{ "blocks": [ { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "The Washington Capitals are less than 24 hours away from making their first top-10 pick since 2007, and the front office is confident that the organization will get a key piece of the team's future out of this draft." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Though there are several prospects to keep an eye on in this year's class, the name getting the most attention ahead of the first round is Matvei Michkov." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Michkov, who was said to be nearly impossible to get in touch with while playing in the KHL this season, is in Nashville and will certainly hear his name early, but how early remains a question." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Though he's the No. 2 ranked European skater behind Leo Carlsson and arguably the best forward behind Connor Bedard, there are a lot of question marks surrounding Michkov." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "In addition to being difficult to meet with, some scouts expressed concern regarding character issues, and he is also under contract with the KHL's SKA St. Petersburg until 2026, which would be the earliest he could be seen playing in North America." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "So, where he'll land remains a question, but his suitors are becoming clearer as news starts to churn out of Music City." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Michkov is making himself available to teams while in the United States for the draft, and he's already had some interviews." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes told reporters that the team met with Michkov. Per The Fourth Period's Anthony Di Marco, the Philadelphia Flyers have met with the Russian as well, though there is a sense that Ryan Leonard is the Flyers' first choice. San Jose Sharks general manager Mike Grier wouldn't dive into whether or not the Sharks met with Michkov but did say that they met with the Russian players they wanted to meet with." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "As for teams that have not met with Michkov, there are a couple that Michkov has not been in contact with at this time." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen told reporters in a pre-draft press conference that the team has not met with Michkov, though the Jackets are expected to take either Adam Fantilli or Leo Carlsson, depending on who the Anaheim Ducks go for." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Arizona Coyotes general manager Bill Armstrong also revealed in his pre-draft presser that the team hasn't met with him at this point -- and joked that he's not easy to track down, either." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "\"Nobody has seen him; he's a ghost,\" Armstrong told reporters. \"So we have not met with him at this point, but you never know.\"" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Washington assistant general manager Ross Mahoney addressed Michkov last week but would not say whether or not the Capitals met with him. However, numerous reports have broken out indicating that Washington is \"seriously aimed\" at taking the Russian, who has been compared to Alex Ovechkin and is coming off a stronger pre-draft season than No. 8 had in 2004." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Things apparently went well for Michkov when it came to his conversations with teams that did get a chance to sit down with him, as Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli reported that one of the teams that interviewed him with a translator was \"really impressed\" with the prospect." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Right now, the draft order is the same as it was on lottery day, though things could get interesting with speculation surrounding teams wanting to either move up or down. The Capitals are reportedly among them." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "READ MORE ON THE HOCKEY NEWS: Could Capitals Find Perfect Draft Day Trade Partner In Canadiens? Habs Reportedly Considering Move Down" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Draft day is usually filled with actions and GMs working the phones and draft floors, and though speculation indicates that Washington is interested in Michkov, there are still plenty of top names that could fall into the Capitals' lap." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "The Hockey News has Washington taking Zach Benson at No. 8, but other names to keep an eye on include Dalibor Dvorsky, Ryan Leonard and David Reinbacher. The Capitals interviewed around 60-70 players already, per Mahoney." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "All the action remains to be seen and will kick off at 7 p.m. ET in Nashville." } } ] }

NHL Draft Eve Rumblings: Which Teams Have Met With Michkov, Capitals Potential Picks