Washington Capitals: Top 10 Prospects Post-2015 NHL Draft

Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The Washington Capitals prospect system has definitely improved over the past 365 days. Not only have some of their prospects grown a lot over the past year, some had outstanding seasons and the Washington Capitals also added a brand new crop of prospects during the 2015 NHL Draft.

MUST READ: Five Prospects Who Could Make Huge Impact For The Caps Next Season

Before I begin, let me define what I believe to be a prospect, because I believe that is very relevant to this list.

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• Prospects must be younger than 25 years old. Once you hit 25 years old, you are no longer a prospect.
• Prospects must have played in less than 50 NHL games. Once you’ve played in 50 NHL games over a two year period, I can’t really consider you to be a prospect anymore.

Let’s start with a review of the Washington Capitals farm system and its positions of strength and its positions of need.

1. Goaltending. Between Braden Holtby, Philipp Grubauer, Vitek Vanecek and new addition Ilya Samsonov, the Washington Capitals have a huge surplus in goal. This is a terrific area to have a lot of depth in for several reasons. First of all, as we saw this weekend, teams will give up assets for goaltenders, even if they are unproven. Secondly, goaltenders are inconsistent. It’s always good to have a lot of depth there in case you need it.
2. Forwards. The Washington Capitals are a bit lacking in this regard. Jakub Vrana is an elite prospect, but he currently appears to be the only elite forward prospect that the Caps have. Riley Barber could be a top six forward. I still like Chandler Stephenson quite a bit, but he has to prove that he can stay healthy.
3. Defensemen. Madison Bowey and Jonas Siegenthaler have very high upside. Bowey could be a top pairing caliber defenseman, while Siegenthaler’s ceiling is closer to a second pairing stay-at-home defenseman than a first pairing guy. Connor Carrick has upside, but he has the misfortune of having to beat out Bowey for a roster spot in the future. Patrick Wey‘s sudden retirement hurts this group a little bit.

This list is being made mostly based on upside and value to the organization. I’ll look at each player’s ceiling and what value they bring to the Washington Capitals.

Next: #10: Shane Gersich

Washington Capitals #10 Prospect: Shane Gersich

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Position: Center
Age: 18 (turns 19 on July 10th)
Height/Weight: 5’11”, 175 pounds
Shoots: Left

Gersich was drafted by the Washington Capitals in the fifth round of the 2014 draft. He is coming off an impressive season with the Omaha Lancers in 2014-2015, scoring 27 goals and having 22 assists.

Talent Analysis Gersich has great speed and agility to go with impressive first step quickness. A bit undersized for a pro forward, he should add size and strength during his college career at North Dakota. He will need to develop other moves as he moves up in competition, but he likes to take the puck to the outside and beat defenders with his speed. He also has a rocket of a shot with a quick release, making him extra dangerous on the rush. His overall game remains a work in progress but his offensive instincts are first rate. Future Gersich is skating with the USHL’s Omaha Lancers in 2014-15 before heading to the University of North Dakota next fall. The Lancers’ second-leading scorer behind 2015 draft eligible Swedish forward Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson, Gersich’s offensive breakout this season suggests he may be a late round steal for the Capitals. He is far from a refined prospect at this point, and will need to continue developing during his college career. But long-term Gersich could be an effective middle line forward with goal scoring ability at the NHL level one day. – Hockey’s Future

Gersich has the potential to be a scoring checking line center. I really like his game, even if he is a tad bit undersized. He’ll get playing time at North Dakota. He plays bigger than he is and has really improved in the defensive zone.

Next: #9: Zach Sanford

Washington Capitals #9 Prospect: Zach Sanford

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Position: Left Wing
Age: 20 (turns 21 in November)
Height/Weight: 6’4”, 191 pounds
Shoots: Left

Sanford had a successful freshman season for Boston College, scoring 24 points (7 goals with seventeen assists) in 38 games. He projects to be a pretty good power forward with skill.

