Luchanko to be in the conversation here," Wheeler wrote. "But I think if a Solberg or Jiricek is here, they're more likely to go D than center."
The last time the Capitals took a defenseman in the first round was when they selected Alex Alexeyev with the 31st overall pick in 2018.
Since then, there have been a number of promising defensemen drafted into the organization, including Vincent Iorio, Ryan Chesley, Cam Allen and more.
Head coach Spencer Carbery also cited his desire for more size on the backend, and the team is also transitioning into a younger group, so getting another up-and-coming defenseman could help with John Carlson entering the final years of his career and the team's blue line aging.
Washington will make its decisions on Friday and Saturday when they head to the Sphere in Las Vegas for the 2024 NHL Draft.