Dylan McIlrath 2023 Report Card

Next up on our Washington Capitals 2023 Report Card series is defenseman Dylan McIlrath who filled in when needed back in mid February through early March.

McIlrath appeared in six games and had one assist in his final game which was a road win over the Anaheim Ducks on March 1. The assist came on a gal from Martin Fehervary to open the scoring.

McIlrath had good advanced stats. He led the Caps with a 54.90 percent Corsi For percentage. He also had a 49.82 percent Expected goals For percentage. He also had a 60 percent High Danger Chances For. Overall not too bad. Numbers via Natural Stat Trick.

McIlrath also appeared in 60 games with the Hershey Bears and is a team captain. He had 13 assists and the Bears are now in the Calder Cup Playoffs. The Caps made some transactions to bolster their roster for the Bears.

First the Caps loaned Henrik Borgstrom to the Bears after he made his Capitals debut on April 11 against the Boston Bruins. He has recorded 21 points in 54 games with the Bears this season with eight goals and 13 assists.

Then the Capitals loaned Aliaksei Protas, Joe Snively, and Beck Malenstyn to the Bears. Obviously we’ll have report cards for them soon. They also reassigned Alexander Suzdalev from the Regina Pats to the Bears.

It is doubtful the 30 year old will return to the Capitals next season as he enters the summer as an unrestricted free agent. In the meantime he will help the Bears try to win the Calder Cup and add to their storied history of success. He makes $750K.

Grade B+: A high Corsi For that leads the team even if it’s only for six games is still enough to get an above average grade. Maybe he gets an NHL opportunity elsewhere. If you’re unrestricted you can test the market.