Capitals Draft Grades: Patrick Thomas
With the 104th pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, the Washington Capitals selected center Patrick Thomas. He is the Caps fourth round choice.
The 18 year old recorded 56 points in 66 games with 17 goals and 39 assists with the Hamilton/Brantford Bulldogs of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) last season. The Oakville, Ontario native led the Bulldogs in assists and points and tied for third in plus minus with a plus 10.
The six foot, 172 pound forward added six assists in six playoff games which ranked first on the team. Thomas led Hamilton rookies with 27 points with six goals and 21 assists in 64 games during the 2021 22 season and appeared in all 19 of the Bulldogs’ playoff games, recording eight assists en route to winning the OHL championship.
After Thomas was passed up in the 2022 Draft, he saw increased ice time last season which helped him get drafted this time around. He has a two way game as he’s also a defense reliable center.
He not only led the Bulldogs in scoring but can also be reliable on the penalty kill. He turns 19 this summer. Because he’s sort of a year older than a lot of the draft class due to being passed up last year, he is eligible to go pro sooner. A year earlier to be exact.
Thomas’ rookie season with Hamilton was filled with a loaded team with NHL ready names like Mason McTavish, Jan Mysak, Ryan Winterton, and Arber Xhekaj. His linemate Nick Lardis was drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in the third round at 67th overall.
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Grade B+: Patrick Thomas is a welcome addition to the center prospect pool that’s already getting deeper. Being a key contributor on one of the OHL’s hottest lines certainly helps his cause as he hopes to someday play on the NHL ice. Overall this was a good choice at fourth round.