Talent Analysis Sanford is a raw but talented two-way forward with good size and a knack for puck movement. His playmaking skills and vision are exceptional and he often elevates the play of those around him. He isn’t overly strong and could stand to pack on some muscle to his rather lanky frame. Sanford’s skating could use some work but he has made a smooth transition from junior to college hockey and possesses an intriguing package of both skill and size. Future Sanford is in his freshman season at Boston College in 2014-15 and has stepped right into the lineup for an Eagles’ team that is one of the top squads in the country. One of three freshmen along with leading scorer Alex Tuch (Minnesota) and 2015 draft eligible defenseman Noah Hanifin to have an immediate impact, Sanford should continue to develop as a prospect during his college career as he matures physically and continues to refine his game. Moving forward he is a potential top-six or top-nine player due to his skill set. – Hockey’s Future

Sanford was one of the very few freshman who were able to make an immediate impact on their college team. The Washington Capitals must be patient with Sanford, but he has top six potential. At worst, I see him as a checking line wing.

Next: #8: Vitek Vanecek

Washington Capitals #7 Prospect: Philipp Grubauer

Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Position: Goaltender
Age: 23 (turns 24 in November)
Height/Weight: 6’1″/185 pounds
Handedness: Left

Philipp Grubauer is still a prospect, thought this will most likely be his last ranking as a prospect since he will serve as the Washington Capitals’ backup goaltender in 2015-2016. Grubauer has made a lot of strides over the past 365 days and now projects to be an average to above average NHL starting goaltender. That most likely won’t be for the Washington Capitals, but that’s fine because if he’s not needed, that means Holtby’s staying healthy and doing well. If he is needed, Washington Capitals fans should be very confident in Grubauer to hold his own. In limited NHL action, Grubauer hasn’t looked overwhelmed and twice this season proved how prepared he is by coming up to start for the Caps and winning.

Talent Analysis Grubauer is a big, technically sound, calm goaltender. His strength is his ability to fill the net and utilize his quick legs to make seemingly impossible saves while deflecting pucks out of harm’s way. Grubauer possesses an above average glove hand. He has steadily adapted to the increased level of competition since his days of playing in Germany and in junior hockey, learning to deal with the more sophisticated scorers and higher quality shooters in North America. He can sometimes be deked out of position or beaten by accurate shots – particularly in the top of the net. Future Grubauer is in the slide year of his original three-year entry-level contract and had spent all but one game of the 2014-15 season with Washington AHL affiliate Hershey as of early March 2015. He is having his best season to date for a Bears team that has been one of the league’s top teams. He is expected to challenge veteran Justin Peters for the backup spot to Braden Holtby in Washington as soon as next season but could also find himself elsewhere. Long-term, Grubauer has the physical make up and natural ability to one day be a starter at the NHL level and appears to be approaching his potential. – Hockey’s Future

As I said earlier, Grubauer projects to be an average to above average NHL starter. I have him ranked above Vanecek for two reasons. The biggest reason is his experience. The second reason is that I think Grubauer has proven that he is capable of handling roles as both a starter and as a backup. That certainly has value, particular for the Washington Capitals. I think he has good trade value and he could wind up being a trade piece should the Washington Capitals want to add a top six forward this off-season since teams have the tendency to overvalue young goaltenders. If the Washington Capitals get Holtby locked up long-term, they could afford to do that and sign a cheap (but more proven than Justin Peters) goalie.

Next: #6:Jonas Siegenthaler

Washington Capitals #6 Prospect: Jonas Siegenthaler

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Position: Defenseman
Height/Weight: 6’3″, 220 pounds
Age: 18 (turns 19 in May)
Handedness: Left

The Washington Capitals selected Siegenthaler in the second round of the 2015 NHL Draft. They traded up to get him, believing that he was a first round talent. That is something that several people agreed with, including NHL Central Scouting (ranking him #12 among European skaters) and McKeen’s Hockey (ranking him 28th). Siegenthaler is from Switzerland and he will be spending next season with ZSC.

