Bogdan Trineyev – McKeen's Hockey

MCKEEN’S 2026 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #11 Washington Capitals – Organization Overview – Top 15 Prospects

Sun, 03 May 2026 22:00:21 +0000

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 08: Washington Capitals Left Winger Ilya Protas (62) skates during warmup before the NHL regular season game between the Washington Capitals and the Toronto Maple Leafs on April 8, 2026, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON, Canada. (Photo by Julian Avram/Icon Sportswire)

Prospect System Ranking – 11th (Last Year - 7th)
GM: Chris Patrick Hired: July 2024 (Also Senior Vice President)
COACH: Spencer Carbery Hired: May 2023

After a surprising turnaround in 2024–25, when the Washington Capitals finished second in the Eastern Conference with 51 wins, the organization is now beginning to feel the effects of an aging core. With the team slipping outside the playoff picture, Washington has already begun its purge, moving long-time defenseman John Carlson to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for a 2026 first-round pick. That acquisition helps offset a depleted draft outlook, as the Capitals currently lack both second- and third-round selections in the upcoming draft. Luckily, the organization has drafted well in recent years, providing optimism that this may be more of a quick retool than a full rebuild under Chris Patrick. They now carry most of their picks post 2026, and there’s a decent expectation that they could add more to that pile.

Ryan Leonard has already graduated to the NHL and has established himself as a legitimate scoring threat in his rookie campaign, while prospects such as Andrew Cristall (46th), Ilya Protas (39th), and Ivan Miroshnichenko (125th) have continued to show well at the AHL level. On the back end, 2024 second-round pick Cole Hutson (16th) is coming off an explosive NCAA career at Boston University, where he produced at over a point-per-game pace across two seasons. Now transitioning to the NHL, Hutson already appears on the verge of graduating from our list in short order.

With speculations that this could be Alexander Ovechkin’s final season, the Capitals find themselves at a crossroads. However, the good news is that they are supported by a promising group of young players who could help usher in the next phase of competitive hockey in Washington quicker than expected.

NHL	RNK	PLAYER	POS	AGE	HT/WT	2024-25 TM	GP	G(W)	A(L)	PTS(GAA)	PIM(SPCT)
Wsh	1	Cole Hutson	D	19	5-10/165	Boston University (NCAA)	35	10	22	32	26
Wsh	1	Cole Hutson	D	19	5-10/165	Washington (NHL)	14	3	7	10	8
Wsh	2	Ilya Protas	LW	19	6-3/185	Hershey (AHL)	69	29	37	66	40
Wsh	2	Ilya Protas	LW	19	6-3/185	Washington (NHL)	4	1	3	4	2
Wsh	3	Andrew Cristall	LW	21	5-9/165	Hershey (AHL)	72	20	40	60	24
Wsh	4	Lynden Lakovic	LW	19	6-4/200	Moose Jaw (WHL)	22	18	11	29	8
Wsh	5	Milton Gastrin	C	18	6-1/195	MoDo Hockey (Allsvenskan)	39	10	14	24	4
Wsh	6	Terik Parascak	RW	20	6-0/180	Prince George (WHL)	61	33	46	79	53
Wsh	7	Ivan Miroshnichenko	LW	22	6-1/185	Hershey (AHL)	41	14	20	34	47
Wsh	7	Ivan Miroshnichenko	LW	22	6-1/185	Washington (NHL)	13	2	1	3	2
Wsh	8	Bogdan Trineyev	RW	24	6-3/200	Hershey (AHL)	62	17	28	45	31
Wsh	8	Bogdan Trineyev	RW	24	6-3/200	Washington (NHL)	2	0	0	0	0
Wsh	9	Ryan Chesley	D	22	6-0/200	Hershey (AHL)	64	6	10	16	18
Wsh	10	Leon Muggli	D	19	6-1/175	Hershey (AHL)	27	1	6	7	4
Wsh	11	David Gucciardi	D	23	6-1/185	Hershey (AHL)	52	3	10	13	55
Wsh	12	Eriks Mateiko	LW	20	6-5/215	Hershey (AHL)	27	1	5	6	16
Wsh	13	Cam Allen	D	21	6-0/195	Hershey (AHL)	22	3	4	7	22
Wsh	14	Maxim Schafer	RW	19	6-4/185	Chicoutimi (QMJHL)	53	21	28	49	28
Wsh	15	Petr Sikora	C	20	5-11/170	HC Ocelari Trinec (Czechia)	24	3	6	9	8

Cole Hutson, D, Boston University (NCAA) (Currently with Washington Capitals, NHL)

Both Boston University and the U.S. World Juniors teams have been underwhelming overall but luckily they’ve had Cole Hutson as one of the lone offensive brightsides. He’s had to do it all for the Terriers this season, top pairing offensive defenceman, top power play quarterback, top penalty kill. Hutson is all ready to jump into the Capitals blueline next season, seeing as how he can elevate the game of those around him with his playmaking and space creation. He is more conservative than his older brother with the puck and when pinching, which has made him way more defensively responsible and able to take hits at his young age. Hutson’s dynamism comes from his IQ and stickhandling, which has been very unpredictable no matter where he is on the ice, as long as he has the puck, he’s going to make a move. It may take longer for him to make the impact that Lane did in a lineup, but Cole Hutson will be an impact player for the Washington Capitals in the near future.
Ilya Protas, LW, Hershey Bears (AHL)

Washington’s use of a third-round pick on Ilya Protas is looking better and better every year. As a 19-year-old rookie, Protas has been the heartbeat of this Hershey Bears team. Protas has been the team’s first-choice center in nearly every situation from the jump. Being on the first line, first power play unit, and occasionally the penalty kill, he is easily the leader in ice time among the forward group. In his first 69 pro games, Protas put up 66 points and leads the team. Everything that made him a standout in Windsor has translated almost seamlessly in Hershey. Protas’ unique blend of size and skill is causing problems in the AHL. Protas has incredible vision and play anticipation for someone his age playing against men. He’s developing as a center in all the right ways in all three zones. It’s not a matter of if he will play alongside his brother in the NHL, but when. If Washington can’t find a way into the playoff picture, Protas will likely get a late-season call-up and work toward making the opening-day roster next season.
Andrew Cristall, LW, Hershey Bears (AHL)

Both in points and on the ice, the one player to have gone step for step with Ilya Protas thus far has been fellow rookie and linemate Andrew Cristall. In 72 games this season, Cristall put up 60 points and put his playmaking on full display. Cristall is at his best when he gets the puck on his stick and before you know it, he’s already dished it out. His style of slowing the play down, changing the angle and making a play has carried to the AHL level. Cristall’s offensive prowess wasn’t the largest area of concern when making the jump to the pros, but rather his pace and defensive capabilities. This season has shown these are still areas of growth for him. On the forecheck and in his defensive zone, Cristall is never grinding along the boards to get possession of the puck but rather hovering near the play to grab the loose puck and turn it into a scoring opportunity. It’s a style that limits him to a top six role, which he can reach but might delay his road to the NHL.
Lynden Lakovic, LW, Moose Jay Warriors (WHL)

You truly have to feel bad for Lakovic due to the season-ending injury that he suffered in November. Not only was he playing the best hockey of his career at that point in time (the game he got injured in snapped a 14-game point streak for him), if he had stayed healthy he surely would have been traded from the rebuilding Moose Jaw Warriors to one of the WHL's championship-chasing clubs. It also causes some concerns about his overall development, because he's still a very raw prospect who needs plenty of reps to refine some areas of need, but after already signing his entry-level contract, he won't be able to make a stop in the NCAA before going to the pro leagues. Either way, the Capitals are probably still sufficiently content about drafting Lakovic in the first round in 2025, because it's hard to find forwards at his size who are also such superb skaters and puck handlers. If everything unfolds just right for him in the coming years he could turn into a pretty rare kind of player at the NHL level.
Milton Gästrin, C, MoDo (Allsvenskan)

Gästrin’s DY+1 has gone swimmingly. He’s playing big minutes in all situations down the middle at the HockeyAllsvenskan level and producing at a solid clip as well. Helping win a gold medal at the WJC doesn’t hurt either. The strongest tools in Gästrin’s arsenal have translated well to the pro level. His high-end skating, his strong motor, and his hockey sense have allowed him to make an immediate impact as a two-way center for MoDo. His skills with the puck and his playmaking ability look like they’ve taken a step, and he’s shooting the puck with more oomph as well. What his exact NHL role will be is still a bit unclear. He’s got a solid NHL floor, but where he plays in the lineup will be defined by the next steps in his development. If he can bulk up a bit more and play with a harder physical edge, he could easily slot into a bottom six role. If he learns to accept more puck responsibility and stops deferring so much in the offensive zone, he could play higher up in the lineup. Hopefully that clears itself up after another year or two of development in the Swedish pro ranks.
Terik Parascak, RW, Prince George Cougars (WHL)

A lot of eyebrows were raised when Washington selected Parascak at 17th overall in the 2024 draft. He cracked the 100-point plateau that season as a 17-year-old with the WHL’s Prince George Cougars, but questions were asked and debates were held about whether his production was a genuine reflection of his talent and potential, or whether it might have been a bit of a mirage. Nearly two years later, all the signs are pointing towards it being the latter of the two, evidenced mainly by the ongoing decline of his scoring pace despite the consistency of his environment. He’s certainly not a bad prospect, by any means. He works hard and thinks the game well in all three zones, he’s effective on both sides of special teams, and he has an innate nose for the net. The problem is that that description is better suited to a prospect taken 57th or 67th overall, as opposed to 17th. There’s still time for Parascak to turn into a contributing NHL player, but the Capitals will need to do more to help him get there.
Ivan Miroshnichenko, LW Hershey Bears (AHL)

Out of everyone who has played at least two games for Hershey this season, Ivan Miroshnichenko leads the way in points per game. In 41 games, Miroshnichenko had 34 points for the Bears. In each of the past two seasons, Miroshnichenko has played roughly 30 games with the NHL club. This season, he has played five to date. Has he fallen out of favor with head coach Spencer Carbery, or is it just bad luck? More likely the latter. Miroshnichenko missed 12 games early in the year due to injury and during that time inked a two-year extension. Although he isn’t afraid to play along the boards and rough some people up, Miroshnichenko is more of a goal scorer than a depth player. With several forward contracts coming off the books next season in Washington, Miroshnichenko should get his shot as a full-time top nine forward with the Capitals.
Bogdan Trineyev, RW, Hershey Bears (AHL)

In his first two full seasons with Hershey in the AHL, Bogdan Trineyev hovered around the 20-point mark. This season has been a different story. Something has clicked offensively for the Russian and he has now eclipsed his career high in points in 39 games. It’s a remarkable jump in production from the 2020 fourth-round pick. Trineyev’s calling card has always been as a grinder. He works hard on the forecheck and is finally getting a share of the points he’s helping create. In his own end, he is stalwart defensively. He consistently positions himself well and actively uses his stick to disrupt play. He’s been a mainstay on the penalty killing unit for a while now. With the scoring ability finally there, Trineyev now looks to be capable of battling for a bottom six role in Washington. He’s already been called up once this season for two games and will likely be the first choice if a depth option goes down again.
Ryan Chesley, D, Hershey Bears (AHL)

