Capitals 2018 Draft Review

The Washington Capitals went into the draft with 4 picks, 47th, 78th, 140th & 148th. The team traded their first & 4th round selections prior to the trade deadline to the Vancouver Canucks for veteran forward Rick Nash. Nash did help the team reach the playoffs for the 4th year in a row before being ousted by the Carolina Hurricanes in round 1. We are also hearing news from Rick Nash's agent that he's committed to play another season in the EHE before he contemplates his future. The 148th pick was part of the Faulk/Ristolainen swap with the Chicago Blackhawks.

47th Overall: Jack McBain C/LW 6'3" 201 lbs - Toronto Jr. Canadiens (OJHL)

With their first pick in second round of the draft, the Capitals GM selected center Jack McBain out of the OJHL. He was projected as a late 2nd/early 3rd so this was a reach here in this position. Jack will attend what's looking like a skilled Boston College line-up next season where he may end up playing LW due to the center depth on the roster. Projecting players out of junior A leagues is always tough, but he's played well internationally playing above his age group in the past. His skating is good but could use some work still, he's got great size and uses it to his advantage, he has good hands and has shown a commitment to defence. Jack also crushed the draft combine, finishing in the top 10 in many categories.

GM Notes: "We had him at the top of our board in this draft position. He's viewed as a longer term prospect which works well with his choice to play in the NCAA. He was highly touted in the years leading up to the draft and it's thought that his choice to stay in the OJHL hurt his draft ranking."

78th Overall: Alexander Khovanov C 5'11" 198 lbs - Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)

With the second pick the team drafted another forward, the skilled Alexander Khovanov. He fell in the draft for a few reasons, first was his injury which limited him to 29 games, and secondly due to the russian factor. The Capitals management wasn't worried about the flight risk, he's here in north america and seems committed to stay and make the NHL. He's not a small guy as he's playing at nearly 200 pounds, but he is sub 6 foot. He has great mitts, his shot is accurate, and he plays well with the puck on his stick. Skating will need work and his shot could stand to be a bit harder, but that is easily taught.

GM Notes: "There were a few falling players that were close to knocking us off our gameplan but we stuck to our draft board and drafted who we wanted in this position. We're happy to have what we project as two future top 6 players. Next year people will be asking themselves how he didn't go higher."

140th Overall: Dominik Kahun C/LW 5'11" 174lbs - EHC Munchen (DEL)

Another forward? Yup, it should be obvious by now the team is filling up it's cupboards at the forward position. Kahun went undrafted in the NHL after playing junior hockey in the OHL with the Sudbury Wolves. I thought he showed he was worthy of a draft selection based on his play but he was hard to judge on a terrible Wolves team. His play against men last year going nearly at a PPG pace made him too hard to ignore this year. He's a very smart player who sees the ice well and usually drives his lines offense. He's good defensively despite a poor physical presence, he'll win board battles based on his stick work rather than by brute force.

GM Notes: "I am very high on this player, I was close to taking him in the 3rd round just to guarantee we get him but decided to roll the dice on him still being on the board in the mid 5th round. We were lucky to select him where we did."

148th Overall: Otto Somppi C/W 6'0" 181 lbs - Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)

This was Somppi's third year eligible for the EHE entry draft and he wasn't passed over again. He had a big breakout year last season getting time on the Mooseheads top line and showing good chemistry with 3rd overall selection Zadina. He had been bouncing around the middle 6 the previous years there and put up solid numbers despite the lack of ice-time. He's a great skater and a tenacious worker along the boards, he's not afraid to go into the dangerous areas to make a play or get his stick on pucks out front.

GM Notes: "I couldn't believe he was still there when we picked, I think he slipped though a few cracks here in order to fall to us."

Finally, we asked the GM how he felt overall about his draft. "We hit on every top target at each draft position, this is the first time that's happened for us. So we couldn't be happier with the future outlook of the team."

Stay tuned as the off-season will continue with the FA period and coach signings.