Washington Capitals Draft: Breaking down strengths of Ryan Chesley

With the 37th pick in the second round that the Washington Capitals acquired from the New Jersey Devils in the Vitek Vanecek trade, the Caps selected defenseman Ryan Chesley. This is a hell of a pick because they not only moved up in the draft but took a fellow American stud in the process.

He’s an 18 year old blue liner with a right handed shot. Here’s what Elite Prospects had to say about the six foot, 200 pound defenseman in their draft guide:

Chesley’s transition decisions are immediate, and he’s usually making the best play. Manipulates forecheckers, steps inside, goes cross-ice for breakout passes. It’s been years since a draft-minus-one NTDP defender showed this much creativity and consistency on the breakout. His breakout passes consistently create space for his teammates. When he leads the rush, he manipulates pressure then dekes around them, before finishing his off-puck route. Just so involved and refined. And he’s quite physical defensively to go with an instinctual break-up-focused game, risk-mitigating footwork, and controlled stick work.

Chesley is expected to play for the University of Minnesota next season. With the U.S. National U18 Team last season of the US Development Program, he recorded 12 goals and 17 assists for 29 points in 59 games. He also played for the United States National Team Development Program Juniors of the USHL recording five goals and 10 assists for 15 points in 26 games.

He also competed in the WJC 18 for the USA U18 Team as an alternate captain. In six games he had five points with two goals and three assists.

The Caps are upcoming draft picks are as follows: Round 3 at 70th overall, Round 3 at 85th overall, Round 5 at 149th overall, Round 6 at 181st overall, and Round 7 at 213th overall. With their third round pick the Caps selected Alexander Suzdalev. We’ll have more about him shortly! Stay tuned Caps fans!