Stars and Sticks
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Washington Capitals: Top 5 prospects heading into 2019

By Michael Marzzacco

SUNRISE, FL - JUNE 26: Ilya Samsonov leaves the stage after being selected 22nd by the Washington Capitals during Round One of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center on June 26, 2015 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images)
SUNRISE, FL - JUNE 26: Ilya Samsonov leaves the stage after being selected 22nd by the Washington Capitals during Round One of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center on June 26, 2015 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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4. Brett Leason

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA – JUNE 22: Brett Leason, 56th overall pick of the Washington Capitals, poses for a portrait during Rounds 2-7 of the 2019 NHL Draft at Rogers Arena on June 22, 2019 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Andre Ringuette/NHLI via Getty Images)
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA – JUNE 22: Brett Leason, 56th overall pick of the Washington Capitals, poses for a portrait during Rounds 2-7 of the 2019 NHL Draft at Rogers Arena on June 22, 2019 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Andre Ringuette/NHLI via Getty Images) /

The Capitals drafted Brett Leason in the second round this summer and many consider the pick a steal. He is likely to be a star on the Hershey Bears this season and he’ll be fun to watch. The 20-year old right winger is coming off a monster 89-point season with 36 goals and 53 assists in 55 games.

The Capitals drafted just four players but Leason is the one who’s the closest towards his development. He was passed over in two consecutive drafts prior to Washington’s selection, and he’ll be ready to prove himself in the AHL.

KELOWNA, BC – JANUARY 19: Brett Leason #20 of the Prince Albert Raiders warms up against the Kelowna Rockets at Prospera Place on January 19, 2019 in Kelowna, Canada. (Photo by Marissa Baecker/Getty Images)
KELOWNA, BC – JANUARY 19: Brett Leason #20 of the Prince Albert Raiders warms up against the Kelowna Rockets at Prospera Place on January 19, 2019 in Kelowna, Canada. (Photo by Marissa Baecker/Getty Images) /

Leason will look to bring a winning mentality to an AHL team built on a tradition of excellence. Leason led Prince Albert in scoring all the way to the Ed Chynoweth Cup, adding 10 goals and 15 assists during that playoff run.

McKeen’s Hockey described Leason this way on Elite Prospects:

"“Has an NHL caliber wrist shot, with a super quick release. He positions himself very well on the puck, and has plus hand-eye coordination.”"

Future Considerations added:

"“Savvy with and without the puck, his hockey IQ is the backbone of his game and he loves to use his big frame in puck battles.”"

It’s going to be fun watching Leason help carry the offense up in Hershey. Don’t be surprised to see him as a top-six forward.

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