Coming over from the University of Minnesota at the end of last season, Chesley had three points in four games. Through 64 games this season, Chesley only had 16. His offence has cooled recently and his defence hasn’t been on fire either. Chesley posted a team-worst +/- of -19. As a stay-at-home defenceman type, Chesley’s effectiveness has been reduced with a step up in play. The pace of play in the AHL puts more pressure on defencemen to make the correct decision quickly and Chesley is cracking under it. Under pressure, Chesley is not making the right reads quickly enough, which is leading to frequent turnovers. He hasn’t been a big feature of either special teams group, thus limiting his value. Chesley may not be as close to NHL-ready as once thought, but that shouldn’t really change his long-term projection. He still has plenty of time left to adjust and still projects as a dependable third-pairing defenceman.
Leon Muggli, D, Hershey Bears, (AHL)

Leon Muggli has suited up 19 times for Hershey this season, earning five points in the process. He missed 20 games early in the season due to an upper-body injury and then also spent time away from the Bears to participate in the World Junior Championships with Switzerland. In five games, he tallied one goal and four assists. During the handful of games Muggli has played, he’s been largely in a sheltered role, averaging a little over 16 minutes a game. He’s gotten more looks on the power play than the penalty kill. Muggli’s pro experience in Switzerland is showing up as he doesn’t look as out of place as you would expect for a 19-year-old defenceman in the AHL. He’s getting his stick in the right spots a lot of the time and his skating is solid for this level. Muggli has so much runway left in his development that it’s hard to project him at this point. It’s reasonable to think that Muggli will be a bottom-four NHL defenceman of some variety. A lot of it will depend on how much of his offensive game he can develop in Hershey.
David Gucciardi, D, Hershey Bears (AHL)

An underrated player in the Capitals system who impressed in this year’s NHL preseason. Gucciardi is a strong skating two-way defender who has been solid for Hershey so far this season. He could be a potential bottom pairing option for Washington in a year or two.
Eriks Mateiko, LW, Hershey Bears (AHL)

Mateiko was a breakout star last season at the WJC’s, helping Latvia find success. However, the big winger has struggled at the AHL level as a rookie, battling ineffectiveness and injury. He’ll need to adjust to the pace of the pro game.
Cam Allen, D, Hershey Bears (AHL)

A classic jack of all trades type defender, Allen will need to find an identity as a pro if he wants to be an NHL defender. His mobility is his best asset.
Maxim Schafer, LW, Chicoutimi Sagueneens (QMJHL)

The big German winger remains a big project. Playing in the QMJHL this year, he does a good job of getting to the net and using his size. However, does he have the skill to be an NHL player down the line? Staying in the QMJHL for another year would be extremely beneficial.
Petr Sikora, C, HC Ocelari Trinec (Czech)

Sikora really popped off at this year’s World Juniors, captaining the Czechs to a silver medal. He brings great energy and effort and is starting to gain confidence as a playmaker. Could continue to rise in the ranks of Washington’s system.

MCKEEN’S 2024 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #14 Washington Capitals – Organization Overview – Top 15 Prospects

Josh Bell — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 11:44:59 +0000

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 22: Washington Capitals left wing Ivan Miroshnichenko (63) in action during the Carolina Hurricanes game versus the Washington Capitals on March 22, 2024 at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire)

Stanley Cup winners in 2018, the Capitals lost in the first round the following four seasons, missed in 2022-23, and then got swept by the Rangers this season. It was likely expected though, as the team has spent the past two seasons selling off assets as part of a retool vs. a rebuild. They’ve moved on from Marcus Johansson, Dmitry Orlov, Garnet Hathaway, Erik Gustafsson, Lars Eller, Anthony Mantha, and Evgeny Kuznetsov, adding picks mainly in the second and third rounds, as well as young defender Rasmus Sandin. The Capitals have all of their first-round picks over the next three years and have an additional 11 picks over that time in rounds two and three. Despite this, it’s hard to believe that the Capitals won’t go for it for a couple more years, with Alex Ovechkin under contract for two more seasons, along with John Carlson. There is hope that Niklas Backstrom can return next season for the last year of his contract too.

The Capitals have some strong young pieces as well. Connor McMichael, Alex Protas, Hendrix Lapierre, and Alex Alexeyev are all officially NHLers the past two seasons, and it looks like Ivan Miroshnichenko is right behind them after playing 21 games this season and looking strong, with Hodgkin’s lymphoma now behind him. The pipeline also has some strong pieces knocking at the door, headlined by 2023 eighth-overall pick Ryan Leonard. In that same draft, they selected an absolute steal of a pick in Andrew Cristall 40th overall. They join a system that still has strong pieces such as Ryan Chesley, Vincent Iorio, Alex Suzdalev, and Clay Stevenson. The club has done well at building for the future without giving up too much of a competitive edge, though they will be looking for a return to contention before Ovi’s time is done.

RNK	PLAYER	POS	AGE	HT/WT	TM	Acquired	GP	G(W)	A(L)	PTS(GAA)	PIM(SPCT)
1	Ryan Leonard	RW	19	5-11/190	Boston College (HE)	`23(8th)	41	31	29	60	38
2	Ivan Miroshnichenko	LW	20	6-1/185	Hershey (AHL)	`22(20th)	47	9	16	25	13
					Washington (NHL)	`22(20th)	21	2	4	6	6
3	Andrew Cristall	LW	19	5-9/165	Kelowna (WHL)	`23(40th)	62	40	71	111	46
4	Ryan Chesley	D	20	6-0/200	Minnesota (B1G)	`22(37th)	39	2	6	8	19
5	Vincent Iorio	D	21	6-2/190	Hershey (AHL)	`21(55th)	60	4	10	14	30
5	Vincent Iorio	D	21	6-2/190	Washington (NHL)	`21(55th)	6	0	0	0	0
6	Clay Stevenson	G	25	6-4/195	Hershey (AHL)	FA(3/22)	36	24	10	2.06	0.922
7	Alexander Suzdalev	LW	20	6-2/175	Saskatoon (WHL)	`22(70th)	30	9	16	25	4
8	Pierrick Dube	RW	23	5-9/175	Hershey (AHL)	FA(7/23)	66	28	20	48	53
					Washington (NHL)	FA(7/23)	3	0	0	0	2
9	Ethen Frank	C	26	5-11/185	Hershey (AHL)	FA(3/23)	64	29	18	47	14
10	Bogdan Trineyev	RW	22	6-3/200	Hershey (AHL)	`20(117th)	63	9	7	16	18
11	Brent Johnson	D	21	5-11/165	Ohio State (B1G)	`21(80th)	37	5	8	13	8
12	Joaquim Lemay	D	21	6-1/180	Omaha (NCHC)	`21(119th)	37	5	13	18	18
13	Patrick Thomas	C	19	5-11/160	Brantford (OHL)	`23(104th)	57	21	45	66	10
14	Cam Allen	D	19	6-0/195	Guelph (OHL)	`23(136th)	25	2	7	9	23
15	David Gucciardi	D	21	6-1/185	Michigan State (B1G)	`22(213th)	30	2	6	8	47

1. Ryan Leonard, RW, Boston College (NCAA)

Fresh off an eighth overall selection by the Capitals, Ryan Leonard didn't disappoint in his freshman year at Boston College. The 18-year-old forward lived up to his billing as a power winger, lighting up the NCAA with 31 goals and 60 points in 41 games. His offensive zone anticipation and understanding of spacing helps him to consistently find soft spots in coverage and his quick release helps him to take advantage of those opportunities more often than not. Leonard wasn't just a one-dimensional scorer, either. He showed a willingness to play a physical brand of hockey and contributed positively away from the puck. His performance was a key factor in Boston College's deep playoff run. While the jump to the NHL is significant, his dominant season has undoubtedly bolstered excitement surrounding his future in Washington. He looks like a future top six winger with a well-rounded skill set and a knack for finding the net.

2. Ivan Miroshnichenko, LW, Hershey Bears (AHL)

Ivan Miroshnichenko's 2023-24 season was a whirlwind. Drafted in the first round by the Capitals in 2022, his battle with Hodgkin's lymphoma overshadowed his on-ice development. However, his resilience shone through. After a successful return to the ice, he impressed in the AHL with the Hershey Bears, notching 25 points in 47 games. The Capitals even gave him a taste of the NHL, scoring his first career goal in his fifth appearance, and sticking around for 21 games. While the sample size is small, the goal showcased his lethal shot – the same weapon that made him a top draft pick. The season wasn't without its hiccups. Questions about his compete level and overall consistency remain. Still, for a player overcoming a serious illness, his performance is encouraging. The team will likely give him more AHL seasoning next year, but with his raw talent, a full-time NHL push in 2024-25 isn't out of the question.

3. Andrew Cristall, LW, Kelowna Rockets (WHL)

Andrew Cristall, a dynamic left winger, made waves in the 2023-24 season with the Kelowna Rockets in the WHL. Standing at 5’ 10” and weighing 174 pounds, the Vancouver native possesses a combination of speed, agility, and puck-handling skills that set him apart. His ability to create scoring opportunities and his willingness to drive to the net makes him a force to be reckoned with. He starts plays, builds them up, and then adds the finishing touches, turning the mundane into brilliance. His head fakes, handling skills, and slick edges leave defenders guessing, while his perfectly weighted passes set up teammates for success. Drafted by the Capitals in the second round, the potential as a top-six winger in the NHL is undeniable. His 40 goals and 71 assists in the regular season, along with 15 points in the playoffs, showcase his impact on the ice.

4. Ryan Chesley, D, University of Minnesota (NCAA)

Ryan Chesley's sophomore year at Minnesota wasn't a flashy offensive showcase, but it solidified his reputation as a reliable defensive force. Drafted 37th overall in 2022, Chesley's point totals dipped slightly (two goals, six assists) compared to his freshman year, but his defensive impact grew. He led the Big Ten in blocked shots (74) and emerged as a shutdown specialist. He keeps a very active stick and defends the rush very well. His defensive awareness is high. However, his offensive potential remains low. There are glimpses of a strong shot and smart puck movement, but consistency remains elusive. His development in the offensive zone will be crucial. Can he become a more well-rounded defenseman, or will his value lie primarily in his defensive dominance? The answer will determine his NHL ceiling. Regardless, the defensive prowess gives him a strong foundation to build on.

