Photo: The Hockey Writers
According to The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta, the Washington Capitals are exploring ways to move up from the eighth overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, which will take place at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on Wednesday.
The three picks made before them are owned by the Montreal Canadiens (No. 5), Arizona Coyotes (No. 6), and Philadelphia Flyers (No. 7).
Washington could be looking to draft highly-touted right-wing Matvei Michkov, who tallied 10 goals and 14 points in 12 VHL games and nine goals and 20 points in 27 KHL games during the 2022-23 season.
Scouts have had Michkov, who has three years left on his KHL contract, going as high as second overall but he declined to speak to team in hopes of controlling where he goes. Though, he reportedly spoke with Philadelphia recently.
Other mock drafts have had Washington taking center Dalibor Dvorsky, right-wing Ryan Leonard, center Oliver Moore, defenseman David Reinbacher, and left-wing Zach Benson.
You can review the rankings made by NHL Central Scouting for the 2023 draft here:
With the NHL Draft five days away, the Capitals are exploring ways to move up from 8th overall, the Flyers are hoping to add another first-round pick, the Blues continue to dangle No25 & No29, and the Leafs are shopping the 28th pick for immediate help.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) June 23, 2023
Washington traded the pick that the Toronto Maple Leafs are currently shopping in the deal that lured defenseman Rasmus Sandin to the nation’s capital on February 28.
By Harrison Brown