Washington Capitals Draft Grades: Vincent Iorio
The Washington Capitals first draft pick of 2021 came in the second round at 55th overall. After not going with defensemen in last year’s NHL Draft, the Caps drafted blueliners in their first three picks. The Caps used that first selection for Vincent Iorio.
Iorio is from Brandon of the WHL and shoots right handed with three seasons of WHL experience under his belt. Last season, which was abbreviated, he scored five goals and seven assists for a dozen points in 22 games. Iorio turns 19 in November and will be eligible to play in the American Hockey League (AHL) in the 2022-23 season.
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Iorio has good size listed at six foot three and 191 pounds. He’s got a hard shot from the point which helps anchor the Wheat Kings’ power play. He’s a two way defender with his best attributes being his hockey IQ, poise with the puck, playmaking, consistency, and his edges. When asked which players he makes a worthy comparison to, Iorio listed John Carlson and the Vancouver Canucks Tyler Myers.
“He’s a big kid, about 6’2 ½, 6’3, skates really well, good hands, moves the puck well. Probably didn’t get to show as much offensively this year, as I think he will in the future because he played behind Braden Schneider, who the Rangers traded up last year to take at 19.”
Anytime the assistant GM admits that a player could’ve gone in the first round it presents a steal showing that the Caps got it right with their 55th pick. After taking forwards the last two years in the first round, it was only a matter of time before the team would take a defenseman.
Iorio was one of four defenseman the Caps took with their six picks. We already graded the selection of Dru Krebs and we shall grade the rest of the picks in the coming days.
More. Washington Capitals Draft Picks: Breaking down new players. light
Grade A: The Caps went with size in their first draft selection and honestly I was shocked a guy like Iorio was still available this late in the draft. Next up on our grades is Brent Johnson.