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Full list of NHL Organizational Rankings
Washington Capitals Top 10 Prospects
1. Evgeny Kuznetsov, Center
2. Stanislav Galiev, Left Wing
3. Cody Eakin, Center
4. Dmitri Orlov, Defense
5. Braden Holtby, Goaltender
6. Mathieu Perreault, Center
7. Samuel Carrier, Defense
8. Patrick Wey, Defense
9. Brett Flemming, Defense
10. Dmitri Kugryshev, Right Wing
*Mattias Sjogren, Center, would've been on this list, however I did not have enough notes on him to do a sufficient profile.
Organizational Ranking: 15th
System Overview: The Capitals have quite an interesting system. In terms of the top end, I would take their top four skater prospects over the top four skaters in just about any system. They couple that as well with an elite goaltending prospect in Braden Holtby. After those five (and to a degree Mathieu Perrault), it really falls off and there's just a lot of depth/extra pieces in the second half of this list. There's also an emphasis on skill and upside over physical gifts that I thought was unusually evident throughout this list relative to other teams, and some risk-taking on upside/possession skills has let them turn some late round picks into decent prospects.
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1. Evgeny Kuznetsov, Center
Date of birth: 05/19/1992
Age: 19
Height: 6'3''
Weight: 187
Shoots: Left
Statistics: 44 GP, 17 G, 32 P, 14:12 ATOI (Traktor-KHL)
Acquired: First round, 26th overall in 2010 by Washington
The Good: Kuznetsov is an extremely high-end offensive weapon with tremendous upside; his pure ceiling could go toe-to-toe with just about any prospect in the game. He has so many tools that NHL sources rave about so many different aspects of his game. One source will praise his skating, another will go on about his vision, another will say his hands, his shot, etc. He's a plus skater who may even be beyond that. He's very agile, with great acceleration and a dangerous top speed that can turn around defenders with regularity. Kuznetsov is a plus puck-handler who can really dangle in open ice. He also shows above-average to plus distribution ability and NHL sources say his playmaking ability is right up at the same high level with his speed and puck skills. He has a plus shot and can score with the best of them, as he has a very easy release that requires little snap in his windup and he can get off very effective shots while in motion.
The Bad: Physically, Kuznetsov has a ways to go as his frame is quite skinny and he's easily overwhelmed in the physical areas against bigger, stronger players. I've gotten divided opinions about his work ethic. Some sources question his shift-to-shift determination, and I'm certainly not too enthralled by it either, although I don't think it's horrible. However, one NHL source went as far as to say his determination is his best asset. He needs a fair amount of work on his defensive game too, and he may be a winger at the highest level. Kuznetsov also has a bit of a tendency to overdo it with the puck at times and could improve on some of his decisions.
Projection: His upside is that of a perennial All-Star, and his projection varies all the way down to an above-average second line forward with great offensive numbers and zone start protection.
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2. Stanislav Galiev, Left Wing
Date of birth: 01/17/1992
Age: 19
Height: 6'1''
Weight: 188
Shoots: Right
Statistics: 64 GP, 37 G, 65 P (Saint John-QMJHL)
Acquired: Third round, 86th overall in 2010 by Washington
The Good: Galiev may have been one of the most improved players in the prospect world this past season. He's a plus skater, with great acceleration, top gear, and work ethic that sees him zoom up and down the ice. He couples that with well above-average puck skills and distribution ability that lets him make highlight reel dekes and passes with notable consistency. He's a very creative and slick player who leans on his skills; he's very hard to check in open ice due to his elusiveness and ability to keep the puck away from stick checks. Galiev also displayed an above-average shot and goal-scoring ability, with a wrist shot that could hit twine from beyond the crease area. Interestingly enough, Galiev went from a 1:3 goal-to-assist ratio last year to a 1.3:1 in 2010-11. Galiev also showed a great work ethic this season and attacked the physical areas a lot, something he didn't do as much last year. One NHL executive said he was extremely consistent and determined on a shift-to-shift basis while a scout said he worked very hard in the corners and was responsible coming back on defense. When he turns pro, sources say he may be permanently used as a center.
The Bad: He's just so immature physically. He literally bounces off bigger players when he tries to engage along the walls and is easily shoved off the puck.
Projection: He has average first line forward upside and safely projects as an above-average second line forward.
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3. Cody Eakin, Center
Date of birth: 05/25/1991
Age: 20
Height: 6'0''
Weight: 189
Shoots: Left
Statistics: 56 GP, 36 G, 83 P (Swift Current/Kootenay-WHL)
Acquired: Third round, 85th overall in 2009 by Washington
The Good: Cody Eakin is an above-average skater who flashes beyond that just due to his tremendous work ethic and conditioning. He's got a dangerous top speed that can really push the pace, create chances, and open up lanes. He's a solid puck-handler who's a little better than average but certainly not plus. Some sources see a bit of a dynamic flair with Eakin in that regard, although I'm not so sure he has that type of upside. He can definitely handle the puck with effectiveness, showing good coordination, and he can be a solid distributor as well. Eakin has an above-average shot with a great release and the ability to pick the corners. He doesn't shy from leaning on that weapon, and when he gets a lane, he will let it rip. One NHL source described Eakin in a nutshell pretty well saying, "He's got the speed, skill, and hockey sense, but he's got great determination and just comes to play every shift." Despite a smaller frame, he's a pain in the rear to deal with in the physical game due to his sheer will. He's great on the forecheck, hustles at a high-level on the backcheck, is a very sound defensive forward, and excels at faceoffs.
