The Washington Capitals prospect is on pace to surpass 100 points for the first time in his WHL career.
Andrew Cristall continues to show why he is a special talent. Drafted 40th overall by the Washington Capital in June, the Kelowna Rockets forward has dominated this season with 41 points in 20 games. The dynamic winger is not just on pace to smash his career high but could be one player Team Canada looks at for their World Junior team this year.
This year's draft was a life-changing experience for Cristall. Not only did his dream of being drafted into the NHL come true, but he also had the opportunity to share this experience with some of his closest friends, including Connor Bedard. As he describes, it was an event he won't soon forget.
"It was awesome to be able to kind of go to Nashville and be with all my friends and the prospects that were getting drafted. It was super cool, and when my name got called, it was super exciting. A lot of reminiscing about all the memories and all the hard work finally paid off a little bit. So it was a super cool experience."
After being selected by the Capitals in the second round, Cristall was invited to training camp and played in his first career preseason. During that time, he had the opportunity not just to practice but play with some of Washington's best players, including Alex Ovechkin. Looking back, it was a fantastic learning experience and, as he explains, will benefit his long-term development.
"It's it's pretty crazy. Like we're just practicing for the game, and you're playing on the powerplay with Wilson and Sandin. All that magic and all those guys, it's pretty cool. They're talking to you, so when I got in the game, I needed to kind of get it out of my hands as quickly as possible and ended up getting a lucky assist on that one. It's super cool to be able to play with those. guys"
Cristall also had the chance to work with Nicklas Bäckström. As a playmaker himself, the chance to learn from a player with over 700 career NHL assists was invaluable. While playing with NHL players is a special experience, having the chance to learn from a future Hall of Famer is something he is grateful for.
"Actually, a couple in the game just on my positioning, like where to go and how to touch pucks in the zone, things like that. He actually let me know a few times, so that was really cool of him to do that to me. Everybody welcomed me too, so super awesome."
Now, returned to the WHL, Cristall continues working on his game. It is clear that the Capitals see him as a part of their future, having signed him to an ELC, and he is looking to show them why he deserves a shot as early as next season. Whether in practice or a game, he is willing to put in the effort to become an NHLer.
"I think the main thing is just playing like you're playing against NHL players. I thought I had a really strong camp, and they saw that too. They said, if you practice like you do every day, you will play here. That's the main goal for me.
As mentioned, Cristall is a special talent. His hand-eye coordination, combined with his playmaking ability, makes him one of the most dangerous players in the WHL when the puck is on his stick. A self-described "Hockey Nerd," he credits his success to this point on his passion for the game and his deserve to, one day, play in the NHL.
"I think for me, I'm a hockey nerd, I guess you could say. I'm always watching hockey and studying the game, and I think that will help me in the long run. It's also just passion. I love to be out on the ice and playing. I think when you love to do something, you become good at it over time. So, I think the main thing that makes me special is just my passion for the game. "
Watching Cristall play, it is clear why Washington was so excited to add him to their organization. He continues to raise the bar and can make plays with the puck few teenagers can. If he continues to develop like he has, it should not be long before he is making an impact at the NHL level.