5. Vincent Iorio, D, Hershey Bears (AHL)

Vincent Iorio's 2023-24 season was a grind in the AHL. The hulking defenseman (6’ 4”, 200 lbs) spent the year with the Hershey Bears, chipping in a respectable 14 points in 76 games, earning a spot in six NHL games. While the point total doesn't overwhelm, Iorio's biggest value lies in his defensive presence. He uses his size effectively to shut down attackers and is a force along the boards. However, offensive limitations remain a concern. His skating is a work in progress, and his puck-moving ability lacks creativity. While glimpses of offensive potential exist, consistency is lacking. The question becomes: can he develop his offensive tools enough to become a well-rounded NHL defenseman? Another year in the AHL seems likely to refine his game. If his skating and decision-making with the puck can improve, he has the potential to be a reliable bottom-pairing defender in the NHL.

6. Clay Stevenson, G, Hershey Bears (AHL)

Clay Stevenson, a 6’ 4” goaltender, made waves in the 2023-24 season playing for the AHL’s Hershey Bears. In 36 games, he secured 24 wins and boasts a 0.922 save percentage, a GAA of 2.06, along with seven shutouts. His technical skills, combined with his size and agility, make him a formidable presence in the net. He has been tremendous for the last two seasons, with reading plays and stopping pucks being his strong suit. He is really putting himself on the map as a goalie prospect to own. However, he faces a challenge with the contracts in front of him at the AHL level, and being 24, he needs a shot sooner than later. He will continue to battle for the starting role in the AHL this season. He is definitely a prospect to keep an eye on as he continues to develop his game.

7. Alexander Suzdalev, LW, Saskatoon Blades (WHL)

In the 2023-24 hockey season, Alexander Suzdalev showcased a masterful blend of finesse and power on the ice, solidifying his status as a promising prospect. With lightning speed and deft puck-handling skills, he consistently outmaneuvered opponents, creating scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. His hockey IQ was on full display, as he demonstrated a keen ability to read the play and make split-second decisions under pressure. Throughout the season, his dedication to his craft was evident, as he relentlessly honed his skills both on and off the ice. His commitment to excellence earned him the admiration of fans and scouts alike, who recognized his potential to make a significant impact at the next level. As he continues to develop and refine his game, he remains a player to watch closely, and could make waves on the Capitals squad.

8. Pierrick Dube, RW, Hershey Bears (AHL)

Pierrick Dube's 2023-24 season was a tale of perseverance and glimpses of NHL potential. After a brief, scoreless call-up with the Capitals, he spent the bulk of the year dominating the AHL with the Hershey Bears. He notched a career-high 48 points (28 goals, 20 assists) in 66 games, showcasing his offensive flair and ability to find the net. However, questions about his overall game persist. While the offensive production is undeniable, his defensive awareness and consistency remain a work in progress. Can he translate his scoring prowess to the NHL while holding his own in his own zone? His performance suggests he's knocking on the door of the NHL. Another strong AHL season could solidify his case for a full-time promotion. However, refining his defensive play will be crucial in determining his NHL ceiling.

9. Ethen Frank, C, Hershey Bears (AHL)

Ethen Frank continued his ascent in 2023-24, building on his impressive rookie campaign. The 25-year-old winger solidified himself as a top scorer in the AHL with Hershey, notching 47 points (29 goals, 18 assists) in 64 games. He even repeated as the league's fastest skater at the All-Star competition. More and more as the season went on, he was relied on in all situations instead of just offensively and was up to the task. However, his season wasn't without its challenges. While the scoring pace was impressive, there were stretches where he wasn't a consistent offensive threat. There's a sense that he can elevate his game further by improving his decision-making. Despite these areas for growth, performance to date puts him on the NHL path. He's knocking on the door for a call-up, and with continued development, could become a solid middle-six forward at the next level.

10. Bogdan Trineyev, RW, Hershey Bears (AHL)

Bogdan Trineyev's 2023-24 season wasn't a breakout campaign, but it offered glimpses of his potential. The big Russian winger (6’ 3”, 203 lbs) spent the entire year with the Hershey Bears. His stat line – 16 points (nine goals, seven assists) in 63 games – isn't overly impressive, but there's a caveat. Trineyev's heavy frame and strong skating suggest a power forward in the making. However, questions about his offensive awareness and puck skills linger. While he can be a force on the forecheck and win board battles, translating that into consistent scoring remains a work in progress. There were positive signs. He showed flashes of a scoring touch, and his physicality was a constant asset. But overall, his development was more grind than highlight reel. The upcoming season will be crucial. Can he refine his offensive instincts and become a more well-rounded threat? The answer could determine if he reaches his NHL potential as a bottom-six force or remains an AHL grinder.

PROSPECT CRITERIA: Players under 26 years of age as of 9/15/2024 who have appeared in less than 60 games (30 for goalies) and less than 25 in one season (25 for goalies).

MCKEEN’S 2023-24 NHL YEARBOOK – WASHINGTON CAPITALS – Top 20 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #19

Brock Otten, Derek Neumeier, Chapin Landvogt and Josh Bell — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 14:49:23 +0000

Top 20 Washington Capitals Prospects

1. Ryan Leonard

There is no area in Leonard’s game that requires significant growth in order for him to be an NHLer. His ability to play with pace, his physicality, goal scoring ability, and two-way efficiency made him one of the most complete forwards available for the 2023 draft. Unquestionably, one of his best qualities is his shot. Armed with an array of high-end shots, Leonard can beat goalies in a variety of ways. His offensive zone anticipation and understanding of spacing helps him to consistently find soft spots in coverage and his quick release helps him to take advantage of those opportunities more often than not. The million-dollar question is ultimately what is his upside if he’s really good at absolutely everything, but not elite in any one thing? Can he be a first line winger the way guys like Gabriel Landeskog or Matthew Tkachuk? Or does he fit more into the middle of the lineup as a Brandon Saad or Nick Foligno type? Headed to Boston College (along with USNTDP linemates Smith and Perreault), Leonard will focus on improving his vision and playmaking ability. He should be an immediate impact player at the collegiate level similar to how Cutter Gauthier was last season. He should also be in the NHL sooner than many players drafted in the 2023 first round.

2. Hendrix Lapierre

It was a tough road for Lapierre, suffering multiple concussions and struggling at times to find his game after that. He had a very strong rookie season in the QMJHL, winning Offensive Rookie of the Year. But after that, injuries set in and he missed almost all of his draft year. Still, the Capitals took a chance, drafting him 22nd overall. He spent two more years in the Q, playing well but never taking off. He joined the AHL’s Hershey Bears last season where he was one of their more productive forwards, bringing a two-way presence to the ice. Lapierre is a highly talented playmaker, thanks to his borderline elite vision. He can shoot as well, although often looks for the pass first. He skates well, drives a line, and is reliable in his own end. There’s second-line potential here if everything falls into place.

3. Ivan Miroshnichenko

Miroshnichenko was once considered a top-three calibre selection for the 2022 Draft but after a slow start to his draft year and then a Hodgkin’s lymphoma diagnosis, he slid to 20th where the Capitals were waiting. He ended up missing a large portion of 2021-22 but was back on the ice last season, a great sign after his diagnosis. He spent a large portion of his season in the KHL with Avangard Omsk but also saw time in both the VHL and MHL. He also has a strong international resume with Team Russia, including captaining Russia to a gold medal at the 2022 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. He has a pro frame and moves very well on the ice, thanks to powerful skating strides. Miroshnichenko is a dynamic offensive asset, able to fire a hard wrister or show off an impressive pass. He has very soft, controlled hands. He still has top six potential but may take some time to actualize. He signed a three-year entry level contract with the Capitals to continue his journey in North America this season.

4. Andrew Cristall

Cristall is an absolute magician with the puck, with a seemingly bottomless bag full of tricks. He can stickhandle in a phone booth, and his ability to draw opponents out of better defensive positioning and in towards him is exceptional. He can reliably find existing passing lanes or make that one extra dangle or delay that one extra second to help open up better ones. He's no slouch as a shooter, either. Countless opponents have made the mistake of trying to cut off his passes only to leave their goalies in helpless positions after Cristall fooled them. For as entertaining as he has been in the WHL, there are questions about how he will look in the NHL. For a guy of his small stature he isn't a high-end skater, which is a concerning one-two punch. While he can use elusive footwork to sometimes help get him out of trouble in tight spaces, his acceleration and top speed are both sorely lacking. He has a hard time keeping up defensively. It's worth mentioning that he is whip-smart and incredibly driven, so he'll be aware of what parts of his game he needs to fix and will keep putting in the work to continue improving.

5. Vincent Iorio

Iorio has been overlooked by many due to his stat line never really jumping off the page. And yet he’s a mobile, puck-moving defender with a real chance to have a legit NHL career. He moves very well, utilizing his edges to navigate the neutral zone or to dance along the blue line. He moves the puck so well, making crisp, clean passes from anywhere on the ice. Drafted 55th overall in 2021, the right-handed defender already had three WHL seasons under his belt. He spent just one more with the Brandon Wheat Kings before joining the AHL Hershey Bears last season. He also earned a call-up for a few games with the Capitals and should see more this season. The defender is well on his way to becoming a skilled bottom-four defender.

6. Ryan Chesley

Chesley heard his name called 37th overall in 2022 after an impressive season with the USNTDP. He made the move to the NCAA last season with the University of Minnesota and found some challenges with his offensive output, especially playing in a more depth role. He’ll likely see additional ice time next season, so it remains to be seen if his offensive game can take a step forward. Chesley can bring offensive production, but he leans more toward the defensive side of the game. He keeps a very active stick and defends the rush very well. His defensive awareness is high. He also skates well and is no stranger to moving the puck around, but his offensive output is likely to be limited at the next level. He has the potential to develop into a reliable, two-way, depth defender.

7. Alexander Suzdalev

Suzdalev has an interesting backstory of having played for both Team Sweden and Team Russia on the international stage, as he maintains dual citizenship. Drafted 70th overall in 2022, the Capitals selected him from HV71’s junior program, where he produced over a point per game. He headed overseas last season to the WHL’s Regina Pats and had the opportunity to play with Connor Bedard. That resulted in him leading all rookies in goals (38), assists (48), and points (86). He’s a skilled, playmaking winger who shows the ability to control the pace of play. His handling of the puck stands out, as though he has the puck on a string quite often. He’s not always consistent in his effort, as is sometimes seen with young offensive talents. He has the skill to be a middle-six forward, but if he can’t find that missing consistency, could cap himself as a depth option.

8. Alexander Alexeyev

It’s been a long road for Alexeyev, but the journey is starting to pay off. Selected 31st overall in 2018, the Russian defender was finishing up his second WHL season, taking a notable step forward in his development. He played one more season there with the Red Deer Rebels, again showing promising potential. He made the jump to the AHL in 2019-20, adjusting well to the faster, harder game. He went home to Russia to start the 2020-21 season, on loan with KHL Salavat Yulaev Ufa. Alexeyev returned to the AHL to finish the year and has been there ever since, seeing significant NHL time last season. He’s been plagued by injuries throughout his development but still seems to be on the right track. A big, physical defender who can chip in offensively, he should stick in the NHL as a bottom-pairing blueliner.

