Post by ALL CAPS on Mar 17, 2024 19:21:39 GMT -5
Washington, DC -- With the trade deadline looming on what has been a brilliant season for the Washington Capitals, it is conceivable that the team will sell off some of their future assets on deadline day for immediate help in anticipation of what the Caps hope will be an extended playoff run. There have been rumors circulating that Caps GM Willis would consider making one of their coveted young defenseman Alex Romanov or Jordan Spence available in a deal for an established defenseman. On the other hand, the Caps would also be justified in heading into the playoffs with their team as assembled - after all, why change a good thing?
At any rate, we take a look at some of the hottest performing prospects in Washington's system as of March 2024 in this edition of Washington’s Hot Performers. These are the prospects within Washington's system who have impressed the most.
As this is a list reserved for Capitals prospects that scouts consider to have performed exceptionally well this season, there remain some quality prospects within the Caps system that did not make the list, such as: David Reinbacher, Calle Odelius, Antonio Stranges, Jan Jenik, Artem Duda, and others.
Will any of these prospects be traded before deadline day? We will soon find out!
(OOC Notes: Important to point out that established Young Guns such as Connor McMichael and Jordan Spence, who are both currently enjoying good years in the NHL respectively, did not qualify for this list. Also, players who are playing in the AHL may have some references to AHL instances that are not consistent with the AsHL in their write-up).
🔥 Washington's Hot Performers: Prospects Edition March 2024 🔥
- (C) DALIBOR DVORSKY (Sudbury, OHL/CHL): The 11th overall pick of the 2023 NsHL draft, Dvorsky seemingly has all the tools that will be required for him to prosper in the NsHL in a scoring role. Since being acquired by the Capitals, Dvorsky has been on an absolute tear with Sudbury (OHL/CHL). He currently sits among the top scorers in his league despite having missed more than 20 games playing in SHL (Europe) and with his national team at the World Juniors. With 81 points (40 goals) in 48 games played, its clear that Dvorsky is a threat to score every time that he touches the ice. His 41 assists also reflect a strong playmaking ability, and impressive overall offensive package. The Capitals traded their 2023 draft pick Tom Willander (18th overall) to acquire Dvorsky a few weeks back. Caps GM Rob Willis later revealed that the Caps would have drafted Dvorsky if he had been available for them on draft day. "The 2023 draft was developing very interesting - with Barlow at #7 and Pelikka at #10, I knew that we would selecting a prospect high on our list in the #12 position," Willis recalled of draft day. "We were quite excited at the opportunity to draft Dvorsky with our first pick, but the Penguins selected him just before us and we had to pivot to another player that we also liked."
- (F) JAGGER FIRKUS (Moose Jaw, WHL/CHL): Caps fans were left scrambling for silver linings after their team missed the playoffs in Season 20. They need not look any further than Jagger Firkus, who was acquired by the Caps at last year's trade deadline. Originally drafted 30th overall by the Rangers in the 2022 NsHL entry draft, Firkus has been lighting up the scoreboard in the WHL this season for Moose Jaw with a league leading 116 points (54 goals) in 60 games played. Like many diminutive players before him, Firkus has those who doubt his ability to ascend to higher levels in professional hockey due to his small stature (5’10”). However, for whatever Firkus seemingly lacks in size, he more than makes up for with good character both on and off the ice. He strikes many scouts as the type of player that lives and breathes hockey, and one has to like his chances of over-coming any perceived size concerns. When all is said and done, Firkus will go down as one of the great offensive players in franchise history for Moose Jaw, ending his WHL career 4th all-time in franchise scoring behind only: Theoren Fleury (1984-88), Chad Hinz (1995-99) and Brayden Point (2011-15). Are you ready for the Firkus-circus?
- (F) OWEN McLAUGHLIN (U. of North Dakota, NCAA/NCHC): Some may shrug off McLaughlin’s strong offensive performance in 2023-24 as him being the beneficiary playing with Jackson Blake, but at this stage in the season Mclaughlin has to be considered among the most improved prospects in the Washington system year-over-year. As the 216th pick of the 2021 NsHL draft, McLaughlin should generally be considered a long shot to sign a professional contract – but don’t tell him that! Now in his second year of NCAA hockey, McLaughlin has 37 points (13 goals) in 37 games played, which is more than double his offensive production from last season. It’s no longer a question of if McLaughlin will play professional hockey, but when.
