The Washington Capitals 2023 NHL Draft was a success by all means. They didn’t waste a trade up. They got an extra pick in the final round, that’s the only time a trade happened, and overall it looks like these kids will have success someday in the NHL.
Let’s take a look at the six selections of the latest Caps draft class:
Ryan Leonard: This was the right call. He was my third choice but once Matvei Michkov was off the board I knew it would be either him or Dalibor Dvorsky. Overall I’m excited to see the Caps select a young American stud and I can’t wait to watch him up here someday.
Andrew Cristall: This might as well be filed as a steal of the draft. Cristall was on many folks mock drafts as being selected in the first round. Instead he fell into the Caps laps at number 40.
Patrick Thomas: A natural center and an outstanding playmaker who’s a natural center but is versatile coming off a switch to the wing. He had 17 goals and 39 assists for 56 points with the OHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs.
Cameron Allen: After the Caps took three forwards, Allen was the first and only defenseman they added. He had five goals and 20 assists in 62 games this season with the Guelph Storm. He’s listed as five foot 11 and 190 pounds.
Brett Hyland: The Caps took Hyland with the final seventh round pick they were given before adding another draft pick in a trade. He is coming off a solid year with the Brandon Wheat Kings where he had 26 goals and 21 assists for 47 points in 72 games.
Antonie Keller: He was acquired from the San Jose Sharks when the Caps traded with them entering the final round. He was the lone goaltender the Caps took. He went 8-13-2 with Geneve Servette U20 last season.