Report: Capitals Exploring Options To Move Up In 2023 NHL Draft

Washington has been reported to be "seriously aimed" at taking Matvei Michkov.

The Washington Capitals know they'll be getting a big piece for their future with the eighth overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, but according a new report, they want to move up and get a higher pick.

Per The Fourth Period's David Pagnotta, Washington is "exploring ways to move up from eighth overall" going into Wednesday's first round in Nashville.

Securing a higher pick could be beneficial for the Capitals if they want a certain player, and it appears that their focus could very well be on taking Matvei Michkov, as a source close to teams said in a report that Washington was "seriously aimed" at taking the 18-year-old.

Michkov is one of the more enigmatic players available in the top 10. While he's right behind Connor Bedard when it comes to skill set and talent, there are some concerns that hurt his draft ranking and add uncertainty as to how far he'll fall on draft day.

The Russian is under contract until 2026 with the KHL's SKA Saint Petersburg, which would mean it would take a long time until he makes his way overseas. Not only that, but he was difficult to get in touch with for several NHL clubs (though he has reportedly finally made himself available to teams), and some scouts also cited character issues.

Assistant general manager Ross Mahoney shared an update on the Capitals' draft plans on Thursday, saying that they would be focused on taking the best player available when they're on the clock. He wouldn't confirm whether or not Washington interviewed Michkov, but he did say the team was still finalizing draft interviews and had already talked to 60-70 players.

"The guys are excited, the scouts are very excited [that we'll] be able to call a player's name that we think will be a very good player for the Capitals in the future," Mahoney said, adding, "There is some real good value earlier, so in that sense, we're happy to be picking where we are.

"This pick is obviously important. We treat it like any other pick that we would have... hopefully, [we] make the right pick."

Washington does have some trade chips, with Anthony Mantha and Evgeny Kuznetsov reportedly among the names being shopped.

The 2023 NHL Draft kicks off on Wednesday at 7 p.m. in Nashville.