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With the NHL draft just 10 days away, the internet is alive with analysts predicting the picks of each team in their annual mock drafts. Here at DC Pro Sports Report, we decided to give you a preview of who the Washington Capitals may look to on the day. The Caps pick at 26th overall this year, the same pick they had last year when they picked super-prospect Evgeny Kuznetsov from Russia. General Manager George McPhee is known for his prowess when picking late in the first round, having picked up Mike Green, Semyon Varlamov, Marcus Johansson, and John Carlson there, among others. This year is a deeper draft, and there seems to more NHL ready talent to choose from around the time when the Capitals are picking.
The 2011 draft is incredibly deep at the center position. With Kuznetsov, Cody Eakin, and Mathieu Perreault in the pipeline as well as still young Swedes Johansson, Nicklas Bäckström, and Mattias Sjögren in the team, the Caps have no need at that position. What they really need is to replenish their prospect pool at the wing positions, and to draft some good defensemen with size. Here is a list we have compiled of players to watch for when the Capitals make their choice in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft:
1. Scott Mayfield
6-4, 200, D, Youngstown (USHL)
An unusually skilled skater for such a big kid, Mayfield combines offensive play with the defensive aspect of the game flawlessly. He has a great transition game and has that good outlet pass that all NHL defensemen need. He has a good shot from the blueline, but doesn’t possess the confidence to take it often enough. His strongest aspect is his skating, where he is already developped far beyond the level of most 6-4 NHL blueliners. There are very few red flags in Mayfield’s game, and he is a safe pick. Don’t be surprised to hear McPhee call Mayfield’s name on draft day.
2. Jamie Oleksiak
6-7, 240, D, Northeastern (NCAA)
This colossal monster will unfortunately probably not drop to the Caps at 26 on draft day, but if he does, the Caps will pick up the new Zdeno Chara. Wide wingspan, long, powerful stride, and probably not done growing. He is predictably physical, but not overly so and will not give up bad penalties. Has a great shot from the blueline and is not afraid to unleash it. Projects as a stay-at-home defenseman at the NHL level but will be able to chip in regularly offensively, as he has a great first pass and the aforementioned deadly shot. A man of that size is a no-bust pick.
3. Jonas Brodin
6-1, 168, D, Färjestad (SEL)
Solid defensive defenseman that won’t provide anything flashy offensively but that you can always count on in the back end. Comes from a great program in Sweden, the same as Johansson and Sjögren, and knows what it takes to win games at the highest level. An outstanding skater that has great movement east-to-west, Brodin has all the defensiv instincts you could want in a player. Can move the puck, but needs to work on the offensive aspect of his game. If he does, he has the potential to be a powerplay quaterback in the future. Also needs to add muscle.
4. Oscar Klefbom:
6-3, 201, D, F, Färjestad (SEL)
Another big defenseman that will most likely be available when the Caps select at number 26, Klefbom would be a terrific addition to the team. He brings all the intangibles that you look for in a leader. He’s a late bloomer and will be a steal for whoever picks him up. He’s big, he’s raw, he’s strong, and he can hit. He’s a good two-way defenseman who can move the puck well. He’s got experience winning a title with Färjestad of the Swedish Elite League. He projects to be that big defenseman the Caps need in their lineup. If he’s available at 26, he’s the man McPhee must pick.
5. Alexander Khokhlachev
5-10, 172, C, Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
Alexander Khokhlachev brings a high-skill, high-energy game to the American rinks. He brings a lot of skill, just like Evgeny Kuznetsov, but he has a more complete game. He is a strong skater, has a good shot, a solid pass, and despite his lack of size he loves to mix it up and uses that size to his advantage by being pesky in front of the net and in the face of opponents. The difference is that ‘Koko’ really brings it every night, game in, game out. While not needing another center, the Caps have quite a few Moscow natives in their system, so don’t be surprised to see them pick another.
6. Rikard Rakell:
6-0, 191, RW, Plymouth (OHL)
Another Swede with great energy and peskiness. Came to the OHL last year because he knew his hard working game would be better suited for the smaller ice rinks. Was one of the top players for Sweden at the world juniors, and that really improved his draft stock. He’s a versatile forward that can be a first-line scoring winger or a third-line defensive center. Has a good all round game with no glaring weaknesses. With Detroit picking at 24, he’s unlikely to slide through. If he does, the Capitals get a long-term project player with great leadership and a relentless will to work.
7. Tomas Jurco
6-2, 193, RW, Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL)
A Slovak from the same program as prospect Stan Galiev, Tomas Jurco is a youtube sensation that has seen his stock grow significantly over the past year. The important thing that people don’t often realize about him is that his game stretches far beyond the stickhandling wizardry, as he is an all-round prospect. He is a dynamic sniper that has in the past shown glimpses of a potential to be a power forward at the NHL level. Could learn to use his size more to his advantage, as he has a good frame but often doesn’t seem to know it. Will be welcomed on a team that loves its high-skill players.
8. Phillip Danault
6-0, 170, LW, Victoriaville Tigers (QMJHL)
This Quebec native plays more than a two-way game. He will do everything for your team. Has the potential to be a player who scores a lot of goals shorthanded, as he is a really solid penalty killer with the skill to go the other way with the puck. His relentless work-ethic makes him a great leader, evidenced by the fact that he was named team captain at the age of 17. It also pretty much guarantees a spot in the NHL for him, whether as a fourth liner grinder or a first line scorer. If he makes it past Montreal at 17, he could well drop to the Capitals.
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