So far, the 6-foot-2 Jonas Siegenthaler has made the biggest noise of all the Swiss draft-eligible players. The smooth-skating Siegenthaler has earned a roster spot with the ZSC Lions and has impressed in the National League A by playing a regular shift while paired with former Arizona Coyotes‘ draft choice, Severin Blindenbacher. Siegenthaler keeps his plays simple and doesn’t try to do too much while playing the role of a defensive defenseman. He handles the puck with care, but lacks power both in his passes and especially in his shot, which gives him only limited offensive upside. But no doubt, it is very impressive how the 17-year-old is acting confident while playing against men. – Hockey’s Future Jonas Siegenthaler has ideal NHL size at 6’3″ and 220 pounds already. He’s not afraid to use that size to get involved physically. He’s not a big hitter, but he does battle along the boards and clear the front of the net. He maintains excellent gap control and positioning. Siegenthaler forces attackers to the outside, and into poor shooting positions. He has an excellent understanding of angles and how to cut down the dangerous areas of the ice. He controls his man down low, and is excellent at playing against the cycle game, keeping the puck to the outside, and sometimes stripping it with a quick poke check. Siegenthaler uses his size and a long, active stick to cut down on passing and shooting lanes. Siengenthaler has very good defensive instincts. He reads the play well and anticipates where attackers are going to go with the puck. Siegenthaler could stand to add some muscle to his upper body, and this would help him even more in those battles as he moves to a more physical North American game. Jonas Siegenthaler is an excellent skater. He has good speed and mobility in all directions thanks to an extremely smooth stride. His pivots, edgework, and agility are all excellent, which allows Siegenthaler to be able to cover a lot of ice, and make plays in all directions. He is also very hard to beat one on one off the rush. His excellent balance is useful in winning those board battles, and clearing the front of the net. There isn’t much of an offensive game from Jonas Siegenthaler. He does make a good first pass out of the zone, but is a true stay at home defender as he does not follow it up and join the rush. Don’t expect much from him in terms of stick handling, or setting plays up either. He moves the puck off his stick quickly, preferring to safely dump it into the corner rather than trying a creative cross ice pass. Siegenthaler has good accuracy on his shot, but his wrist and snap shot have very pedestrian releases. He lacks power on his shot, whether that be his wrist, snap, or slap shot. He does show the ability to get it on net though, and keeps things low so that he can create rebounds for teammates. Siegenthaler is not one to pinch at the blue line and keep the play alive, preferring to back off and make the safe read. Jonas Siegenthaler can be a solid stay at home defenceman at the next level if he is able to reach his ceiling. He has a few years of development ahead of him, but could become a solid penalty killer, and the type of defender who can play beside an offensive threat at the blue line. His game is reminiscent of Karl Alzner, however this is a stylistic comparison only and not one based on his talent. – Last Word On Sports

Siegenthaler has the potential to be a second pairing stay at home defenseman. He’ll most likely wind up replacing Brooks Orpik when Orpik’s body gives out. I’m a big fan of Siegenthaler’s skating. He’s very mobile and I love his play in the defensive zone. He fights hard for the puck and he gets the puck out of the defensive zone quickly and efficiently. That’s a good skill-set for the Washington Capitals.

Next: #5: Connor Carrick

Washington Capitals #5 Prospect: Connor Carrick

Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Position: Defenseman
Age: 21 (turns 22 in April)
Height/Weight: 5’11″/185 pounds
Handedness: Right

The Washington Capitals drafted Connor Carrick in the fifth round of the 2012 NHL Draft. Carrick was rushed to the NHL in 2013-2014 thanks to the incompetence of then Washington Capitals head coach Adam Oates. The 2014-2015 season was an important one for Carrick and he excelled during a full season with the Hershey Bears. He scored 42 points (eight goals, 34 points) in 73 games for the Bears.

