Washington Capitals: Top Five Draft Steals In Team History

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Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

The Washington Capitals have usually drafted pretty well in the first round, especially in recent years. However, they have found quite a few gems in the later rounds. Is it science? No. Is it luck? Probably. Just look at how many busts they have had over the years.

MUST READ: Washington Capitals Top Five First Round Picks

So what were the qualifications for these Washington Capitals picks?

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They had to have been drafted outside of the first round. Getting value in the first round isn’t that hard, relatively speaking. Getting it in the sixth, however, is something to be celebrated.
Their success will be considered along with what round they were drafted in.
They must have been drafted in an Entry or Amateur Draft.
Only numbers with the Washington Capitals count.

Before we begin, let’s honor the honorable mention: Braden Holtby. Holtby was drafted with the 93rd overall pick in the fourth round of the 2008 NHL draft. Holtby was the 10th goaltender selected in the 2008 NHL Draft. Of the nine goaltenders drafted before him, none of them have played more than 60 games in the NHL yet. Meanwhile, Holtby has played in 178 games. The Washington Capitals have looked for a franchise goaltender ever since Olaf Kolzig retired. They found their new franchise goalie in Holtby and the Washington Capitals did so in the fourth round.

Here are the five biggest draft steals that the Washington Capitals have made in their 40 year history. Listed will be each player, the year that they were drafted and the round that they were drafted.

Next: Number Five: Konowalchuk

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