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The Capitals must address these 3 things in the 2026 NHL Draft

The Washington Capitals are armed with two first round picks in the middle of the first round in this years 2026 NHL draft. While sporting a number of promising wingers, the Capitals must address these other areas to fill out there prospect pool
ByJohn Murray|
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Jun 27, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Lynden Lakovic is selected as the 27th overall pick to the Washington Capitals in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft at Peacock Theater. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Jun 27, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Lynden Lakovic is selected as the 27th overall pick to the Washington Capitals in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft at Peacock Theater. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Defenseman

Cole Hutson
Apr 2, 2026; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Washington Capitals defenseman Cole Hutson (44) celebrates his goal against the New Jersey Devils during the first period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images | Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images

With Rasmus Sandin’s knee injury, the Capitals need defensemen, and not just in Washington. If Cole Hutson is indeed NHL ready and figures into the blueline mix this fall, the defensive side of the Caps prospect pool will be pretty bare. Ryan Chesley played well in Hershey last season and could turn into a sixth or seventh defenseman. Leon Miggli and Cam Allen have shown promise, but also shortcomings, and a long way to go to even be in the conversation. The Capitals need a major infusion of youth and skill on the blueline. Like most teams, they lack that big no. 1 stud defensive prospect. If a player like Keaton Verhoeff, Maksim Sokolovski, or Ryan Lin fell to them, I’m sure the Caps would be pretty happy.

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