With the 40th pick in the second round of the 2023 NHL Draft, the Washington Capitals selected Andrew Cristall. He’s an 18 year old left wing that’s listed as five foot 10 and 174 pounds.
He’s from Canada and played for the Kelowna Rockets of the WHL for the last three seasons. 2021 22 was his first full season which was a nice one where he recorded 69 points with 28 goals and 41 assists as well as four assists in five playoff games.
Last season he had 95 points in 54 games with 39 goals and 56 assists and an assist in the playoffs. He was an alternate captain for the Rockets. For the WJC 18 he played for Canada U18 as an alternate captain and had six points in seven games with two goals and four assists.
Here’s what Elite Prospects said about Andrew Cristall in their 2023 NHL Draft Guide:
"A dynamic player through and through, Cristall adds the extra flash to every play. He beats defenders with head fakes, handling skills, and slick edges before cutting inside or finding a teammate burst into the slot. He starts the plays, builds them, and then puts the finishing touches on them. He’s an inventive playmaker, capable of turning the mundane into the brilliant, breaking down opponents with feints and deception before sending perfectly weighted passes to his teammates to do the rest."
Offense. Offense. Offense.#CapsDraft | @MedStarHealth pic.twitter.com/C9lUo1KhZ5
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) June 29, 2023
Cristall ranked 15th among North American skaters and is known for his creativity, quick hands, and high hockey IQ as well as an unparalleled playmaking skill.
His stick handling, passing, and goal scoring is highlight reel worthy. He’s got high ceiling and tremendous upside and can someday be a top six on the Caps.
The Caps will be off the clock for a while as they won’t have a third round pick unless a trade happens. They are slated to pick in the fourth round at 104th overall next.