- (D) ADAM ENGSTROM (Rogle, SHL): After more than a full season playing on the top defensive pair for his SHL team, Engstrom will look to make the transition to North America for the 2024-25 hockey season. Selected by the Capitals 139th overall in the 2022 NsHL entry draft, Engstrom has a high hockey IQ and plays a responsible game with & without the puck. His crisp passing skills, strong reads, and above average skating abilities will serve him well at the next level. His 22 points (4 goals) in 51 games played this season with Rogle aren’t exactly Earth-shattering, but Engstrom is viable defensive prospect with a bright future in the NsHL.
- (C) RYAN WINTERTON (Coachella Valley, AHL): Selected by the Capitals 76th overall in the 2021 NsHL entry draft, Winterton plays an intelligent 200-foot game and also possesses strong offensive abilities. He has consistently demonstrated a tendency to play his best hockey on the biggest stages, such as during the OHL playoffs where he put up 29 points (13 goals) in 21 games played during London's extended run of 2022-23. Despite the multiple injuries and surgery that he has endured since being drafted, Winterton appears to be on the verge of a career in the NsHL. Currently with 31 points (19 goals) in 52 games played during his rookie AHL campaign, Winterton has demonstrated that he has the talent to compete on a top line, and also that his defensive game is developed enough to provide value in a checking role, if need be. Long-term, Winterton can become a quality middle-six forward with the Caps if he can realize his potential.
- (D) BOGDAN KONYUSHKOV (Novgorod, KHL): The definition of a wild-card prospect, Konyushkov was selected 154th overall in the 2023 NsHL entry draft as an overage prospect by the New York Rangers, and later traded to the Capitals. The Russian-born defenseman is under-sized (5’11”) but plays a big game and provides value to his team in all three zones. Perhaps more impressive is the big role he plays on the top defensive pairing with his KHL team while also serving as the captain at just 20 years old. Shortly after he was drafted it was announced that Konyushkov signed a 3-year contract extension to stay in the KHL, locking him up until the end of 2025-26 and adding a wrinkle to his ideal path to the NsHL. On the ice, his offensive stats did not take a dramatic jump this year, although some scouts feel that the level that Konyushkov is currently playing at is already special, and that he has top-four potential if/when he arrives in North America. Perhaps if he can improve his game to a high enough level, his departure from Russia could be expedited. In the meantime, Konyushkov will continue to be guided by his current head coach (and hockey legend) Igor Larionov in his native land.
- (F) JOSH DAVIES (Portland, WHL/CHL): Drafted 182nd overall in the 2022 NsHL entry draft, Davies was billed as a player that reminded scouts of Cal Clutterbuck only less disciplined and more talented. Right on cue, Davies is enjoying a break-out offensive year with the WHL’s Portland Winterhawks posting 60 points (35 goals) in 51 games played. While it remains to be seen if his offensive abilities will translate to the next level, Davies is already a proficient pest who will hit anything that moves.
- (D) THEO WALLBERG (Ohio State, NCAA): At 6’5” and over 200 lbs, Wallberg has natural size and strength that you simply can’t teach. However, scouts also recognize him for his above average skating and passing abilities, which makes Wallberg a prospect of intrigue within the Capitals system. With 21 points (2 goals) in 38 games played, Wallberg is enjoying a successful transition to the NCAA with Ohio State. His professional arrival is still a few years away, but if Wallberg can build on his current play in the years ahead, he will climb quickly through the ranks in Washington (or elsewhere).
- (D) AARON PIONK (U. of Minnesota-Duluth, NCAA): Aaron was selected by the Capitals with the 124th pick of the 2023 NsHL entry draft and is the brother of current NsHL defenseman Neal Pionk (who notably went undrafted during his years of eligibility). Some argue that Aaron can thank a position change from forward to defence as the reason that he ultimately heard his named called to the podium as an overaged prospect in 2023. Aaron currently has 20 points (3 goals) in 37 games played in his first year with Minnesota-Duluth. From a seemingly forgotten player, Aaron has leveraged his combination of intelligent game play and professional pedigree into establishing himself as a viable prospect in short order.
- (G) HUGO ALNEFELT (Syracuse, AHL): Selected by the Capitals 65th overall in the 2019 NsHL entry draft, Hugo has progressed steadily in his development. The Swedish-born goaltender has good size for the net (6’3” / 200+ lbs) and he demonstrates above-average athleticism. Hugo will turn 23 in June and, like most young goaltenders, he will need to develop more consistency in his game in order to take the next step. To that end, Hugo has shown strong promise this season by improving his GAA from 2.77 to 2.28 and SV% from .904 to .910 in 25 games played. All indications are that Hugo is on trajectory to develop into an NsHL goaltender with upside as a starter. Expect him to make his AsHL debut with Baltimore next season, where he will have to work through a busy depth chart before earning his call with the Caps.