9. Clay Stevenson

One of the oldest prospects in the Capitals system, Stevenson has had to be patient in his road to the pros. An undrafted netminder, Stevenson came up through the BCHL where he spent three seasons, including a dominant final year, earning recognition as the top goaltender in the league. He moved on to NCAA Dartmouth College but lost his freshman year due to the pandemic. After one collegiate season, posting a .922 save percentage, the Capitals came calling, signing him to an entry-level deal. He mainly played in the ECHL last season but also received a handful of AHL games where he looked very strong. Goaltenders tend to bloom late, and the Capitals have landed an intriguing one. He’ll need time in the minors to determine his ceiling, but at this point, he looks like a solid AHLer who could earn the occasional call-up.

10. Ludwig Persson

Drafted 85th overall in 2022, Persson has spent the last three seasons (including the current campaign) seeming always on the verge of making the jump to the SHL. Instead, he spent two strong seasons in the J20 Nationell and last season on loan in the HockeyAllsvenskan. It might very well have been his last season in Sweden, as he signed his entry-level deal in November 2022. The winger is an intelligent, offensive talent who can drive a line. The issue is that he doesn’t always take advantage of that, sitting on the sidelines and letting his teammates take over. He has a hard, quick release and a soft touch on his passes. The potential is there but he comes with a low floor as much as a high ceiling. The best-case scenario would be a middle-six role, but he may settle in as an AHL/depth option.

11. Joaquim Lemay

Lemay has been all over the place in recent years, traveling from minor hockey in Quebec, to prep school, the BCHL, USHL, and finally the University of Nebraska-Omaha last season. A competitive two-way defender, he had a solid freshman year and looks the part of a potential NHL defender.

12. Bogdan Trineyev

The big power winger will finally make the jump to North America full time this season. Consistency has been an issue in Russia, but the skill is real and the physicality is intriguing. Hockey sense is the question mark.

13. Ethen Frank

A member of the AHL’s All Rookie team last year, Frank potted 30 for the Bears playing on an AHL deal. Now signed by the Caps to an NHL contract, Frank has his sights set on making the Washington roster. Not only can he rifle the puck, but he’s lightning quick, too.

14. Ryan Hofer

A big, physical two-way center, Hofer had a solid OA year split between Everett and Kamloops in the WHL. Skating is always going to be a question mark, but he has enough tools to be an eventual bottom six contributor.

15. Cam Allen

Allen is coming off a highly disappointing draft year that saw him fall from being a potential lottery selection to waiting until the fifth round to hear his name called. The tools are all there, but the decision making needs to improve. How much better will he be this year for Guelph without the weight of the draft on his shoulders?

16. Matthew Phillips

Out of Calgary, it will be interesting to see how Phillips fares in a new organization. There’s absolutely no doubt that he can score in the AHL. He’s been one of the better offensive players there in recent years. He needs to be in a scoring line role to succeed.

17. Brent Johnson

Highly touted coming out of the USHL, Johnson struggled mightily through two years at North Dakota. After transferring to Ohio State, can he get his future back on track? He can quarterback a powerplay and could put up big numbers with the Buckeyes this year.

18. David Gucciardi

Strong skating blueliner who took on a larger role with Michigan State last year as a sophomore. The numbers don’t jump off the page, but Gucciardi has intriguing tools that could help him become a solid pro down the line.

19. Jake Karabela

Another Guelph Storm member who had a poor year, Karabela is a strong skating two-way forward whose offensive game really stagnated last season. This season is an opportunity to prove to Washington that he deserves a contract and can be a future pro.

20. Hardy Haman Aktell

An SHL champion with Vaxjo last season, Aktell emerged as one of the top defenders in the SHL. This turned into a contract with Washington this offseason. He may have to start the year in the AHL, but he could move up quickly if he performs well.

MCKEEN’S 2023 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #27 Washington Capitals

Josh Bell — Fri, 12 May 2023 17:39:02 +0000

Prospect System Ranking – 27^th

Stanley Cup winners in 2018, the Capitals lost in the first round the following four seasons, and finally missed this year. This led to a minor reset trading veterans Garnet Hathaway and Dmitri Orlov for three picks, including Boston’s first, plus Craig Smith (UFA 2023). They traded that 1^st along with Erik Gustafsson to the Leafs for promising defenseman Rasmus Sandin, who made an immediate impact upon arrival. Marcus Johansson and Lars Eller were moved for picks in 2024 (3^rd) and 2025 (2^nd). Alexander Ovechkin is signed for another four seasons as he pursues Wayne Gretzky’s goal scoring record, it is hard to imagine a scenario where the team does not look to add pieces for another playoff run. They have question marks, such as Nicklas Backstrom’s health after offseason hip surgery limited him to 21 games this season. Evgeniy Kuznetsov has requested a trade, after an uninspired season.

They do have two promising prospects, despite their overall ranking, in Henrix Lapierre and Ivan Miroschnichenko (ranked 70^th and 77^th respectively by McKeen’s). They both have had health concerns. Lapierre from injury, which slowed his development, but had a productive season in Hershey as a two-way forward with elite vision. Miroschnichenko missed much of last season with a Hodgkins Lymphona diagnosis prior to his draft year. Considered a potential top 10 or even top five pick, he fell to 20^th. He comes over to North America this season but will need some seasoning. They have graduated four players, but the results have been mixed. Only Martin Fehervary is making an impact in the NHL at the moment. They have hopes Connor McMichael can play a role, but results so far suggest a depth player, rather than an impact.

NEWARK, NJ - OCTOBER 04: Washington Capitals center Hendrix Lapierre (29) during the pre-season National Hockey League game between the New Jersey Devils and the Washington Capitals on October 4, 2021 at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire)

Hendrix Lapierre

It was a tough road for Hendrix Lapierre, suffering multiple concussions and struggling at times to find his game after that. He had a very strong rookie season in the QMJHL, winning Offensive Rookie of the Year. But after that injuries set in, and he missed almost all of his draft year. Still, the Washington Capitals took a chance, drafting him 22nd overall. He spent two more years in the Q, playing well but never taking off. He joined the AHL’s Hersey Bears this season where he’s been one of the more productive forwards, bringing a two-way presence to the ice. He is a highly talented playmaker, thanks to his borderline elite vision. He can shoot as well, although often looks for the pass first. He skates well, drives a line, and is reliable in his own end. There’s second-line potential here if everything falls into place.

2. Ivan Miroshnichenko

Ivan Mirosnichenko was once considered a top-three selection in the 2022 NHL Draft but after a slow start to his draft year and then a Hodgkin’s lymphoma diagnosis, he slid all the way to 20th where the Washington Capitals were waiting. He ended up missing a large portion of last season but is back on the ice this season, a great sign after his diagnosis. He spent a large portion of his season in the KHL with Avangard Omsk but also saw time in the VHL and MHL. He also has a strong international resume with Team Russia, including captaining Russia to a gold medal at the 2022 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. He has a pro frame and moves very well on the ice, thanks to some powerful strides. He’s a dynamic offensive asset, able to fire a hard wrister or show off an impressive pass. He has very soft, controlled hands. He still has top six potential but may take some time. He signed a three-year entry level contract with the Capitals continuing his journey in North America this coming season.

3. Vincent Iorio

Vincent Iorio is a player that many seem to overlook due to his stat line never really jumping off the page. And yet he’s a mobile, puck-moving defender. That has caused the casual fan to pause on Iorio, but there’s a player here. He moves very well, utilizing his edges to navigate the neutral zone or to dance along the blue line. He moves the puck so well, making crisp, clean passes from anywhere on the ice. Drafted 55th overall in the 2021 NHL Draft, the right-handed defender already had three WHL seasons under his belt. He spent just one more with the Brandon Wheat Kings before joining the Hershey Bears in the AHL this season. He also earned a call-up for a few games with the Capitals this season. The defender is well on his way to becoming a skilled bottom-four defender.

4. Ryan Chesley

Selected in the most recent draft, Ryan Chesley had his name called 37th overall in 2022 after an impressive season with the USNTDP. He’s made the move to the NCAA this season with the University of Minnesota and found some challenges with his offensive output, especially playing in a more depth role. He’ll likely see some additional ice time next season so it will remain to be seen if his offensive game can take a step forward. Chesley can bring some production, but he leans more toward the defensive side of the game. He keeps a very active stick and defends the rush very well. His defensive awareness is high. He moves well too though and is no stranger to moving the puck around, but his offensive output is likely to be limited at the next level. Still, he has the potential to become a reliable, two-way, depth defender.

5. Alexander Alexeyev

It’s been a long road for Alexander Alexeyev, but it seems like it’s starting to pay off. Selected 31st overall in the 2018 NHL Draft, the Russian defender was finishing up his second WHL season, taking a notable step forward in his development. He played one more season there with the Red Deer Rebels, again showing some promising potential. In 2019-20 he made the jump to the AHL, adjusting well to the faster, harder game. He went home to Russia to start the 2020-21 season, playing on loan in the KHL with Salavat Yulaev Ufa. He returned to the AHL to finish the year and has been there since, seeing significant NHL time this season. He’s been plagued with some injuries throughout his development but seems to be on the right track still. A big, physical defender that can chip in offensively, the defender should stick in the NHL as a bottom-pairing defender.

6. Alexander Suzdalev

Alexander Suzdalev has an interesting story of having played for both Team Sweden and Team Russia on the international stage, maintaining dual citizenship. Drafted 70th overall in the 2022 NHL Draft, the Capitals selected him from the J20 Nationell and HV71 J20, where he played at over a point per game. He came overseas this season to the WHL’s Regina Pats and had the opportunity to play with Connor Bedard. That resulted in him leading all rookies in goals (38), assists (48), and points (86). He’s a skilled, playmaking winger that shows the ability to control the pace of play. His handling of the puck stands out, seeming as though he has the puck on a string quite often. He’s not always consistent in his effort, as is sometimes seen with young offensive talents. He has the skill to be a middle-six forward, but if he can’t find that missing consistency, could cap himself as a depth option.

7. Clay Stevenson

One of the oldest prospects in the Capitals system, Clay Stevenson has had to be patient in his road to the pros. An undrafted netminder, Stevenson came up through the BCHL where he spent three seasons, including a dominant final year, earning recognition as the top goaltender in the league. He moved on to Dartmouth College in the NCAA but lost his freshman year due to the pandemic. After one season in the league, posting a .922 save percentage, the Capitals came calling, signing him to an entry-level deal. He mainly played in the ECHL this season but did play a handful of AHL games where he looked very strong. Goaltenders tend to bloom late, and the Capitals have landed an intriguing one. He’ll need time in the minors to determine his ceiling, but at this point, he looks like a solid AHL goalie who could earn the occasional call-up.

