Washington Capitals 2015 NHL Draft Profile: Colin White
Over the next few months leading up to the NHL, we’ll be introducing you to potential Washington Capitals draft picks. Today, let’s take a look at a forward prospect who the Washington Capitals could draft in the first round: Colin White.
HEIGHT: 6’0″ (60 inches or 183 centimeters)
WEIGHT: 183 pounds (83 kg)
POSITION: Center/Right Wing
SHOOTS: Right handed
Rankings
As of April 20th, 2015, White is ranked quite well among various rankings. He’d most likely be available when the Washington Capitals pick around the early twenties to late twenties. Note: I honestly think that after the top five, the talent differential isn’t that large. Once you get past the 15th pick, the difference in talent between the forwards this year is pretty miniscule. That isn’t because it’s a weak draft class, it’s because it’s such a strong one.
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- #26 by Hockeyprospect.com
- #23 by ISS Hockey
- #20 by Future Considerations
- #19 by McKeens Hockey
- #29 by NHL Central Scouting (North American skaters)
I have him going anywhere from around the twentieth pick to the second round. It mostly depends on who falls and who rises. I do think that he is a clear first round talent though.
Why The Washington Capitals Should Draft Him
There are several things that I think Colin White would be a nice pick by the Washington Capitals. First of all, he’s a very nice center. I really like his vision and he’s quick in the face-off circle. He plays quite well in the open ice and speed is a huge part of his game. I’d put him in the top 10 pure skaters in the draft. The Washington Capitals have always loved to draft pure skaters (though they usually do so in the later rounds). Why not draft one who is extremely skilled and polished as well? White is very polished and already extremely talented.
Also, the Washington Capitals should be looking for two-way guys in the draft. Like it or not, if you want to play for Barry Trotz, you have to be able to hold your own defensively. White can certainly do that. Whenever I’ve seen him (six games), even when he has an off night, I like how he’s dominant in all three zones. His hockey IQ is impressive.
Here’s what Future Considerations had to say about White in August of last year.
"Strong, well-rounded, two-way center…one of the best skaters for this draft…great speed with an excellent stride and tremendous acceleration…moves quickly and is tough to handle when he hits top speed…has great strength on his skates and is tough to separate from the puck…battles hard for possession…drives the net and is strong in close…can beat a goalie in many ways…has a great shot and also distributes the puck well…a very hard worker with an edge to his game…great on defense with a great defensive stick and strong defensive-zone awareness…always in the right spots on the ice and he is a tremendous worker. – Future Considerations"
Brendan Ross of Dobber Sports shares the same sentiment about White.
"“Staying out of the infirmary has been Colin White’s biggest challenge in his draft season (battled mono to start the season) but his all-around package will certainly draw NHL suitors early come draft time. Outside of his quick feet and impressive agility, White is a prospect who relies on his breadth of skills rather than one or two specific high-end skills. A high-character player with blue-collar determination and the hockey sense to excel on both ends of the puck, White has the makings of an impact top-nine playmaking forward. His anticipation and awareness through 200-feet of ice earns him big minutes and it’ll be those skills and his mature game that scouts are enamoured with.” – Dobber Sports"
As far as his development, that’s always difficult to project. However, I feel confident in White because he has committed to Boston College. Jerry York has a knack for developing young talent. He should work wonders with White and help him become an even better player.
White does have several flaws. Probably the biggest one is his acceleration. For as fast as Wilson is, he doesn’t have the elite acceleration that you’d expect. Another flaw: shot power. I like his shot accuracy, but he’s got to increase his power. I’d also like to see him be more aggressive with the puck.
I’d compare his playing style to that of Ryan Callahan. There isn’t much that White does extremely well. Other than his speed, nothing is going to jump out at you. However, he’s an all-around very good player. He’s committed to being the kind of player who can do a bit of everything. Certainly the kind of player that the Washington Capitals should be targeting.
What do you think Caps fans? Let me know in the comments!