Honorable mentions: Carson Bjarnason (G), Ruslan Iskhakov (F), Martin Misiak (F), Maksymilan Szuber (D), Arno Tiefensee (G), Brad Gardiner (F), and Landon Sim (F)
At any rate, we take a look at some of the hottest performing prospects in Washington's system as of March 2024 in this edition of Washington’s Hot Performers. These are the prospects within Washington's system who have impressed the most.
As this is a list reserved for Capitals prospects that scouts consider to have performed exceptionally well this season, there remain some quality prospects within the Caps system that did not make the list, such as: David Reinbacher, Calle Odelius, Antonio Stranges, Jan Jenik, Artem Duda, and others.
Will any of these prospects be traded before deadline day? We will soon find out!
(OOC Notes: Important to point out that established Young Guns such as Connor McMichael and Jordan Spence, who are both currently enjoying good years in the NHL respectively, did not qualify for this list. Also, players who are playing in the AHL may have some references to AHL instances that are not consistent with the AsHL in their write-up).
🔥 Washington's Hot Performers: Prospects Edition March 2024 🔥
- (C) DALIBOR DVORSKY (Sudbury, OHL/CHL): The 11th overall pick of the 2023 NsHL draft, Dvorsky seemingly has all the tools that will be required for him to prosper in the NsHL in a scoring role. Since being acquired by the Capitals, Dvorsky has been on an absolute tear with Sudbury (OHL/CHL). He currently sits among the top scorers in his league despite having missed more than 20 games playing in SHL (Europe) and with his national team at the World Juniors. With 81 points (40 goals) in 48 games played, its clear that Dvorsky is a threat to score every time that he touches the ice. His 41 assists also reflect a strong playmaking ability, and impressive overall offensive package. The Capitals traded their 2023 draft pick Tom Willander (18th overall) to acquire Dvorsky a few weeks back. Caps GM Rob Willis later revealed that the Caps would have drafted Dvorsky if he had been available for them on draft day. "The 2023 draft was developing very interesting - with Barlow at #7 and Pelikka at #10, I knew that we would selecting a prospect high on our list in the #12 position," Willis recalled of draft day. "We were quite excited at the opportunity to draft Dvorsky with our first pick, but the Penguins selected him just before us and we had to pivot to another player that we also liked."
- (F) JAGGER FIRKUS (Moose Jaw, WHL/CHL): Caps fans were left scrambling for silver linings after their team missed the playoffs in Season 20. They need not look any further than Jagger Firkus, who was acquired by the Caps at last year's trade deadline. Originally drafted 30th overall by the Rangers in the 2022 NsHL entry draft, Firkus has been lighting up the scoreboard in the WHL this season for Moose Jaw with a league leading 116 points (54 goals) in 60 games played. Like many diminutive players before him, Firkus has those who doubt his ability to ascend to higher levels in professional hockey due to his small stature (5’10”). However, for whatever Firkus seemingly lacks in size, he more than makes up for with good character both on and off the ice. He strikes many scouts as the type of player that lives and breathes hockey, and one has to like his chances of over-coming any perceived size concerns. When all is said and done, Firkus will go down as one of the great offensive players in franchise history for Moose Jaw, ending his WHL career 4th all-time in franchise scoring behind only: Theoren Fleury (1984-88), Chad Hinz (1995-99) and Brayden Point (2011-15). Are you ready for the Firkus-circus?
- (F) OWEN McLAUGHLIN (U. of North Dakota, NCAA/NCHC): Some may shrug off McLaughlin’s strong offensive performance in 2023-24 as him being the beneficiary playing with Jackson Blake, but at this stage in the season Mclaughlin has to be considered among the most improved prospects in the Washington system year-over-year. As the 216th pick of the 2021 NsHL draft, McLaughlin should generally be considered a long shot to sign a professional contract – but don’t tell him that! Now in his second year of NCAA hockey, McLaughlin has 37 points (13 goals) in 37 games played, which is more than double his offensive production from last season. It’s no longer a question of if McLaughlin will play professional hockey, but when.
- (D) ADAM ENGSTROM (Rogle, SHL): After more than a full season playing on the top defensive pair for his SHL team, Engstrom will look to make the transition to North America for the 2024-25 hockey season. Selected by the Capitals 139th overall in the 2022 NsHL entry draft, Engstrom has a high hockey IQ and plays a responsible game with & without the puck. His crisp passing skills, strong reads, and above average skating abilities will serve him well at the next level. His 22 points (4 goals) in 51 games played this season with Rogle aren’t exactly Earth-shattering, but Engstrom is viable defensive prospect with a bright future in the NsHL.
