Washington Capitals Draft: Top 5 players they must draft

#4 Denton Mateychuk

Denton Mateychuk is a defenseman from Moose Jaw of the WHL. EPR Rinkside said this about him via Elite Prospects:

"“He’s always up in the play, and when he gets the puck, few defensemen create more opportunities. He’s a confident, aggressive defender, too,”"

Mateychuk began to breakout in 2018-19 with the Eastman Selects of the U15 AAA with 23 goals and 38 assists for 61 points. The next year he was on the Eastman Selects of the U18 AAA where he had 13 goals and 17 assists for 30 points. That year was also his first year in the WHL with the Moose Jaw Warriors.

He had two goals and seven assists for nine points in 16 games with the Warriors in 2020-21 then broke out again last year. He had 13 goals and 51 assists for 64 points. In the playoffs he had 10 points in 10 games with a goal and nine assists.

Adam Kimelman of NHL.com added this about him:

"“Mateychuk can use his outstanding skating as an impact offensive player but also knows how to utilize it smartly to defend. And while he doesn’t have towering size, he’s not afraid to play physically when needed.”"

If the Caps were to go with a defenseman this is the guy to go with. But in my opinion they should go with a center.