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Capitals April Fools: Top 3 draft picks that were foolish

By Michael Marzzacco|
WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 21: Chris Bourque #56 of the Washington Capitals skates with the puck during a NHL preseason hockey game game against the Buffalo Sabres on Sptember 21, 2009 at Verizon Center in Washington DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 21: Chris Bourque #56 of the Washington Capitals skates with the puck during a NHL preseason hockey game game against the Buffalo Sabres on Sptember 21, 2009 at Verizon Center in Washington DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)

The Washington Capitals have had some good drafts of late but there have been times where their draft picks have become total busts.

Let’s take a look at the worst of the worst. One thrived in the AHL but barely saw action in a Washington Capitals sweater. Another pick never lived up to his NHL expectations. The last one never played a single game in a Caps uniform.

Without further ado, let’s begin.

#3 Chris Bourque

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Taken in the second round at 33rd overall in 2004, Chris Bourque was in the shadow of the previous rounds pick which turned out to be the best draft pick of all time. Bourque only suited up for 12 games over two seasons only scoring one goal in the 2008-09 campaign. Yes, that’s fewer goals than Martin Erat but that’s a different topic of discussion.

Bourque had expectations since he was a high second round pick but he didn’t live up to them. He was claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Penguins and also suited up for the Boston Bruins before calling it a career in 2013. He did have success in the AHL, however, as a member of some good Hershey Bears teams. He also spent time with the Providence Bruins and Bridgeport Sound Tigers.

#2 Brian Sutherby

NEW YORK CITY – OCTOBER 12: Brian Sutherby #16 of the Washington Capitals controls the puck during the NHL game against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on October 12, 2007 in New York City, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK CITY – OCTOBER 12: Brian Sutherby #16 of the Washington Capitals controls the puck during the NHL game against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on October 12, 2007 in New York City, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Brian Sutherby was selected in the first round in the 2000 Draft at 26th overall. He spent the majority of his career in the NHL which I guess is pretty good but the center only managed 90 points in 490 career games including 61 points in 259 games as a member of the Capitals.

Sutherby’s best season came in 2005-06 when he recorded 14 goals and 16 assists for 30 points but he was no Nicklas Backstrom nor Evgeny Kuznetsov which luckily the Caps would get to draft in the future. He retired from the game at the age of 28.

#1 Anton Gustafsson

BALLSTON VA- July 12: Capitals Anton Gustafsson advances the puck up ice during the Washington Capitals development camp at their practice rink in Ballston VA July 12, 2010. (Photo by John McDonnell/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
BALLSTON VA- July 12: Capitals Anton Gustafsson advances the puck up ice during the Washington Capitals development camp at their practice rink in Ballston VA July 12, 2010. (Photo by John McDonnell/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Every Capitals fan remembers where they were when the team drafted John Carlson but believe it or not there was a player that was selected before Carlson that never played a game in a Capitals sweater.

Anton Gustafsson was drafted 21st overall in 2008 six picks prior to Carlson’s selection. What might be crazier than not playing a single Caps game is that he only suited up in one game for their AHL affiliate the Hershey Bears. Yeah, that’s pretty bad.

That will do it for the worst of the worst. Happy April Fools Day Caps fans and be sure to keep it locked on Stars and Sticks for more Capitals articles as we wait for hockey to return.

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