For teams like the Washington Capitals, chances to draft at the top of the NHL Draft are rare. It’s a blessing and a curse. The truly great teams find ways to have success in the draft even when the odds are against them. In the NFL, the New England Patriots are a terrific example. The NHL has the Detroit Red Wings, though they’ve been worse as of late.
While the Capitals are far from flawless in the draft, they’ve made some very good decisions in the late rounds. Washington has gotten some franchise cornerstones in the late rounds by exploiting inefficiencies and taking risks on high upside prospects.