The EliteProspects Rinkside 2020-21 Off-Season Prospect Pool Rankings: the No. 24-ranked Washington Capitals

At first glance, the Washington Capitals landing No. 24 on a prospect pool ranking seems high. At EliteProspects, we initially felt the same.

This Capitals prospect pool might have the worst depth of any in the NHL. They’re the only organization with prospects inside their top-15 with a Future Value grade of three, basically a projection barely call-up worthy.

One could trace the Capitals’ drafting woes to a lack of picks, but really, it comes down to a preference for taking low-upside players. The Capitals have a type: could-be grinders. Their draft record is full of them, from Kody Clark to Damien Riat. These aren’t gambles I’d make, personally.

To overcome low-upside drafted and limited depth, the Capitals made six standout selections, ultimately landing them above deeper prospect pools