8. Ludwig Persson

Drafted 85th overall in the 2022 NHL Draft, Ludwig Persson has spent the last three seasons (including the current campaign) seeming always on the verge of making the jump to the SHL. Instead, he spent two strong seasons in the J20 Nationell and spent this season on loan in the HockeyAllsvenskan. It may very well be his last season in Sweden though, having signed his entry-level deal in November 2022. The winger is an intelligent, offensive talent that can drive a line. The issue is that he doesn’t always take advantage of that, seeming to sit in the sidelines and let his teammates take over. He has a hard, quick release and a soft touch on his passes. The potential is there but he does come with a low floor as much as a high ceiling. The best-case scenario would be a middle-six role, but he may settle in as an AHL/depth option.

9. Joaquim Lemay

A mid-round pick in the 2021 NHL Draft at 119th overall, Joaquin Lemay has gotten used to being a rookie in recent years. You’d have to go back to 2018-19 to find a season where he played with the same team for a second season. He went from playing AAA to the BCHL to the USHL’s Lincoln Stars, to the NCAA this season with the University of Nebraska-Omaha. He’s currently a two-way defender but as this season has shown, he likely leans more toward a defensive role if he is to move up. He does defend well, playing a physical game and angling out very well. He does show flashes of offense, especially in his playmaking, but lacks creativity in that department. He’ll need some time to develop but has the potential to become a strong depth defender. It will depend on how he can adjust his game to fit what’s needed of him.

10. Bogdan Trineyev

Selected 117th overall in the 2020 NHL Draft, Bogdan Trineyev was coming off his second season in the MHL, taking a big step forward but not exactly stealing glances from scouts. His development since being drafted has been slow, splitting time between the MHL and VHL in 2020-21 and the MHL and KHL in 2021-22 before sticking in the KHL this season. Upon his season in Russia ending, he joined the AHL’s Hershey Bears for what should be a deep playoff run. He’s a power forward that’s seemed to finally grow into his frame, but he does lack the offensive skill that you’d hope for with his playing style. He’s been improving on his defensive side of the puck though and may develop into a role player. The base is there, but there’s no real defining trait that will carry him to the NHL. He seems more likely to become an AHLer at this point.

MCKEEN’S 2022-23 NHL YEARBOOK – WASHINGTON CAPITALS – Top 20 Prospects

Sun, 18 Sep 2022 22:50:31 +0000

1 - Hendrix Lapierre C

Hendrix Lapierre is a pure playmaker drafted 22^nd overall by the Washington Capitals at the 2020 NHL Draft. Some executives mentioned back then that they would not have taken Lapierre in the first round due to his concussion problems. However, the Caps did not have the same line of thought. Lapierre, at some point during the beginning of his junior career, would always never shoot the puck: he was always looking for a pass. However, he did round out his game recently as he had 21 goals and 30 assists last season with the Acadie-Bathurst Titans. On top of that, He’s an extremely gifted stickhandler that can weave his way through an entire team. It was his high skill level that caught the attention of the Capitals as they gave him an early season six game audition this past season (that saw Lapierre score his first career NHL goal). Now aged out of the QMJHL, Lapierre will attempt to crack the Capitals full time this season. More than likely, he will need some additional seasoning in the AHL to help him round out his game as a more complete player. However, there is no doubting Lapierre’s upside as a future top six player for Washington. - EB

2 - Ivan Miroshnichenko LW

Miroshnichenko was the 20th selection by the Washington Capitals in the 2022 draft. The Capitals are confident that this is the kind of player who can become the team’s future goal scoring leader following in the footsteps of countryman Alex Ovechkin. There were high expectations for Miroshnichenko in the 2021-22 season, as he was expected to be one of the top players available heading into the draft year. Despite the fact that the previous season was not outstanding for Miroshnichenko, he was able to show the world his warrior character by overcoming all difficulties, particularly his battle with cancer. Although the decision to select Miroshnichenko in the first round may have been a risky decision, the club sees great promise in Miroshnichenko and believes in his talent. Miroshnichenko is a technically skilled sniper. He played last season in the VHL (2nd men’s league in Russia) and finished among his team’s top five scorers. He possesses excellent technical skating as he is a wide and fast skater. Miroschnichenko also has great stick-handling ability, which he pairs with a very good wrist shot and excellent slap shot. He uses his shooting arsenal correctly. A physical player, he's got a mature game and will play through contact to make a play. Consistency is an issue he will look to correct, and his defensive play does need to improve as he has a tendency to chase and lose his man. A potential future top six scorer, Miroshnichenko is expected to be able to play in the NHL as early as the 2023-24 season at the end of his current contract in Russia. - DB

3 - Ryan Chesley D

Ryan Chesley was a divisive prospect during the 2022 draft cycle, with many debates being heard about the true nature of his NHL upside. Chesley’s offensive production at the U.S. National Team Development Program was underwhelming, and many have wondered if that’s an indication that he just doesn’t have the skill level to be more than a defensive specialist at the next level. But while his abilities in one zone are the subject of fierce debate, Chesley’s value in the other two zones generates more consensus. Starting with the defensive zone, Chesley’s value is more readily apparent. He’s a mobile defenseman, able to close on pucks and incoming defenders in a timely fashion. He’s a physical player who willingly engages in board battles and has unleashed some rattling hits. He’s not a massive defenseman but standing at six feet tall he has enough size to play the sort of defensive style he prefers. In the neutral zone, Chesley’s abilities puck skills combined with his skating give him definite transition value, and while some might mistakenly typecast him as a stay-at-home, throwback defender Chesley is absolutely a fit for what the modern NHL expects from its blueliners. The issue with Chesley lies in the way he sees the game. Too often, Chesley’s ability to make the right reads at the right times betrays him, and that has kept him from achieving the sort of heights as a prospect his tools would indicate he can reach. With the proper development, he could become a valuable two-way defenseman in a team’s top-four, but he needs some work to get there. - EH

4 - Aliaksei Protas C

In his first full season with the Capitals organization, Protas managed to suit up for 33 games, performing admirably. The 6’6”, 225-pound mammoth certainly has size, but his maturity and ability to responsibly play a lower line role paid out in spades for the 2019 3^rd round draft pick. His strong start with Hershey of the AHL moved him up the list of call-ups very quickly in a year where the Capitals introduced more rookies to the line-up than had in years. This shouldn’t be surprising for Protas after he broke out with the WHL Prince Albert Raiders in 19-20 and then followed that up with considerable step in development in the 20-21 season. He potted 10 goals in the KHL for Dinamo Minsk, which tied him for first among U20 players in Russia’s top league That was followed by a 16-game stint with Hershey in which he accumulated another seven points. As his size and ever-increasing weight would indicate, Protas can be an absolute handful down low, and this was evident even at the NHL level this year. His movement to the net combined with a propensity for cycling in the corners makes him difficult to defend against. He also uses his body very well to protect the puck. Just how far he goes will be determined by his progress in the skating department. He is already at a point where he can swim at the NHL level. A gig with the Capitals is not a guarantee heading into this season. – CL

5 - Alexander Alexeyev D

The road to an NHL spot has been a bumpy one for Washington’s 2018 first rounder. After spending the majority of the 20-21 season on loan to KHL Salavat, putting up 17 points in 64 total games, he concluded that season on a high note with nine points and a +11 in 12 games with AHL Hershey. An extremely solid player who presents a fine balance between his responsibilities on the defensive side and his acumen in supporting the attack, Alexeyev spent nearly the entire 21-22 season in the AHL. Much had been expected last season, but he barely doubled his AHL season over season despite playing over five times as many games. Even though he was considered a defensively oriented defenseman, his accumulation of exactly one goal presented quite the letdown in light of the steps he had taken in prior seasons. Thought to be on the cusp of an NHL spot this time last year, Alexeyev heads into the 22-23 season facing great competition in taking the next step. Internal competitor Martin Fehervary appears to have earned himself a spot in the line-up moving forward and Washington made several veteran depth signings while also adding former first rounder Gabriel Carlsson this summer. With this in mind, Alexeyev heads into camp needing to push Washington’s hand or Hershey will be his destination once again for his third and final season of his ELC. – CL

6 - Bogdan Trineyev

Trineyev is easy to notice with his mobility and big frame, along with effortless puck control and a strong shot from the right-hand side, all making it easy to see why Washington has made a bet on his upside. On the other hand, he is coming off a very uneven season, as after a good start and earning decent minutes in the KHL he suffered a broken thumb, which sidelined him for a lengthy stretch. After recovering from that he found himself back in junior hockey, where he looked good, but he also left the impression that he didn’t want to be there. After the season ended, Trineyev signed an entry-level deal with the Capitals and even managed to play couple of AHL games on a tryout agreement with Hershey. It might still be too early in his development to succeed in North American hockey, as he needs to add maturity and well-roundedness to his game, and he also needs to further fill his frame. It was no big surprise when it was announced that Trineyev would be loaned back to Dynamo Moscow for the 2022-23 season, to better prepare him for his hopefully brighter future. It would be a safe bet to see the big winger come back to North America after the KHL season ends in April, to see how the added time at home better prepared him for life in the AHL. The NHL is still a very realistic future goal. - VF

7 - Jake Karabela C

The 149th selection in the 2022 NHL Draft, Jake Karabela didn’t have many expectations coming into the season, but he quickly made an impression and was able to become a utility knife for the Storm. He adapted to different roles, played with different teammates up and down the lineup, and was able to play both on the wing and centre when needed and was effective consistently wherever he played. Karabela plays a pretty simple game, but he’s very effective at what he does. He makes smart decisions with and without the puck consistently and has great awareness, finding open space to make it easier on teammates. He’s able to play a strong 200ft game and compete hard every shift. Like others, Karabela missed the 2020-2021 season due to the Covid-19 shutdown. In the 2021-2022 season, Karabela finished with 45 points (12G,33A) in 68 games, which was 7th in the league for assists by a rookie and 4th on the team in points. Karabela’s best assets are his puck handling and competitiveness. He’s able to beat opponents one-on-one with deception and quick hands and has the ability to protect the puck and drive through traffic, being able to get many chances in the slot and near the net. Karabela has a motor that never quits on a play, showing great determination to finish a play. He displays great energy along the boards and gives himself a chance to win every puck battle. Going into the 2022-2023 season, Karabela will look to increase his point totals and become a lock in the top six. - DK

8 - Alexander Suzdalev LW

Suzdalev was recently selected 70^th overall by the Washington Capitals in the 2022 NHL draft. He is known mainly for his playmaking ability. His hands are silky with the puck, which allows him to make last second plays in tight. He also has a good combination of size (6’2”) and speed. He is able to generate speed through his skating stride, however he has also proven his ability to slow the game down when necessary. This past season, Suzdalev had polar opposite play between his time with HV71 in the J20 league and his international play. In the J20, he showed his polished playmaking ability by finishing with 36 assists and 51 points in 45 games. That was enough for Suzdalev to finish in the top 10 in scoring for the J20. On the other hand, he struggled in international play, especially at the U18 tournament in April, where he looked sloppy and was held pointless. Ultimately for someone his size, he could benefit from attacking the middle of the ice more, rather than always playing along the boards. He also would benefit from adding strength to his current frame. This could improve his puck protection and his ability to generate speed through his first stride. Next season, there is a strong chance he plays in the WHL for the Regina Pats. This could be an extreme plus for Suzdalev as he is known for his playmaking ability and may have the chance to play with the expected 1^st overall pick in 2023, the prolific goal scorer Connor Bedard. - ZS

