Capitals Draft Grades: Brett Hyland

Brett Hyland was selected in the seventh round with the 200th overall pick by the Washington Capitals. He was their second to last pick of the draft and this will be our second to last draft grade. Of course we’ll have the last one tomorrow.

The 20 year old recorded a career high 47 points in 42 games with 26 goals and 21 assists with the Brandon Wheat Kings of the WHL last season. He served as an alternate captain for Brandon.

He also led the team in plus mins with a plus 11, ranked second in points per game at 1.12, tied for second in power play goals with 11, third in goals and fourth in points.

In 129 career WHL games with Brandon, the five foot 11, 188 pound forward has recorded 86 points with 43 goals and 43 assists.

Corey Pronman of The Athletic (subscription required) noted that “Hyland was a point per game player for Brandon this season as a third year eligible. Scouts like his feet and work ethic but question his pure skill/sense.”

Hyland was once teammates with Caps prospect Vincent Iorio on the Brandon Wheat Kings. He’s already 20 years old as he was passed on in the last two NHL Drafts.

Unlike the other picks, due to Hyland’s age he is eligible to immediately turn pro this upcoming season. Hyland and Iorio were teammates for three seasons while Hyland just completed his fourth season with Brandon.

He’s been out for a while having played his final game on Feb. 14 due to missing the rest of the season with a lower body injury.

In 2021, Hyland participated in the Los Angeles Kings development camp as a free agent invitee.

Grade B: This is a good move especially if the Caps need young blood in the lineup as quickly as possible. If he’s eligible does that mean he makes the lineup? It all depends on what the Caps do with the roster between now and training camp.