The Bad: Physically, Eakin still has a ways to go as a smaller forward whose height listing may be a tad generous. He has to increase his strength and as he transitions physically to the pro game, that will be the most important thing to watch next season. He also tries to go a bit beyond his offensive means at times, which results in turnovers.
Projection: An above-average second line center with good two-way contribution who safely projects onto a top six.
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4. Dmitri Orlov, Defense
Date of birth: 07/23/1991
Age: 20
Height: 6'0''
Weight: 200
Shoots: Left
Statistics: 45 GP, 2 G, 12 P, 18:30 ATOI (Metallurg Novokuznetsk-KHL)
Acquired: Second round, 55th overall in 2009 by Washington
The Good: Orlov is an above-average to plus skater who can be very effective at joining the rush and providing offensive pressure at even strength from the blue line. He has an explosive top gear, and while I wouldn't say his four-way movements are of the same dynamic element, his overall mobility is certainly above-average. Orlov also is an above-average puck-handler who can show moments of flash and is able to weave and maneuver well in full flight. He's a solid passer, but he's not as skilled in that element as in the other aspects of his offensive game, but he certainly is better than average. Orlov has a plus shot that one NHL source described as nothing short of tremendous, raving about how good he is at shooting the puck, and saying if anything, he should probably shoot more. Orlov has a solid physical game as he regularly liked to throw his body around, at times landing highlight reel crunches.
The Bad: Orlov's defensive game and decision-making have been the main issues surrounding his game. When he came over to the AHL after his KHL team was eliminated, his positional play in his own end showed notable improvement, which is unusual for a defenseman coming from the East to a smaller ice surface in pro hockey. While he could still use a little work in that area, he's taken significant strides. Orlov also has a tendency to be forced into rushed decisions when pressured physically, and at times, he'll try to do too much with the puck.
Projection: An above-average second pairing defenseman who logs top power play minutes with a floor projection as an average to below-average second pairing defender with zone start protection.
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5. Braden Holtby, Goaltender
Date of birth: 09/16/1989
Age: 21
Height: 6'1''
Weight: 202
Catches: Left
Statistics: 30 GP, .920 SV% (Hershey-AHL)
Acquired: Fourth round, 93rd overall in 2008 by Washington
The Good: Holtby has a great combination of size and skill in between the pipes, as he has a fine frame, but yet has the athleticism and agility of a 5'10" goalie with explosive, sharp movements and he's tremendous at moving laterally across the crease. He has above-average to plus reflexes with quick hands and legs. Overall, his limbs move very freely and easily, with the ability to get to pucks heading to the corners effectively. Holtby is an energetic, competitive goalie who will move around somewhat frantically, but nonetheless make top-end stops with his athletic traits. He's an aggressive netminder who doesn't fear coming out and challenging shooters at high angles.
The Bad: His positional play needs some work. His aggressiveness can hurt him too often, as he will try and go for pokechecks that are ill-advised or will challenge at poor times and leave himself vulnerable. Holtby tries to cover as much of the net as he can with his angles, but he's not that effective in that regard and could use a little extra bulk.
Projection: He has above-average NHL starter upside, but likely projects as an average NHL starter.
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6. Mathieu Perreault, Center
Date of birth: 01/05/1988
Age: 23
Height: 5'10''
Weight: 174
Shoots: Left
Statistics: 34 GP, 11 G, 35 P (Hershey-AHL)
Acquired: Sixth round, 177th overall in 2006 by Washington
The Good: Perreault thinks the game at an above-average level, with good anticipation and vision in the offensive zone. He sees the ice pretty well and can be a fine setup man for his teammates. He has above-average hands, giving him the ability to make some solid moves with the puck and create offense quite well. Perrault couples those abilities with a fine shot that snaps off his stick with good velocity. He's a decent skater who has a fine stride and gets to a pro-level top speed, but doesn't really show a beyond average top gear that can put defenders on their heels.
The Bad: Perrault's physical limitations have been his major limitation. He just hasn't progressed physically as one would like, and entering his mid-twenties, his frame's physical potential may be all that it ever will. He can be decent defensively in terms of reads and work ethic, but not beyond a plus player in that regard. Coupled with the strength issue, that hurts him in both ends.
Projection: There is below-average second to above-average third line forward upside here, but he may end up a depth player as well.