9 - Brent Johnson D

Brent Johnson hasn’t had the easiest transition to college hockey since being drafted 80th overall by the Capitals at the 2021 NHL draft. The five-foot-eleven Johnson had surgery before his freshman year that impacted his readiness and ability to play at 100% for the University of North Dakota last season. As a result, Johnson’s role was limited last season and his effectiveness was limited as well. Johnson’s best tool is his skating, and he can absolutely move around the ice quite well. Johnson’s mobility gives him upside on both ends of the ice, especially as someone who can help his team exit the defensive zone and enter the offensive zone. On the rush, his speed also allows him to maintain proper gap control With that being said, the strength of his skating isn’t backed up by major strengths in other areas of his game. Johnson’s decision-making can be lacking at times, and his overall defensive impact was quite poor last season, despite his skating. It’s not that he’s simply being overwhelmed and is unable to handle the responsibilities of being a defenseman in the NCAA, it’s more that Johnson’s attempts to make sound defensive plays weren’t often successful and his lack of size and strength left him ill-equipped to handle larger forwards. Johnson’s season in the USHL was promising, though, and he’s a project. If he can make tangible steps to improve other areas of his game in college, his mobility can be the tool that makes him a notable pro prospect. But he has work to do. His progress will definitely be something to watch for those who follow Capitals prospects. - EH

10 - Joaquim Lemay D

Joaquim Lemay had only played fifteen games at the Junior A level in his draft season, but that didn’t stop the Washington Capitals from using a fourth-round pick to nab Lemay at the 2021 NHL draft. Their scouts obviously saw something in Lemay that most others didn’t, as he barely registered in media rankings and was ranked 224th among North American Skaters by NHL Central Scouting for the 2021 draft. After Lemay’s debut USHL season, it’s become a lot clearer why the Capitals felt confident enough to select him despite Lemay receiving very little outside attention. Lemay was an instant-impact two-way defenseman for the Lincoln Stars, flashing talent on both ends of the ice. Like fellow Capitals prospect Brent Johnson, Lemay’s best attribute is his skating talent. He’s an incredibly mobile defenseman, and his skating ability is the foundation of his game that he builds the rest of his habits on. Lemay is more than just his feet, too. He is a facilitator when he’s in the offensive zone and should contribute on the power play at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. As one would expect, Lemay’s defensive game is more about zone exits, closing out on pucks quickly, and using his speed to cover ground and get into passing lanes as they develop. The bottom line with Lemay is that his skating is good enough to make him a legitimate NHL prospect, and if he can build off of that tool at the college level and become an offensive difference-maker, he could rise quickly in the Capitals’ prospect rankings. - EH

11 - Vincent Iorio

Iorio’s calling card at the next level might be in the defensive end, but the WHL defender is coming off of a strong offensive season. A strong skating right shot defender with size, Iorio is likely to start playing in the AHL this year, however he could also be sent back to the WHL for an overage year.

12 - Axel Jonsson-Fjallby

The speedy winger stands out most in a high energy role and as a penalty killer. He has a chance to make the Capitals full time this season in that exact role.

13 - Lucas Johansen

Injuries have derailed the former first round pick’s development thus far. But Johansen was finally healthy last season and responded with a strong season for Hershey. He could be a sneaky candidate for a roster spot this season.

14 - David Gucciardi

Gucciardi’s freshman season at Michigan State was a success, making him a draft selection of Washington in 2022. An excellent powerplay QB because of his mobility, Gucciardi still needs to work on his decision making at both ends.

15 - Fabian Wagner

An intriguing athlete, Wagner’s draft season was mired in inconsistency. His upside may be a little clearer after this coming season in the Linkoping program.

16 - Mitchell Gibson

Gibson, the starting netminder at Harvard, will return for another season with the Ivy league program. He has been solid so far and will look to become one of the better goaltenders in the NCAA this season to increase his stock in the system.

17 - Chase Clark

The big netminder ended last season on a high note with Muskegon in the USHL and will now try to secure consistent playing time at Quinnipiac as a freshman this season.

18 - Clay Stevenson

A free agent signing out of Darthmouth after a single NCAA season, the Capitals are intrigued by Stevenson’s combination of size and athleticism in the crease. It will be interesting to see what the team’s goaltending development coaches can do with him.

19 - Garrett Pilon

This is a make-or-break season in the Capitals system for Pilon. The son of former NHL’er Rich Pilon is a competitive power forward, but his lack of pace has held him back thus far.

20 - Ludwig Persson

A 2022 draft pick by Washington, Persson had a disappointing draft year after being thought of as one of Sweden’s top players in the draft class previously. He has speed to burn but his offensive capabilities may be more limited than previously thought.

2020 NHL Draft Team Reviews: Metropolitan Division

Ryan Wagman — Mon, 12 Oct 2020 18:49:20 +0000

As I sit in my kitchen, wondering about the potential NHL impact of various free agents signed to one- and two-year contracts with new teams, I am reminded that most of them will have marginal impact for their new teams (there are some exceptions, of course). But more than that, I am reminded of the 216 young men whose names were called by 31 NHL teams over the agonizingly slow draft that took place last week.

The bulk of the players drafted will never play in the NHL, and only some of the ones who do will get to the point where their careers will last long enough to reach free agency. If you don’t believe me, look at the rightly vaunted 2003 draft class. Every player from the first round played in the NHL, and only two failed to play at least 200 games in the best hockey league in the world. 14 players from that draft class have already eclipsed 1,000 NHL games. But even so, in the draft of 292 players – there were nine rounds back then – only 69 had an NHL career of at least 200 games, an amount most scouts would consider a “career”. That is less than 25% of the players drafted in an all-time great draft having significant careers. Remember Mike Egener? He was drafted by Tampa 34^th overall and holds the distinction of the highest drafted player from that draft class to never play a single NHL game.

Feeling generous, I will suppose 25% of this year’s class also reaches that total. That would give us 54 players establishing themselves in the league. And before you tell me that I should discount that 8^th and 9^th rounds from 2003, as they were marginal to begin with, 10 of the 69 200 game players were drafted in slots which no longer exist today. Still, that raises our success rate of 27%. If, in the spirit of generosity, I posit that an even 30% of this year’s players will have full-fledged careers in the league, this now gets us to a hair under 65 players. Food for thought.

All of this is a round-about way of me getting into reviewing the draft classes. As I did last year, I will break up the reviews by division, starting with the Metropolitan. For each team, I will discuss strategy, if applicable, and identify both a favorite pick and a least-liked pick. Once the divisional, team-by-team breakdowns are down, I’ll finish up with a general notes column, which will include an update to the McKeens shadow draft.

New Jersey Devils

1/7 Alexander Holtz, RW, Djurgardens IF (SHL)

1/18 Dawson Mercer, RW, Chicoutimi (QMJHL)

1/20 Shakir Mukhamadullin, D, Tolpar Ufa (MHL)

3/84 Nicolas Daws, G, Guelph (OHL)

4/99 Jaromir Pytlik, C, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)

4/122 Ethan Edwards, D, Spruce Grove (AJHL)

5/130 Artem Shlaine, C, Shattuck St. Mary’s (USHS-MN)

6/161 Benjamin Baumgartner, C, Davos (NLA)

The Devils didn’t have picks in the second or seventh rounds, but they made up for it by drafting three times in the first round. Furthermore, one of those picks was a second-round pick in disguise, but we’ll touch on Shakir Mukhamadullin shortly. The team did an admirable job in mixing their picks up, with one goalie, two defenders, and five forwards. Five players were drafted out of North American leagues and the other three came from Europe. All but one pick (hint: I already mentioned his name) have lengthy-ish reputations for production and are being looked at as potential contributors.

The historical production makes sense when we consider that the Devils are owned by a group that highly values analytics and that we really have no priors about the drafting tendencies of their new GM, Tom Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald inherited a system that we had ranked as tops in the league in our recent Prospect Report. From where we sit today, the either new players added this week have not increased the gap between the Devils and everyone else, but they have at least helped to maintain that lofty standing.

Not to toot our own horns too much, but most of the Devils’ picks were taken very close to where we had the player ranked. Five of the eight players were selected within five slots of our final ranking for them. Fine. I’m tooting McKeen’s’ horns. All of them. Some players will push for NHL jobs within 12 months, and others will need at least five years to see what the Devils have. Either way, outside of the two players discussed at length below, all of New Jersey’s other six picks went pretty much exactly around where they should have.

Best value pick: Dawson Mercer

This year’s draft had a very hefty third tier (the one that started right after the top three players). We knew that the nine players in that tier would all be gone before New jersey’s second pick and we had a feeling that a few others, like Anton Lundell and Rodion Amirov would also not make it, both receiving a bump due to playing successfully against men. Of the rest, we considered Mercer to be the best NHL prospect. That means that we would have seen Mercer as the clear Best Player Available at least three picks before New Jersey took control of the virtual presentation for the second time. He has a very well-rounded game with skating speed the only relative weak spot. With additional coaching and physical maturity, that area should improve as well. Mercer will outproduce his skills and provide NHL value for a very long time. We are more sure of that than we are for a few guys selected higher. This is a case of taking what the board gives you.

Worst value pick: Shakir Mukhamadullin

If Mercer was taking advantage of what the draft board gave, Mukhamadullin looks like the clear opposite. This draft featured two stud blueliners in Jamie Drysdale and Jake Sanderson. After them, there were two other clear first rounders in Kaiden Guhle and Braden Schneider. Guhle was gone two picks before the team selected Mercer. Schneider was selected immediately after Mercer. It seems that the Devils, having already drafted two high-end wingers in Mercer and Alexander Holtz, wanted a blueliner. We don’t know that they were hoping Schneider was going to be there, but when he was taken by their divisional rivals, the New York Rangers, it looks like they took the next defender in their list, even if he might have been available in the middle of the second. The Devils, not owning a second rounder, took him anyway. Mukhamadullin has earned respect for playing in the KHL as a 17-year-old. But until the beginning of the current KHL season, he has never shown any actual propensity for producing. Maybe the Devils were enamored by a very strong first month to this season, but we aren’t buying it. He has NHL upside, but I have yet to be convinced that it is more than as a reasonable #4/5 blueliner.

