The Washington Capitals continue drafting strong two-way players in the 2018 NHL Draft. They select defender Martin Fehervary and winger Kody Clark.
The Washington Capitals nabbed Martin Fehervary, a defenseman, and Kody Clark with their second round picks in the 2018 NHL Draft.
Fehervary is a defender with size from Slovakia. He is 19 and played this season in Sweden. He has lived near Malmo the last four years.
At 6’1 and 199, he has more room to grow physically. He is a solid defender, but TheHockeyWriters.com website says he has to improve offensively. They are impressed with his maturity and defense. The site is not surprised he was drafted but projected him as a third- or fourth-rounder.
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On his passing game, Denis Schellenberg wrote in November for Future Considerations:
“He possesses a powerful pass but will need to work on his passing accuracy a bit as his passes were not always on the teammates’ blades but rather in the skates.”
Schellenberg also notes his maturity and hockey intellect. Fehervary has good ice presence and knows how to set up plays.
No immediate timeline how soon Fehervary could play here in North America.
Clark has two years under his belt with the Ontario Hockey League’s Ottawa 67’s. At 19, he is ranked anywhere from 55 to 138 on the prospects lists. However, if he I anything like his father Wendel Clark, the Caps grabbed a steal.
Clark made offensive improvements this year, jumping from 11 points in 57 games in 2016-17 to 39 this past season.
TheHockeyWriters pegged Clark as a second-round pick, but toward the end. They feel he must improve in his foot speed and consistency. On the positive side, they like his tenacity and how he uses his hands with the stick.
Clark has two years of juniors left. After a look this September, he should spend this year with Ottawa. He could stand to fill his frame more too. At 6’1, he weighs 176.
With Ottawa, Clark plays right wing.
Both of Washington’s picks early Saturday are works in progress. Fehervary and Clark were drafted higher than on the pundit’s draft boards. The skill set is there for both skaters, but they are years away from reaching Washington.
Next: Alexander Alexeyev Caps top pick
The Washington Capitals have stocked their system with two solid defenders and a tough right-winger. Early returns show the Caps going with strong kids who can contribute both ways. But, they have drafted no sure hits.