Capitals must take a chance on Antonio Stranges in 2020 NHL Draft
It’s never too early to look ahead to the NHL Draft and the Washington Capitals should take a chance on drafting Antonio Stranges.
The NFL Draft is taking place this weekend and one Washington team is celebrating landing the second overall pick. For another D.C. team such as the Washington Capitals to have a successful draft on the hockey side of things, they need to take an offensive weapon that is similar to the one they drafted last year. No better option than Connor McMichael‘s teammate Antonio Stranges.
The Capitals hold the 29th pick in this year’s NHL Draft, whenever it will be. The Caps have usually held late picks the last couple years but made a few good draft picks including a home run last year in selecting Connor McMichael.
McMichael enjoyed a solid season after his draft selection where he scored 47 goals and added 55 assists. Stranges is 18 years old and can play both the center and left wing position.
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Last year Stranges scored 13 goals and added 21 assists for 34 points in 66 games. This season he was even better with 19 goals and 21 assists for 40 points in 61 games played. There has been nothing but great things said about the young forward on the web.
Tony Ferrari from Dobber prospects mentioned, “Antonio Stranges is one of the most unique and deceptive skaters in this draft class, using the 10-2 (mohawk) style skating to elude defenders and open up the entire ice in order to utilize his high-end puck skills.”
Scott Wheeler from The Athletic added, “He’s got unique skating ability, elite (I hate that worse but it applies here) hands and that ‘I’m going to make something happen’ attitude that I love in offensive players. But he also regularly leaves me wanting more or wondering if his skill will translate. Sometimes you just have to make the smart play.”
The Caps forward prospect pool made a big splash with McMichael last year and adding Stranges to the mix will help keep the forward corps strong for the future. The London Knights enjoyed another exciting season with Dale Hunter coaching the team and I’m sure he’d love to have a second Capitals prospect on his roster.
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With plenty of defensemen in stock, it would be smart to take another forward in the draft and Stranges’ puck wizardry would be an asset to a Capitals organization looking to continue their tradition of excellence.