Washington Capitals Draft Preview

First Round Position: 24th

Best Picks in last 3 Years:

Niklas Backstrom (C) – 1st Round 2006
Karl Alzner (D) – 1st Round 2007
Simeon Varlamov (G) – 1st Round 2006
Anton Gustafsson (C) – 1st Round 2008
John Carlson (D) – 1st Round 2008

Coming Down the Pipe- The Capitals have made the most from a few losing seasons. Backstrom 4th overall, Alzner 5th overall and 5 first round picks in the last 3 years have netted them Simeon Varlomov who took the playoffs by storm in goal and London blueliner John Carlson who could be a steal at 27 last year. Throw in Saskatoon goaltender Braden Holtby, 50 plus goal man Joel Broda from Calgary and former Canadian WJC rearguard with a rocket for a shot Josh Godfrey and the Caps have some intruiging potential to be a powerhouse down the road.

Draft Trends – Washington doesn’t discriminate against any league, taking a little bit from everywhere to stockpile their prospect pool.

Millard: Chris Kreider-The high school kid has committed to Boston College and patterns his game after Alex Ovechkin. He’s 6.02 and had a wack of points playing High School hockey.

Flaming: – Kyle Palmieri – It would be hard to say that the Caps are lacking in much when it comes to prospects but their top-end forwards have mostly graduated to the NHL now so forward depth may need replenishing.