Washington Capitals: Top 10 Prospects Post-2015 NHL Draft

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