Successful First Round Drafts Have Kept Capitals Among League’s Elite

(Caps Outsider)Arguably the most exciting portion of the NHL calendar is quickly approaching. This year, Washington Capitals fans will have to treat at least a small part of that schedule a little bit differently.

For the first time since 2011, and for only the third time since the turn of the century, the Caps will not have a first round selection in the coming NHL Entry Draft. For those who love chaos, however, they have the 2017 NHL Expansion Draft to look forward to this week as the Vegas Golden Knights continue to assimilate themselves into the league.

While the Capitals are virtually guaranteed to lose an impact roster player this week, such as goaltender Philipp Grubauer or defenseman…