With the 2018-19 NHL season now in the books, the focus shifts to the 2019-20 season.  The 2019 NHL Draft will kick off the festivities for the summer.  The 2019 NHL Draft will be held in Vancouver on June 21 and 22.  The Washington Capitals finished at the top of the Metropolitan Division once again, so they will be picking in the later stages of the first round. With the 25^th pick in the Draft, the Capitals will look to add to their organizational depth.

The Capitals are aiming to get back to the Stanley Cup Final in the Ovechkin era.  While the Capitals fell a bit short during the postseason, the club is still positioned to be in playoff contention next season.

With the 25^th pick, the Capitals should be able to find a player that will be able to contribute for them a few years down the road.

Which players could be available when the Capitals pick at #25?  Let’s dive in to a few of the prospects that could be there when the Capitals select late in the first round.

NILS HOGLANDER

Position: Forward
Team: Rogle BK/SHL

Scouting Report: The scouting report on Hoglander is that he is a bit undersized, but has plenty of upside.  He is quick and elusive and has soft hands.  His top-end projection is a top-six forward.

PAVEL DOROFEYEV

Position: Forward
Team: Stalnye Lisy Magnitogorsk/Metallurg Magnitogorsk/KHL

Scouting Report: The scouting report on Dorofeyev is that he is very creative with the puck.  He has top-six forward upside, but his skating will need some work and he needs to add some weight to his frame.  His style of game is similar to that of former Capitals forward Filip Forsberg.

EGOR AFANASYEV

Position: Forward
Team: Muskegon Lumberjacks/USHL; Windsor Spitfires/OHL

Scouting Report: The scouting report on Afanasyev is that he is big and plays a power game.  He has a quick release and likes to attack the net.  His defensive game needs improvement, but scouts love his tenacity and shot selection.  He is committed to playing junior hockey for next season.  His style of game is like Philadelphia Flyers forward James van Riemsdyk.

TOBIAS BJORNFOT

Position: Defenseman
Team: Djurgardens IF/SHL

Scouting Report: The scouting report on Bjornfot is that he is a strong two-way defender.  He is able to transition the puck very well and he has a good wrist shot.  He anticipates well and is good at creating turnovers.  His style of play is similar to Minnesota Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin.

By: George Foussekis