Talent Analysis Carrick is an attacking defender who made a name for himself with his offensive ability. He is a great skater and confident puck carrier and loves to utilize both to jump into the offensive attack and create opportunities. He’s a solid puckmover and has a great shot as well. He is slightly undersized for a defenseman and at times is vulnerable in his own end but he doesn’t back down from a physical challenge. He is competent in his own zone but it is on the offensive end where he is most valuable — particularly as a power play quarterback and as an aggressive and explosive offensive defenseman at even strength. Future Carrick attended training camp with the Capitals before being assigned to AHL affiliate Hershey at the start of the 2014-15 season. After gaining experience at the NHL level in his first pro season last year, Carrick is playing in all situations for the Bears. The opportunity to long full-time minutes, leading Bears’ defensemen in points while playing abrasive defense, should benefit his development in the long-term; particularly for a Hershey team that is one of the AHL’s top two teams. Carrick projects as a skating, offensively-inclined Mike Green-type defenseman at the NHL level and the physical edge he has shown with the Bears is an added bonus. – Hockey’s Future

Carrick projects to be a second or third pairing offensive defenseman for the Washington Capitals. Green isn’t the best comparison for him though. Carrick isn’t as big and I think Carrick relies more on his excellent skating than Green does. He should be NHL ready by 2016, as I think he would definitely benefit from one more year with the Hershey Bears.

Next: #4: Riley Barber

Washington Capitals #4 Prospect: Riley Barber

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Position: Right Wing
Age: 21 years old (turns 22 in February)
Height/Weight: 6’0″/198 pounds
Handedness: Right

The Washington Capitals drafted Riley Barber in the sixth round of the 2012 NHL Draft. He has all of the makings of a late round gem just like 2014-2015 Art Ross Trophy winner Jamie Benn. He had a bit of a slow start to his junior year at Miami University (Ohio), but he still finished with a career high 20 goals and 40 points in 38 games. His discipline drastically improved as he committed just six minor penalties all season.

Talent Analysis Barber was an underrated sixth-round draftee in the 2012 NHL Entry draft. He has average size and possesses a very solid all-around game. His offensive instincts are very strong and he has been a consistent scorer He has played in all situations at Miami University since his freshman season and captained the USA U20 team at the 2014 World Junior Championship. Barber’s overall skating and technical skills are only above average — and his limited physical abilities are viewed as liabilities by some scouts; the perception exists that while he’s been successful against younger players and in college hockey his upside is limited. Future Barber is in his junior season at Miami University in 2014-15 and is once again one of the top scorers in college hockey. He has continued to mature physically while developing his technical skills during his career with the RedHawks; complementing his top rate anticipatory skills and a high level of competitiveness. Barber will likely have a tough decision to make following the season — whether to turn pro or return to Miami for his senior season. Long-term questions exist about his ability to translate his college success to the pro level. At the minimum, while he may not score with the consistency he has in the past Barber should be a valuable two-way forward at the NHL level one day. – Hockey’s Future

Barber has top six potential, though he might be a better fit as a checking line wing. One impressive thing is that he has shown the ability to handle defensive zone starts well. That should make him a favorite of Barry Trotz and the Washington Capitals.

Next: #3: Ilya Samsonov

Washington Capitals #3 Prospect: Ilya Samsonov

Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Position: Goaltender
Age: 18 (turns 19 in February)
Height/Weight: 6’3″/201 pounds
Handedness: Left

The Washington Capitals made a very bold pick in the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft by drafting the best goaltender in the draft, Ilya Samsonov from Russia. Samsonov, if he pans out, will give the Washington Capitals a ton of options and value regarding their goaltenders. He has the potential to be an elite goaltender.

Ilya Samsonov has the ideal size that teams are looking for in goaltenders today at 6’3″ and 201 lbs. Samsonov makes the most of that size, coming out to challenge on plays, and reducing the amount of net that forwards have to shoot at. He is very athletic, and never gives up on a play, resulting in him being able to make some ridiculous saves. Samsonov has strong legs, and gets side to side across the crease quickly and efficiently. He plays a tight butterfly and his legs kick out quickly to take away the bottom of the net. He has a fast glove hand and blocker as well. Samsonov skates backwards very well, and this makes him hard to beat on dekes as he can come out to cut down those angles, but backs up quickly if the shooter instead tries to go around him. His positioning is very good and he remains square to the puck even when moving around as the puck is passed in the offensive zone. In terms of weaknesses, Samsonov needs to work on his rebound control, though this is something that is a common problem for young goaltenders and it is something that can be developped over the next several years. He also doesn’t seem to handle the puck very well, though he also doesn’t do it very often. One issue is that my viewings of Samsonov are small as we pretty much only see him at international tournaments, and this has been limited to about 3-5 games or so. That said he has been very impressive in what I have seen. Samsonov’s ceiling is to be a number 1 goaltender in the NHL, though there will be a long term development plan needed, as with almost all goalies his age. His game resembles Sergei Bobrovsky of the Columbus Blue Jackets, though this is a style comparison and not a talent one. I believe he is the most talented goalie in the draft and the only thing that could see him from being the first goalie off the board is the worry about his KHL status and signability concerns. – Last Word On Sports

