The Washington Capitals are heading into the 2025 NHL Draft with a significant opportunity to reshape their prospect pool, possessing a trio of picks within the top 100. General Manager Chris Patrick has stated the team is "open to all options" regarding their first-round pick, hinting at a flexible approach that could involve drafting for need, selecting the best player available, or even exploring a trade. The Capitals' recent draft history reveals a trend of prioritizing forwards in the first round, with selections like Terik Parascak (2024), Ryan Leonard (2023), and Ivan Miroshnichenko (2022) bolstering their offensive depth. However, with a strong forward prospect pool already in place, this year's draft might see a shift towards addressing needs on defense and in goal.
With the 27th overall pick, mock drafts suggest the Capitals might target a defenseman. One potential candidate is Henry Brzustewicz, a right-handed defenseman from the London Knights of the OHL. Brzustewicz's size (6-foot-2) and well-rounded game could fill a need in Washington's prospect pool. He contributed 42 points in the regular season and added five more in the playoffs, showcasing his offensive capabilities to go along with his defensive acumen.
The Capitals also hold the 37th overall pick, acquired from the Boston Bruins. This pick presents an opportunity to address the team's goaltending depth. Alexei Medvedev, also from the London Knights, could be a target. Medvedev posted a 22-8-2 record with a 2.79 GAA and a .912 save percentage in the OHL, marking him as a promising goaltending prospect. Given that the team's highest-rated goalie prospect is currently Nicholas Kempf, drafted in the fourth round in 2024, adding a talent like Medvedev would significantly improve the team's future options in net.
Later in the third round, at pick number 97 (via Carolina), the Capitals could take a swing on a high-upside player. Ivan Ryabkin, a center playing for the Muskegon Lumberjacks in the USHL, fits this description. Despite a somewhat inconsistent season split between Russia and North America, Ryabkin's skill level is reportedly very high, making him an intriguing option if he's still available in the third round.
Alternatively, the Capitals could look to add size to their defensive prospects by selecting Haoxi "Simon" Wang. At 6-foot-6, Wang would immediately become one of the tallest defensive prospects in the system. He is expected to play for Boston University in the upcoming season, offering further development under coach Jay Pandolfo.
The 2025 NHL Draft is also notable for being the first decentralized draft in some time, although that decision may change as soon as next year. This adds an element of unpredictability, as teams may be more inclined to make unexpected picks without the pressure of a centralized draft floor. The Capitals, with their three picks in the top 100, are well-positioned to take advantage of any surprises and add significant talent to their prospect pool.
