Washington Capitals: Grading The 2009 NHL Draft

Washington Capitals First Round Pick: Marcus Johansson

Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The Washington Capitals drafted Marcus Johansson with their first round pick. He was the 24th overall selection. Let’s take a look at how he compares to the other skaters that were selected in the 2009 NHL Draft.

Credit: Hockey Reference

As you can see, the Washington Capitals got a terrific value drafting Johansson 24th overall. He has more points than all but three of the players that he was drafted after. If you prefer goals, Johansson ranks seventh among all 2009 NHL draftees in that regard.

In hindsight, the Washington Capitals made a terrific pick. Arguably the second best pick of the top 50 (next to Ryan O’Reilly). Also in hindsight, I suppose that the Washington Capitals would be better off had they drafted O’Reilly over Johansson. However, Johansson was clearly viewed as a first round talent (eighth best European skater) and O’Reilly was viewed as a second rounder.

HINDSIGHT PICK: I’d go with O’Reilly, but the Washington Capitals did get a very good player in Johansson and they did it despite drafting in the late first round.

GRADE: A-. Other than the Caps reaching for O’Reilly, they couldn’t have done a better job with this pick.

Next: Second Round Pick: Orly