- (C) RYAN WINTERTON (Coachella Valley, AHL): Selected by the Capitals 76th overall in the 2021 NsHL entry draft, Winterton plays an intelligent 200-foot game and also possesses strong offensive abilities. He has consistently demonstrated a tendency to play his best hockey on the biggest stages, such as during the OHL playoffs where he put up 29 points (13 goals) in 21 games played during London's extended run of 2022-23. Despite the multiple injuries and surgery that he has endured since being drafted, Winterton appears to be on the verge of a career in the NsHL. Currently with 31 points (19 goals) in 52 games played during his rookie AHL campaign, Winterton has demonstrated that he has the talent to compete on a top line, and also that his defensive game is developed enough to provide value in a checking role, if need be. Long-term, Winterton can become a quality middle-six forward with the Caps if he can realize his potential.
- (D) BOGDAN KONYUSHKOV (Novgorod, KHL): The definition of a wild-card prospect, Konyushkov was selected 154th overall in the 2023 NsHL entry draft as an overage prospect by the New York Rangers, and later traded to the Capitals. The Russian-born defenseman is under-sized (5’11”) but plays a big game and provides value to his team in all three zones. Perhaps more impressive is the big role he plays on the top defensive pairing with his KHL team while also serving as the captain at just 20 years old. Shortly after he was drafted it was announced that Konyushkov signed a 3-year contract extension to stay in the KHL, locking him up until the end of 2025-26 and adding a wrinkle to his ideal path to the NsHL. On the ice, his offensive stats did not take a dramatic jump this year, although some scouts feel that the level that Konyushkov is currently playing at is already special, and that he has top-four potential if/when he arrives in North America. Perhaps if he can improve his game to a high enough level, his departure from Russia could be expedited. In the meantime, Konyushkov will continue to be guided by his current head coach (and hockey legend) Igor Larionov in his native land.
- (F) JOSH DAVIES (Portland, WHL/CHL): Drafted 182nd overall in the 2022 NsHL entry draft, Davies was billed as a player that reminded scouts of Cal Clutterbuck only less disciplined and more talented. Right on cue, Davies is enjoying a break-out offensive year with the WHL’s Portland Winterhawks posting 60 points (35 goals) in 51 games played. While it remains to be seen if his offensive abilities will translate to the next level, Davies is already a proficient pest who will hit anything that moves.
- (D) THEO WALLBERG (Ohio State, NCAA): At 6’5” and over 200 lbs, Wallberg has natural size and strength that you simply can’t teach. However, scouts also recognize him for his above average skating and passing abilities, which makes Wallberg a prospect of intrigue within the Capitals system. With 21 points (2 goals) in 38 games played, Wallberg is enjoying a successful transition to the NCAA with Ohio State. His professional arrival is still a few years away, but if Wallberg can build on his current play in the years ahead, he will climb quickly through the ranks in Washington (or elsewhere).
- (D) AARON PIONK (U. of Minnesota-Duluth, NCAA): Aaron was selected by the Capitals with the 124th pick of the 2023 NsHL entry draft and is the brother of current NsHL defenseman Neal Pionk (who notably went undrafted during his years of eligibility). Some argue that Aaron can thank a position change from forward to defence as the reason that he ultimately heard his named called to the podium as an overaged prospect in 2023. Aaron currently has 20 points (3 goals) in 37 games played in his first year with Minnesota-Duluth. From a seemingly forgotten player, Aaron has leveraged his combination of intelligent game play and professional pedigree into establishing himself as a viable prospect in short order.
- (G) HUGO ALNEFELT (Syracuse, AHL): Selected by the Capitals 65th overall in the 2019 NsHL entry draft, Hugo has progressed steadily in his development. The Swedish-born goaltender has good size for the net (6’3” / 200+ lbs) and he demonstrates above-average athleticism. Hugo will turn 23 in June and, like most young goaltenders, he will need to develop more consistency in his game in order to take the next step. To that end, Hugo has shown strong promise this season by improving his GAA from 2.77 to 2.28 and SV% from .904 to .910 in 25 games played. All indications are that Hugo is on trajectory to develop into an NsHL goaltender with upside as a starter. Expect him to make his AsHL debut with Baltimore next season, where he will have to work through a busy depth chart before earning his call with the Caps.
Honorable mentions: Carson Bjarnason (G), Ruslan Iskhakov (F), Martin Misiak (F), Maksymilan Szuber (D), Arno Tiefensee (G), Brad Gardiner (F), and Landon Sim (F)