Breaking down why the Capitals must draft Matvei Michkov

The Washington Capitals enter the 2023 NHL Draft tonight with the eighth pick in the first round and a chance to jump start the present and the future if they get this pick right. One of their best options, if not the best one, is Matvei Michkov.

But could he come at a price?

Michkov has spoken with few teams and the scouts that have interacted with him did not like his attitude. At the same time there was a picture that surfaced with him and Alex Ovechkin.

So I’m like 50/50 on him but I’m sticking with him because Michkov was the guy I had in my mock draft.

Caps Assistant General Manager Ross Mahoney spoke to Tarik El Bashir of The Athletic (subscription required) about Michkov:

"Interesting player. When he was 15 at the under-18 tournament in Dallas, he and Bedard were both really exciting to watch. In the Hlinka (Gretzky Cup), I think he had eight goals and five assists in five games. That Hlinka tournament, if you get three goals or four goals, you’re doing really well. So when you have 13 points in five games, that’s over two points per game.There are a lot of similarities between Michkov and Bedard. They’re both about 5-9 1/2 and about 180 pounds. They’re both dynamic goal scorers. It’s unfortunate that Michkov wasn’t able to be at the world junior tournament and put himself on display the way Bedard did but that’s just the situation. But I see a lot of similarities."

It’ll be tricky selecting Michkov as the Philadelphia Flyers appear to be in on him too.

El Bashir notes in The Athletic in an NHL teams likely to trade up article that the Caps are likely to say they’re listening but they won’t (trade):

"The Caps haven’t drafted in the top 10 in 16 years, and their prospect pipeline is desperate for top-of-the-lineup talent. At long last, they have a chance to add some. They may say they’re open to offers, but they’re staying put."

Tune in tonight at 7 p.m. on ESPN to find out who the newest member of the Washington Capitals organization will be.