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7. Samuel Carrier, Defense
Date of birth: 04/28/1992
Age: 19
Height: 6'1''
Weight: 184
Shoots: Right
Statistics: 61 GP, 11 G, 50 P (Lewiston-QMJHL)
Acquired: Sixth round, 176th overall in 2010 by Washington
The Good: Carrier is a solid puck-moving defenseman who thinks the game at an above-average level and can be really effective in the distribution game. He gets regular praise within the industry for his intelligence and offensive instincts. Carrier can control a power play effectively, make a good outlet pass, and at times will show a flashy distribution threading the puck through a tight lane or stretching the ice. He has decent but not above-average hands, though he can certainly be sufficient while handling the puck. Carrier has an average shot as well and his windup is somewhat efficient.
The Bad: Carrier's not really that effective in the physical game, as he doesn't really engage that much and when he does, his lack of strength hinders him. His frame is pretty skinny and he certainly needs to fill out. The physical deficiency somewhat hurts him in his own end, but the natural hockey intelligence somewhat nullifies that. He could use some work on his skating too. While he can flash decent ability, overall he's a below-average mover, with NHL sources saying that he needs to work some more on his agility and finer aspects.
Projection: An above-average third pairing defender who safely projects as a depth player or specialist.
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8. Patrick Wey, Defense
Date of birth: 03/21/1991
Age: 20
Height: 6'2''
Weight: 205
Shoots: Right
Statistics: 37 GP, 1 G, 8 P (Boston College-Hockey East)
Acquired: Fourth round, 115th overall in 2009 by Washington
The Good: Wey is a solid defensive defenseman who is quite effective in his own end and gets praise from NHL sources for his physical and defensive play. He's a strong man, notably ahead of the curve for his age in that department, and is very good in the one-on-one game when it comes to engaging his opponents. Wey also employs a good sweeping stick-check with a long reach that can annoy rushers, and overall makes fine reads in his end of the rink, displaying the ability to stop the skilled forwards consistently.
The Bad: Wey's mobility is decent for his size, but his skating is just a tick below-average and he could work on his push-offs and first step power. He can flash a decent pass here and there, but overall, his offensive capabilities are fringe. He's a rigid puck-handler who will likely be a basic puck-mover at the highest level. His reads with the puck are improving, but he still needs some work in that area.
Projection: An average third pairing defender who safely projects as a below-average third pairing defender to a replacement player.
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9. Brett Flemming, Defense
Date of birth: 02/26/1991
Age: 20
Height: 5'11''
Weight: 184
Shoots: Right
Statistics: 68 GP, 4 G, 43 P (Mississauga-OHL)
Acquired: Fifth round, 145th overall in 2009 by Washington
The Good: Flemming is a solid skater with good four-way movement and has a fine top gear that can help him rush the puck and push the pace at even strength. He thinks the game at a notable level, showing the ability to make a good outlet pass, moves the puck well on the power play, and makes decent overall defensive reads. Flemming is a solid puck-carrier who may not be a flashy handler, but can certainly control the puck from the back-end and show flashes of fine hands. He gets regular praise within the industry for his intangibles, as he's a hard worker who does what he can to overcome his size deficiency in his own end due to a great work ethic and willingness to battle.
The Bad: His size and projected physical game is his major liability. Despite great intangibles, he's likely never more than a fringe to below-average physical player who will have to scratch and claw for every minute of NHL ice-time. Flemming doesn't have a ton of upside, as while there are puck-moving skills to his game, there's not a lot of above-average tools to significantly overcome his major weakness.
Projection: An average third pairing defender who could push for second unit power play time, but he may end up a replacement level player.
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10. Dmitri Kugryshev, Right Wing
Date of birth: 01/18/1990
Age: 21
Height: 5'11''
Weight: 195
Shoots: Right
Statistics: 64 GP, 6 G, 14 P (Hershey-AHL)
Acquired: Second round, 58th overall in 2008 by Washington
The Good: Kugryshev is a talented offensive player with above-average puck skills. He's capable of maneuvering with the puck well through traffic and can be the primary controller on the power play along the sideboards. He's got confidence and vision with the puck, showing the ability to hold it for lengthy periods; he spots gaps in the defensive coverage and exploits them with solid distribution abilities. He's an above-average goal-scorer as well, with one NHL source praising his ability to finish in the high percentage areas. He's a decent skater who moves pretty easily and has a fluid stride. Kugryshev doesn't have a dangerous top gear and doesn't threaten speed-wise as much as a smaller forward should, but he's still a fine skater.
The Bad: He had a really rough first full North American pro season as he had a hard time transitioning to the AHL. His physical game is very poor as he's a small guy without a lot of muscle; he just simply looked bad when it came to the physical elements versus AHL defenders. Kugryshev is a one-dimensional forward too, as he doesn't really cover his defensive assignments all that effectively. That aspect of his game saw slight improvement from his play in the QMJHL, but still has a long ways to go. He may be one of those players with not enough upside for a top six and not enough defensive projection for a bottom six.
Projection: Kugryshev has below-average second line forward (with zone start protection) upside, but on the other hand, he may never end up a league regular.
Corey Pronman is an author of Hockey Prospectus.
You can contact Corey by clicking here or click here to see Corey's other articles.
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