Washington Capitals: Re-Drafting The 2003 NHL Draft

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Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Over the next several weeks, we will be taking a look back at past Washington Capitals drafts and grading them. We will use hindsight within reason. For example, just because player A was drafted in the seventh round and is an NHL All-Star, that doesn’t mean we’ll say that the Washington Capitals should have drafted player A over player B in the first round.  Today, let’s take a look at what was one of George McPhee‘s worst drafts as the Washington Capitals general manager: the 2003 NHL Draft. 

The Washington Capitals had six draft picks in the 2003 NHL Draft. Of those six players, only one of them was able to become an NHL player.

Each of those picks will be graded on several factors. First of all, what have they done in their career? Secondly, could the Washington Capitals have reasonably chosen a better player? We’ll look at the next five picks for each first, next ten for each second round pick and the next 15 for each of the subsequent rounds. Thirdly, what value did they bring the Washington Capitals, if any? Fourthly, what were the realistic expectations of the pick? It’s not worth getting upset over a seventh round pick, but it would be worth getting upset over a first round pick.

Next: The First Rounder