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Top 10 Prospects: Washington Capitals |
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1. Evgeny Kuznetsov, Right Wing
Chelyabinsk Traktor, KHL
26th Overall, 2010
6’2, 187 lbs
Kuznetsov does it all, and very well. He should be considered one of the better prospects in hockey, despite concerns over whether he'll ever come to North America. He's a high end skater who can flash real flashy dekes at top speeds. He's a very smart player with solid vision, and can give defenses fits as he has a multitude of tools to burn you.
Upside: First Line Goal Scoring Forward
NHL Comparable: Ilya Kovalchuk
2. Filip Forsberg, Left Wing
Leksands, Allsvenskan
11th Overall, 2012
6’2, 181 lbs
Forsdberg bursts out of the gate with an explosive stride. He's a big boy who can dance around objects with the puck, and shows a slight power game in taking the puck to the net with some real authority. He's on okay playmaker, but is more of a finisher when he's on his game. Using his size, he can really bring an edge to his game and lay out opponents. He'll need to produce going forward.
Upside: Top Line Two-Way Forward
NHL Comparable: Corey Perry, with less snarl
3. Stanislav Galiev, Left Wing
Saint John Sea Dogs, QMJHL
86th Overall, 2010
6’1, 188 lbs
Galiev is a top end skater who can absolutely fly with the puck on his stick and dance around a multitude of players. Born for a puck possession style of game like Detroit, he has a real flashiness to the way he plays. He's slowly showing more consistency to a team game, with a growing defensive game.
Upside: Middle Line Playmaker
NHL Comparable: Pavel Datsyuk, except less awesome
4. Braden Holtby, Goaltender,
Hershey Bears, AHL,
93rd overall, 2008
6’2, 203 lbs
Holtby is pushing for the starting gig in Washington, and could legitimately take it. He moves with such grace and quickness, and makes the second and third saves that the average goalie prospect doesn't. He just seems to find a way to get it done when he's not totally in perfect technique.
Upside: 50-60 Game 1A Starting Goalie
NHL Comparable: Cam Ward
5. Tom Wilson, Right Wing
Plymouth Whalers, OHL
16th Overall, 2012
6’4, 200 lbs
Wilson hits hard, and scores some goals while he's at it. An absolute menace on the forecheck, Wilson regularely kills people with bone-jarring hits, controlling the boards like no one else. He's really learned how to play a net game, using his stick well for tips. Wilson is an average skater, who will need to progress as he starts to progress his game. Sme question his ability to create offense, as he is more of complimentary forward who will likely need to play with skilled players.
Upside: Top Six Complimentary Power Forward
NHL Comparable: Milan Lucic
6. Caleb Herbert, Right Wing
Minnesota-Duluth, WCHA (NCAA)
142nd Overall, 2010
5’11, 193 lbs
Shifty and hard to check, Herbert is a very talented skater with a top end speed and explosiveness that is hard to contain. He has quick hands and can back up defenses with quick moves, but is neither a top end passer or high end shooter. He's got good hockey sense and just adds to the offense.
Upside: Middle Line Offensive Forward
NHL Comparable:
7. Riley Barber, Right Wing
Miami University, NCAA
167th Overall, 2012
5'11, 180 lbs
Barber can skate well and brings a growing offensive game to the table. One of the best forwards for the NTDP last year, he's a player who brings a steady physical game with his skill in the offensive zone, as a hard working player. He's the kind of player who just creates offense.
Upside: Top Nine Offensive Forward
NHL Comparable:
8. Patrick Wey, Defense
Boston College, NCAA,
115th overall, 2009
6’3, 210 lbs
Wey is an interesting player, having been drafted for more of an offensive role, but developing into something of a defensive defenseman. His physical game has grown and he closes gaps with big checks real well, and has the wing span to be a hard player to move around. He effectively checks sticks, but will need to get stronger in the corners. He's got a big shot, he can skate well, and pass well, but has yet to see that translate into much offense.
Upside: 4-6 Defender
NHL Comparable: Jason Garrison
9. Connor Carrick, Defense
Plymouth Whalers, OHL
137th overall, 2012
5'11, 185 lbs
A hard working defender, Carrick is showing more offensive abilities in the OHL this year, utilizing his skating gifts. Showing good puck skills, Carrick is the type to join a rush but has the skating to got back. He's a risk taker, but he has the instincts to be one.
Upside: 4-5 Defender
NHL Comparable:
10. Travis Boyd, All Forward Positions,
University of Minnesota, NCAA
177th overall, 2011
5’10, 185
Boyd is shifty on the ice, without the speed of a smaller player. However he's very versatile lining up at any forward position and filling any role you ask -- PK, PP, checking, whatever. He'll do it. He's got good playmaking abilities and can score from in tight, with an accurate, albeit weak shot.
Upside: Middle Line Two-Way Forward
NHL Comparable: Claude Giroux uber-lite
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