Washington Capitals NHL Draft Profile: Oliver Kylington

Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Over the next few months leading up to the NHL, we’ll be introducing you to potential Washington Capitals draft picks. The Washington Capitals farm system is lacking in blue-chip blue liners, so it would make sense for them to draft a defenseman in the first round. A recent mock draft has the Washington Capitals drafting Swedish defenseman Oliver Kylington with their first round pick.

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HEIGHT: 6’0″
WEIGHT: 185 pounds
HANDEDNESS: Left
COUNTRY: Sweden

Rankings (As of May 26th)

#13 by Hockey Prospect
#19 by Future Considerations
#27 by McKeen’s Hockey
#6 European Skater by NHL Central Scouting

Oliver’s Favorites

NHL team: New York Rangers, Chicago Blackhawks
NHL player: Johnny Oduya, Patrick Kane, Drew Doughty
Shootout move: “Forehand, backhand, five hole”
Goal celebration: “You will see”
Video game: NHL, FIFA
Movie: Star Wars, Rush Hour, James Bond
TV show: Entourage, The O.C.
Actor: Chris Tucker
Musician: Swedish House Mafia, Jay-Z
Sport (other than hockey): Soccer, floorball
Athlete (non-hockey): LeBron James, Fernando Torres

Facts courtesy of NHL.com.

Why The Washington Capitals Should Draft Him

The Washington Capitals, as I mentioned earlier, are lacking in elite blue line prospects. Their only projected top four defenseman in their system is Madison Bowey. The Washington Capitals will have options if they decide to add a defenseman during the 2015 NHL draft. Kylington will most likely be the most skilled defenseman available at the 22nd pick, which is where the Caps will draft.

Here’s what Director of European Scouting Goran Stubb has to say about him.

"“Oliver is a very good skater with first-step quickness and fine balance. He’s a two-way defenseman who loves to join the offensive rush. He’s smart, with excellent hockey sense and passing skills, and can read situations very well.” – NHL.com"

Bill Placzek of DraftSite.com thinks very highly of Kylington as well.

"“Clearly one of the top end elite skaters and puck movers in the class. Has the ability to play in tight space and control the puck and play. Plays like he knows he has more ability than the rest of the ice, and is poised and composed in all phases when he gets a puck in his end. He is able to work out with smart passes or carry the mail with top acceleration. Good in his one end, and although not overly big framed, he have the stamina to fight through the rough going and excel. A member of his homeland’s team roster for the World Junior Under-20 at Christmas 2014.” – DraftSite.com"

The Washington Capitals could definitely use more puck movers like Kylington. You can never have too many puck movers. He’s impressive in his own zone and is good at making quick reads. He can set up outlet passes or he can lead the rush. Kylington is the type of defenseman that should flourish in the Washington Capitals system, which encourages defensemen to be active.

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I’d compare his style to Erik Karlsson. I’m not saying that Kylington will be as good as Karlsson, although I’ll be ecstatic if he ever is as good as him. Both players rely on their immense skill to be effective in all three zones. I also see a bit of Karlsson in him when he leads the rush. His skating abilities can be jaw dropping at times. He skates better than a good number of forwards. Talent level, Kylington isn’t that close to Karlsson. Keep in mind though that one could argue Karlsson is the best defenseman in the world. Style wise though, I watched a lot of Karlsson and a lot of Kylington. As you can see down below, Kylington has a ton of skill in his game, much like Karlsson.

Kylington does need to work on several things to be a better defenseman for the Washington Capitals. First of all, he must get stronger, particularly in his upper body. FWIW, he’s 181 pounds right now which is the same weight as Karlsson. I’d still like to see him get to at least 190 pounds. Secondly, he has to be better in the defensive zone. He’s very skilled and handles the puck a lot. That can obviously lead to turnovers. I do enjoy how confident he is with the puck. That’s rare to see in a defenseman.

What do you think Washington Capitals fans? Should the Caps draft him? Let me know what you think!

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