The Washington Capitals head into the 2025 NHL Draft with the 27th overall pick and several strategic options on the table. After being eliminated in the second round by the Hurricanes, the team could either use their pick to address organizational needs or package it in a trade for NHL-ready help. A puck-moving, right-shot defenseman is a prime target, with London Knights’ Henry Brzustewicz fitting that mold. If they go this route, he’d offer future blue-line support alongside prospects like Cole Hutson.

In Round 2, the Capitals may reach slightly for goaltender Alexei Medvedev to bolster a thin goalie pipeline, and they could roll the dice on a high-upside third-round talent like Ivan Ryabkin or Swedish two-way center Milton Gästrin. Ryabkin’s offensive ceiling is high despite an erratic development path, while Gästrin offers safe, NHL-translatable tools. Whether the Capitals draft at 27 or swing a trade, this draft could shape their next competitive window.

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