We are in unprecedented times.
Usually around this time of year, or even today, we would be talking about a new Washington Capitals season. Perhaps we’d be writing a preview of their opening night matchup or even making our way to Capital One Arena for the home opener to cheer on the team.
Instead, the 2019-20 season just ended. Literally the other day. One fanbase is happy and that’s the Tampa Bay Lightning. Congratulations to them.
For the other 30 NHL teams, they’re already gearing up for next year. The first round of the NHL Draft will take place on Tuesday night. Rounds 2-7 will take place on Wedenesday. On Friday is the opening day of free agency. So needless to say, we are entering the meat of the offseason.
The Caps have historically had good drafts with their best one coming in 2004 when they took Alex Ovechkin. That was a franchise altering move that changed the course of history and began to give the Capitals respectability in the NHL.
Now what this post isn’t going to do is suggest that all future NHL Drafts take place in October. Instead it will talk about why we need the draft at this time of the year.