Washington Capitals: Top 5 prospects to get excited for

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BUFFALO, NY – JUNE 24: Lucas Johansen celebrates with the Washington Captials after being selected 28th overall during round one of the 2016 NHL Draft on June 24, 2016 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

#4 Lucas Johansen

Lucas Johansen was the Capitals first round pick in the 2016 NHL Draft at 28th overall. Brother of Ryan Johansen of the Nashville Predators, Lucas is determined to make it to the NHL but it’s been a challenging road for him thus far. Prior to his selection, the defensemen was a member of the WHL’s Kelowna Rockets.

Johansen recorded 49 points (10 goals, 39 assists) in 2015-16 and remained with the team after the Caps drafted him. The next season, Johansen posted 41 points (6 goals, 35 assists). He finally got the chance to move up to the AHL level in 2017-18 and has since been a member of the Hershey Bears.

HERSHEY, PA – MARCH 16: Hershey Bears defenseman Lucas Johansen (6) hits Bridgeport Sound Tigers right wing Tanner Fritz (11) in the slot during the Bridgeport Sound Tigers vs. the Hershey Bears AHL hockey game March 16, 2019 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo by Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Johansen’s first season in Hershey saw him record 27 points (6 goals, 21 assists) in 71 games. Last season, however, Johansen had a drop-off with 14 points (3 goals, 11 assists) in 45 games thanks in large part to missing significant time due to an upper-body injury.

Johansen was undersized and many considered him “skinny” but he continues to put on weight and now weighs 183 pounds thanks to a protein strict diet.

This is the most important season for Johansen coming up as he’ll look to earn a chance for NHL action. He’ll competing against the likes of Alex Alexeyev and Martin Fehervary and will be determined to beat both out for that chance. It’ll be a challenge since the Capitals are known for their defensemen prospect depth.

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