Samsonov has the potential to be an elite goaltender for the Washington Capitals. He has impressive athleticism, positioning and poise, three things that are necessary for any goaltender to be successful in the NHL. Was drafting him risky for the Washington Capitals? You bet. But the payoff for the Washington Capitals could be monumental.

Next: #2 Prospect: Madison Bowey

Washington Capitals #2 Prospect: Madison Bowey

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Position: Defense
Age: 20 (turns 21 in April)
Height/Weight: 6’2”, 209 pounds
Shoots: Right

Madison Bowey was drafted by the Washington Capitals in the second round of the 2013 NHL Draft.

Talent Analysis Bowey is a big-bodied rearguard who is an excellent skater. He does not shy away from physical play and rushes the puck with confidence. Bowey has played in many high pressure situations while skating for Canada in the U18 and U20 World Championships. Future Bowey made a push for a spot with the Capitals in training camp before being returned to Kelowna for the 2014-15 season. Now in his fourth WHL season, he is once again one of the league’s top defenseman and played an integral role for Canada during it’s gold medal-winning run at the 2015 World Junior Championship. Long-term Bowey has the makings of a solid two-way defenseman at the NHL level and is expected to bring a much-anticipated physical presence to the blue line in Washington. – Hockey’s Future

Bowey has the potential to be a top pairing or second pairing defenseman for the Washington Capitals. Despite the Washington Capitals having John Carlson and Matt Niskanen, Bowey could at worst play the Mike Green role for the Washington Capitals. Bowey would flourish with his offensive abilities.

Next: #1 Prospect: Jakub Vrana

Washington Capitals #1 Prospect: Jakub Vrana

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Position: Forward
Age: 19 (turns 20 in February)
Height/Weight: 5’11”, 185 pounds
Shoots: Left

The Washington Capitals drafted Jakub Vrana with their first round pick in the 2014 NHL Draft. So far, the Washington Capitals have been rewarded for doing so, as Vrana had success after briefly joining the Hershey Bears last season after his season in Europe was over.

Talent Analysis Vrana has played against men for parts of two seasons already. A Czech who went to Sweden at the age of 15, his development has been steady while he’s statistically remained around the point-per-game level for Linkoping’s U20 team. Already a veteran of three U18 World Championships (recent silver medalist) and two WJCs, Vrana has grown into a leader and go-to player. He possesses good offensive instincts and a nose for the net. Vrana has a knack for timely goals and is unafraid to shoot from anywhere. He loves to come in off the right wing side and find the far inner goalpost. His release and accuracy are tricky for goaltenders. Strong laterally in movement and very good with the puck, Vrana has above-average creativity with it. He plays an unselfish game yet is more of a goal scorer than a playmaker. Vrana can have periods of time where he seems unconcentrated or simply not in the game and has been known to show frustration when certain things aren’t working or aren’t going his way. In terms of athleticism, he doesn’t yet have the size or frame to withstand the physical pressures at the pro level and his first few steps don’t generate much speed. He will need to improve his defensive zone game. Future Vrana signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Capitals in July 2014 before being loaned to Linkopings and returning to Sweden for his second SHL season in 2014-15. He is skating in a full-time role with the squad this year and has provided consistent secondary scoring. Vrana also skated in his second World Juniors tournament with the Czech U20 team. Long-term his offensive game and instincts seem well-suited or him to be a consistent scorer at the NHL level. To reach that point he must continue to develop physically and increase his consistency in all three zones. – Hockey’s Future

Next: Washington Capitals Top 10 Prospects: Winter 2015

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