Capitals Extend Offers To 2021 Picks Krebs, Lemay & Clark

ARLINGTON, V.A. — The Washington Capitals have extended offers to three 2021 draft picks, defensemen Dru Krebs and Joaquim Lemay and goaltender Chase Clark, to extend their rights.

Washington took Krebs in the sixth round (No. 176). Krebs, the younger brother of Buffalo Sabres forward Peyton, played in 66 games with the WHL’s Medicine Hat Tigers this past season, dishing four goals and 15 assists.

His biggest asset is his skating, which he put on display at rookie camp and training camp this past season. The 6-0, 181-pound blueliner is also a good puck carrier and passer and can play the game with speed, which helps him in the transition.

“I think it was extremely special, being surrounded by family at that moment and seeing how happy they were for me and being equally as happy myself to be called by such an amazing organization,” Krebs said of being drafted. “It was just an awesome experience altogether and a dream come true.”

Lemay was a fourth-round pick (No. 119) in 2021 after a strong year in the BCHL. He laced ’em up in the USHL’s Lincoln Stars for 58 games this season, wearing the “A.” He dished nine goals and 37 assists and was a plus-8.

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The 6-1, 178-pound defenseman improved his shot and puck-carrying ability this past season and got more involved offensively. He is a strong skater who can play a strong two-way game. He grew up idolizing Alex Ovechkin and also wants to add strength as he continues his development.

Clark was the Capitals’ final pick of the 2021 draft, taken in the sixth round (No. 183) with Krebs. He also spent 2021-22 in the USHL, starting the season with the Tri-City Storm before being dealt to the Muskegon Lumberjacks. Through seven games with the Storm, he went 4-2-1 with a .915 save percentage and 2.51 GAA. His numbers took a hit when he joined the Lumberjacks, as he went 3-5-0 with a .889 SV% and 3.66 GAA to close out the regular season. However, he bounced back in the playoffs with a 6-2-1 record, .915 SV% and 3.04 GAA through nine postseason games.

The 6-6 netminder uses his size and hockey IQ to his advantage and reads the ice well. He is able to track the puck and also displays great athleticism. Clark catches right and has named Andrei Vasilevskiy as an NHL comparable.