The Capitals will be picking at no. 16 and again at 18 in the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft on June 26th. The Capitals have the chance to add two very highly rated players to their prospect pool, with center an area of particular need. The franchise is stocked with wingers and needs to address the center position. The big club looks good in that regard, but there aren’t many options in the minors. Looking at the players most likely to be available when the Capitals pick, Tynan Lawrence could be a player that fits what the Capitals need.
Tynan Lawrence was unstoppable in the USHL Clark Cup playoffs in the spring of 2025 when he led the Muskegon Lumberjacks the Clark Cup last year. Everyone thought he would build on that in 2025-26. That didn’t happen. Lawrence missed time after an injury in the first half of the USHL season. He only appeared in 13 games for the Lumberjacks (scoring 17 points) before he made the decision to play for Boston University in the winter of 2026. He never seemed to find his stride with all of the changes. There are a few questions about how much offensive skill Lawrence has, here’s what scouts and executives do know.
Tynan Lawrence is relentless. He digs out pucks from the corners, gets to loose pucks faster than everyone else and finds the open teammate. He is a very good skater with a “high motor and projects to be a very good bottom six forward and good penalty killer. One NHL scout said he thinks Lawrence is “the most complete center” in the draft. Every team needs a solid third line center, especially one who can out hustle opposing centers, kill penalties, beat everyone to loose pucks and never let up. A player that nullifies the other team’s top players and tilts the ice in his team’s favor. Playing on a line with skilled players like Ryan Leonard and Connor McMichael, could unlock more skill and elevate Lawrence’s game. There is definitely first round value in a player like that.
With those two first rounders burning a hole in general manager Chris Patrick’s pocket, there’s no better time to draft a center. Even if the Caps add another on via trade, they can’t overlook the position any longer. Why not draft the young center from BU who prides himself on his defensive responsibilities and tenacity makes him tough to play against? He would fill a number of needs for the Capitals.
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