New York Rangers

1/1 Alexis Lafreniere, LW Rimouski (QMJHL)

1/19 Braden Schneider, D, Brandon (WHL)

2/60 William Cuylle, LW, Windsor (OHL)

3/92 Oliver Tarnstrom, C, AIK J20 (SuperElit)

4/103 Dylan Garand, G, Kamloops (WHL)

5/127 Evan Vierling, C, Barrie (OHL)

5/134 Brett Berard, LW, USNTDP (USHL)

6/165 Matthew Rempe, C, Seattle (WHL)

7/197 Hugo Ollas, G, Linkoping J20 (SuperElit)

For starters, we have to remember that even if none of the other players pan out, as long as first overall pick Alexis Lafreniere meets his (sky high) expectations, the Rangers’ 2020 draft class will be franchise changing. Lafreniere was the odds-on favorite to be the number one pick for a few years now and has never done anything to bring doubt to his first impression. He is ready to play an impact role from day one, and every facet of his game suggests a long-term top line career. We have tons of Lafreniere content on this website, so I won’t reiterate any more about why he is a superstar landing on Broadway.

So, let’s ignore the unicorn in the room for a moment, and spend a few minutes on the other eight players drafted by the Rangers this week. You know what? Even without Lafreniere, this was a damn good draft by the Rangers. I don’t love every pick, but I love some, and I really like some others. And the picks that I have the lowest opinions of were their sixth and seventh rounders. The perfect spots for risk taking. The Rangers drafted largely for early impact this year, with six of their nine draftees coming out of the three CHL leagues, giving them two years to sign them to ELCs, or to cut bait. The other three included two players from the Swedish junior ranks, and a member of the USNTDP.

I will deduct a point (there is not really a point system here) for going so heavily into the short runway CHL leagues as those picks can go sour sooner than others. Another point deduction comes from making this draft class a double goalie draft, selecting young netminders in both the fourth and seventh rounds. Also, with nine picks, I would have anticipated more than one defenseman, even if the one they picked was one of the best of this draft class, giving the Rangers one of the highest upsides in blueline prospect depth in the league, alongside Colorado. Adam Fox, K’Andre Miller, Nils Lundqvist, Matthew Robertson, Zac Jones. I wouldn’t’ object if you wanted to throw Libor Hajek and/or onto that list as well. And now Braden Schneider. That’s a lot of Faberge eggs in one basket, if you ask me.

Best value pick: Brett Berard

The Rangers’ fifth round was magical, and many teams did not draft a single player with as much surplus value as Evan Vierling going 127^th overall. But seven picks later, New York drafted Berard, who while small and injury prone, was game in and game out the most talented offensive player in the most recent USNTDP class. Warts and all, we would have been pleased to see him drafted in the first half of round two. He will require patience as he heads off to play at Providence College, but when you have an opportunity to draft a top six caliber talent in the sixth round, you do it. The Rangers did. In contrast, Vierling was *only* a third-round talent. There are teams that didn’t draft a single player with the upside of either of Berard or Vierling at all. The Rangers got both of them in the FIFTH ROUND!

Worst value pick: Oliver Tarnstrom

We are on board with Tarnstrom as a prospect and a reasonable draft pick. He skates well and has a good head for the game, all on a frame that should be NHL-worthy once he finished filling out. But he is a center who has never shown high end offensive skills in the Swedish junior ranks and has never been a priority player on Sweden’s age-based rosters. We don’t see much in the Rangers’ last two picks either, other than the fact that both Matthew Rempe and Hugo Ollas are both 6-8”. Both in those rounds, I expect and applaud swings for the fences. For the third round, I like to see more attention paid to ceiling and Tarnstrom’s isn’t that high. Berard or Vierling in the third and Tarnstrom in the fifth would have made more sense from a value perspective.

Columbus Blue Jackets

1/21 Yegor Chinakhov, RW, Omskie Yastreby (MHL)

3/78 Samuel Knazko, D, TPS U20 (Jr. A SM-liiga)

4/114 Mikael Pyyhtia, C, TPS U20 (Jr. A SM-liiga)

5/145 Ole Bjorgvik Holm, D, Mississauga (OHL)

6/176 Samuel Johannesson, D, Rogle BK (SHL)

We can never, ever accuse Columbus GM Jarmo Kekalainen, or his top scout, Ville Soren, of being anything other than enigmatic. Some teams let the draft come to them, casting a wide net and picking whoever they like best when their time comes. Other teams decide who they want and draft them, regardless of who else might be available and without a real thought about how they can best set up their assets, perhaps trading up or down to increase picks.

Their selection of overage Russian winger Yegor Chinakhov on day one was easily the biggest draft day shocker since I started covering this area, maybe eight years ago. Some might point to their own decision to draft Pierre-Luc Dubois third overall a few years ago, over Jesse Puljujarvi, who had been the near-universal consensus as the third best prospect in 2016. That worked out well for Columbus, but Dubois was widely seen as a top 6-8 player. Chinakhov was not ranked at all by most independent scouting services. We had him ranked, but more in line with the sixth round than 21^st overall.

Of course, Columbus’ other picks were no less off the proverbial board than the Chinakhov selection. None of their other four selections were ranked by us at all, although three were at least in our Honorable Mention section. So, while it is very easy to choose the worst value pick, but not so easy to decide on their best value selection. The other aspect of the Blue Jackets’ 2020 draft is that all selected players are European based. Fifth rounder Ole Bjorgvik Holm did spend last season with Mississauga in the OHL, but has since returned home to play in the Norwegian men’s league and it is unknown whether he will come back to Canada once the OHL season starts.

Best value pick: Simon Johannesson

Considering how we had listed Johannesson, Bjorgvik Holm and Knazko all in the Honorable Mention section of our draft list, we thought that any or all of them would be reasonable late round selections. So, the later any of those are selected, the more likely it is to be good value. In the case of Johannesson, he is also an overager prospect, with a late 2000 birthdate. He has already spent a full season playing in the SHL and is a fair skater and puck mover. Not very exciting, but he has bottom pairing upside.

Worst value pick: Yegor Chinakhov

Still the most talented player drafted this year by Columbus, Chinakhov saw his stock rise for some teams with a quick start to his year in Russia. We actually liked him enough in the 2019 draft to give him a second-round grade, but he didn’t do enough in the 2019-20 season to elevate or even sustain that esteem. Word is that Columbus really likes him (no kidding, eh?) and had intel that one other team was targeting the player for their second-round pick. Not owning a second round pick themselves, and concerned that Chinakhov would not have been available for the third rounder they had just acquired from Montreal in the Josh Anderson-Max Domi deal, they drafted their guy early, oblivious to the shocked onlookers. I do wonder if a player like Chinakhov would have even attended the draft in a normal year, as the league did not have him and his family on camera for the event. Even if the skilled forward works out, there will never be a case where he could have been selected with a pick 20 or more spots later. I believe in arbitrage.

New York Islanders

3/90 Alexander Ljungkrantz, LW, Brynas J20 (SuperElit)

4/121 Alex Jefferies, RW, The Gunnery Prep (USHS-CT)

5/152 William Dufour, RW, Drummondville (QMJHL)

6/183 Matias Rajaniemi, D, Pelicans U20 (Jr. A SM-liiga)

7/214 Henrik Tikkanen, G, HIFK U20 (Jr. A SM-liiga)

In fairness, the Islanders’ 2020 draft class is underwhelming largely because the team traded away both of its first two round picks. Both picks were sent to Ottawa as part of the package to bring Jean-Gabriel Pageau to Long Island. Interestingly, the other five picks were all the Islanders actual picks, as they did not trade away or trade for any other selection.

If there can be said to be an overriding trend among the Islander picks, it is size. GM Lou Lamoriello has always prized larger players, and that held true here. Each of the five picks is at least 6-0” tall and three of them are at least 6-3”, with seventh round netminder Henrik Tikkanen measuring in at 6-8”. Targeted tools seem to have been bit shots and physical play. Production was certainly not a priority with these picks, as only Alex Jefferies has a sustained record of big numbers, and even he could only claim to have scored at the high school level, having spent his draft year playing for a Connecticut prep school.

Outside of William Dufour, drafted from the QMJHL, the other four picks are either European, or college-bound, giving the Islanders plenty of time to decide whether to sign them, or to cut bait. Ultimately, between the lack of big-time upside in any of the picks, and the low number of picks, the Islanders will be lucky to have even one player reach the 200 game mark at the NHL level, when all is said and done. While I don’t dislike this draft class as much as I did the Columbus crew, I can’t recommend that any Islanders’ supporters get too excited.

Best value pick: William Dufour

Two years removed from being selected sixth overall in the QMJHL Entry Draft, Dufour’s stock has diminished, but there have also been signs that he may be trending back in the right direction. After a slow start in his draft year with Chicoutimi (22 points in 31 games), he took off after a midseason trade to Drummondville (33 points in 28 games). Dufour skates well for his plus size and extends himself in all three zones. It would not be too surprising if he finds another level to his game.

Worst value pick: Alex Jefferies

In all honesty, we did not have any notes on giant seventh round netminder Henrik Tikkanen, and his numbers in the Finnish junior leagues have been underwhelming, but I have no problems with taking a late round flier on a goalie with rare physical attributes. Jefferies, on the other hand, we had notes on. And they weren’t very complimentary. Most notable is his subpar skating, which could hold him back without any serious improvements. A Merrimack commit, Jefferies shoots the puck well, but his overall skill game is not currently enough – or trending that way – for NHL impact. As fewer and fewer prospects stick with prep school hocket in their draft year, I am generally skeptical of high school numbers, and the fourth round was way too soon for me to be comfortable in rolling the dice on him.

Carolina Hurricanes

1/13 Seth Jarvis, C, Portland (WHL)

2/41 Noel Gunler, RW, Lulea (SHL)

2/53 Vasily Ponomarev, C, Shawinigan (QMJHL)

3/69 Alexander Nikishin, D, Spartak Moscow (KHL)

4/115 Zion Nybeck, RW, HV 71 J20 (SuperElit)

6/159 Lucas Mercuri, C, Salisbury HS (USHS-CT)

7/199 Alexander Pashin, RW, Tolpar Ufa (MHL)

7/208 Ronan Seeley, D, Everett (WHL)

Another draft class for the Tom Dundon Carolina Hurricanes and his precept of not drafting defensemen in the first round has held steady. In fact, of the eight picks made by the Hurricanes at the draft, six were forwards, and only two were blueliners, the latter coming in the third and seventh rounds. If there is one thing that unites all of their eight picks, it is that each player, without exception, projects to at least above average puck skills. They are all creative players, adept puck handlers and puck movers. Some are big, some are small, some are tiny. Some are very good skaters, some need plenty of work getting their stride to NHL-caliber. But they all are skill players.

In some cases, skill brings offensive production along for the ride. Looking at their first pick, WHL star Seth Jarvis, and we can see how the skills have paid off. Zion Nybeck has put up big numbers in the Swedish junior ranks, as has Lucas Mercuri in AAA and prep school hockey and Alexander Pashin in the Russian junior level. On the other hand, picks like Vasily Ponomarev and Noel Gunler have not seen their skills reflected on the score sheets yet. With a strong pipeline already in place, the Hurricanes will not need to rush any of these players up the ladder, but I suspect that some players will need more time than others to reach their utmost potential.

Even before the draft, the Hurricanes system was among the best in the league, ranking fifth in our recent Prospect Report. These additions, with their inherent abilities to keep opponents on their toes and guessing, will only reinforce their prominence.

Best value pick: Noel Gunler and Ronan Seeley

Gunler was one of the most divisive players eligible for this year’s draft. Our Swedish prospect analyst, Jimmy Hamrin, compared Gunler’s reputation in Sweden to that of Ryan Merkley in Canada two years ago, in terms of play away from the puck as well as personality. The skills are undeniable. He has recently started his second season playing against men in the SHL. Yet he has almost never been called on to play for Sweden internationally, at any age range. His numbers in the SHL are not notable, but Gunler is living up to the challenge at a very young age, and still flashing his high-end skills. We had him rated as a mid-first round caliber talent. The black marks could have kept him out of the first round but picking him up ten picks into the second could be a true steal once he reaches maturity. As for Seeley, there is an awful lot to be excited about for a late seventh round pick. The Yellowknife, NWT native has an August 2002 birthdate and was a former WHL Bantam Draft first round pick who took big steps in his second season in the WHL. He is a fantastic skater – probably the top skater in the Carolina draft class – and already shows signs of having a plus two-way game. He won’t be a power play weapon, but he has enough positive elements to his game to reasonably hope for a #4/5 defender outcome.

Worst value pick: Alexander Nikishin

As a rare 18-year-old playing regularly in the KHL, Nikishin can be hard to scout, a matter not helped at all by his near complete lack of international hockey experience. He had some big moments in the Russian junior ranks in his age 17/18 season, but he hasn’t reached that type of level at the senior ranks yet. He has solid tools, but he hasn’t been able to make the whole equal the sum of the parts yet. Note that, for some teams, the worst value pick is a player we don’t think was worthy of being drafted. We have seen enough of Nikishin to be comfortable with his being drafted, but more as a late-round flier than as a mid-round staple.

Pittsburgh Penguins

2/52 Joel Blomqvist, G, Karpat U20 (Jr. A. SM-liiga)

3/77 Calle Clang, G, Rogle J20 (SuperElit)

4/108 Lukas Svejkovsky, C, Medicine Hat (WL)

5/149 Raivis Kristians Ansons, LW, Baie-Comeau (QMJHL)

6/170 Chase Yoder, C, USNTDP (USHL)

Not having a first-round pick is bad enough. Not having a first-round pick while your prospect pipeline is near barren is worse. Not having a first-round pick and having a barren pipeline and then using both of your first two selections on goaltenders is a new low. That is no disrespect to the goalie’s the selected. Joel Blomqvist was our second highest ranked goalie in this draft class. Calle Clang was not the third, but we had him in the sixth-round range, with the general expectation that some team would call his name earlier than that. For a system like Pittsburgh’s and with as few picks as the Penguins had, I would have liked to see more of an upside play from them.

Instead, the team drafted two goalies, with a reasonable expectation that one will be an NHL backup. After them, they selected a trio of North American based forwards without any real history of high-level production. One of them, Lukas Svejkovsky, has a skilled game, but hasn’t put it all together to be a top line WHL weapon. The other two, Quebec-based Latvian Raivis Kristians Ansons, and Texan Chase Yoder, are both more suited to defensive forward roles, roles which they have already filled ably at the junior levels.

The problem with the lack of upside in the drafted forwards is actually compounded by two of them having been drafted from out of the CHL, giving the Penguins only two years on each of them to offer a contract. At least Yoder is college, and Pittsburgh can hold off until he finishes his time at Providence before making a call on his future. The system added two goalie prospects where previously there was next to nothing. But beyond that point in their favor, the Pittsburgh’s pipeline has diminished even further in comparison to the rest of the league.

Best value pick: Chase Yoder

I must admit that there is little dynamic about Yoder’s game, but he is exceptionally responsible and reliable. He is a “little things” player and is fleet of foot, making him a promising option for the penalty kill. He could even follow in the tradition of forwards who play bottom six roles with the USNTDP but then emerge into top six roles in college. The Dallas-area product will be well worth this pick if he meets his median projected outcome of a fourth line grinder and penalty killer.

Worst value pick: Calle Clang

Not only was Clang the second goalie Pittsburgh drafted in their weird approach to 2020, but his upside is nowhere near as high as Blomqvist’s. If they both move through the system together (which is no sure thing), when one plays, the other will sit. I expect Blomqvist to win that particular battle, making Clang somewhat redundant. To his credit, Clang is very athletic and exceptionally competitive, but his overall game is very raw. If the Penguins really needed multiple goalies out of this draft class, Clang might well have been available in the fourth or fifth round, and if not him, one of several other goalies with similar projections could also have been had.

Philadelphia Flyers

1/23 Tyson Foerster, RW, Barrie (OHL)

2/54 Emil Andrae, D, HV 71 J20 (SuperElit)

4/94 Zayde Wisdom, C, Kingston (OHL)

5/135 Elliot Desnoyers, LW, Halifax (QMJHL)

6/178 Connor McClennon, RW, Winnipeg (WHL)

Like Pittsburgh, the Philadelphia Flyers had only five picks to work with at the draft. Unlike their in-state rivals, the Flyers made those picks count. Outside of their first-round pick of Barrie sniper Tyson Foerster, each other player they selected was drafted later than we had them ranked. To a man, every single player the Flyers drafted has above average offensive tools of one kind or another. Some are excellent skaters, some player makers, and I have already mentioned how Foerster is a sniper.

They did go forward heavy, with four of the five playing up front. But even the one defenseman they drafted, second rounder Emil Andrae, was among the half dozen best offensive defensemen in the entire draft class. Andrae was also the only non-CHLer in this draft class, so there is downside in having only two years to get ELCs ready for four of these players. I suspect, though, that the Flyers will be happy to sign them all, especially if sixth rounder Connor McClennon proves that he has recovered from the broken collarbone that ended his season even before COVID wreaked havoc on the planet.

Another intriguing aspect of this draft class is how – at least for their top two picks – do not fit the speed component required of the modern game, which leans towards speed and skill. Foerster and Andrae aren’t actually bad skaters, but their feet are heavier than one would like. In Andrae’s case, the lack of foot speed coupled with his very small stature likely kept him from the first round. That said, skating can be improved more than certain other traits and the Flyers likely believe that these two players can both take very positive steps in this regard in the coming years.

Best value pick: Zayde Wisdom

I honestly could have chosen any of the non-first rounders for best value pick, but Wisdom is the later pick most likely to have a career, by the definition outlined in the introduction to this article. If you are subscriber to The Athletic, look up the story Scott Wheeler wrote about Wisdom. His backstory will make a fan out of anyone. But if you aren’t, just focus on what he has already done on the ice. He is short and stocky, but very solid, skates well, has plus puck skills and hockey IQ, and in playing with top linemates Martin Chromiak and Shane Wright, the latter being the early favorite for the first overall pick in the 2022 draft. Wisdom can play with top end players and help them play to their respective ceilings.

Worst value pick: Tyson Foerster

Please remember that this denotation is completely relative. While we did not rate Foerster as a likely first rounder, he was not too far away. In fact, if the Flyers simply have slightly higher belief in Foerster’s ability to improve his skating speed, he would fit very nicely in the range of the first round where they selected him. Even with that extra half-grade of skating, he will not be relied upon as an offensive driver at the NHL level, but can be very valuable as a trailer. In short, we liked Foerster a lot, just not as much as the Flyers’ scouts.

Washington Capitals

1/22 Hendrix Lapierre, C, Chicoutimi (QMJHL)

4/117 Bogdan Trineyev, RW, MHL Dynamo Moskva (MHL)

5/148 Bear Hughes, C, Spokane (WHL)

6/179 Garin Bjorklund, G Medicine Hat (WHL)

7/211 Oskar Magnusson, LW, Malmo J20 (SuperElit)

Unless I am very much mistaken, the Capitals’ drafting of Hendrix Lapierre in the first round, marks the team’s first draft pick out of the QMJHL since selecting Samuel Carrier in the sixth round in 2010. If you are going to break a decade-long streak, it should be on a top player, and well, Lapierre is just that. Especially if his medicals check out and the concussions and neck injury he sustained over the last two seasons are fully in the rear view mirror. Between Lapierre and the Capitals’ 2019 first rounder Connor McMichael, the team has their next wave of front-line players to augment and lengthen the fantastic career of Alex Ovechkin. We are totally on board with that selection.

Where we have some concerns are with Washington’s other picks. Almost all of them in fact. After drafting Lapierre, the Capitals had to sit on their hands for the next 95 picks (if you watched day two of the draft, that means around a four hour wait) before they could choose again. With all due respect to their four day two picks, we see a significant lack of upside in those players. Bogdan Trineyev looked good in last year’s Hlinka Gretzky Cup but couldn’t sustain that level of play during the MHL (Russian junior league) regular season. Bear Hughes was an overager, who joined the WHL late and was solid, if unspectacular in his rookie season for Spokane. In his first draft year, he tore up a lesser league (the KIJHL) before fitting in pretty seamlessly as an 18-year-old WHL rookie. Garin Bjorklund was the backup goalie with Medicine Hat. He has some positive attributes, but his performance was notably worse than nominal starter Mads Sogaard, an Ottawa prospect. He’s a longshot. Finally, seventh rounder Oskar Magnusson has good tools and put up great numbers in the top Swedish junior league. He has some promising tools, but not without considerable tweener risk.

As long as Lapierre works out, it won’t really matter how the other four picks do, especially as they were all late rounders. If Lapierre makes it and even one of the other four has even a role-player’s career, this draft will be an unmitigated success. I would put the early odds on that coming to fruition at ¼.

Best value pick: Hendrix Lapierre

Had Lapierre not suffered the upper body injuries (two or three concussions and one neck injury) he had; he would have been long gone by the time the Capitals made their pick at 22^nd overall. Lapierre’s skillset is high end. He reads the game well and is a solid skater to boot. Naturally, he needs to get stronger before reaching the NHL and he needs to show that his injuries are fully healed, something he can do with a relatively full, healthy season. If a healthy Hendrix does what we expect of him, he can be a star. That’s pretty good value.

Worst value pick: Bogdan Trineyev

For as much as we were not very impressed with Washington’s later round picks, Trineyev has the lowest upside in our opinion. In fact, were it not for his strong four games at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup around 14 months ago, it is doubtful that his subsequent performance would have been enough for him to be drafted at all. He is big and rangy, but none of his offensive tools really stands out, giving him an absolute ceiling of a fourth liner. Not that Bear Hughes is much different, but the lack of ceiling is less egregious in the fifth round than in the fourth.