Mock Draft Monday: Mixed Projections For Capitals At No. 8

It won’t be Connor Bedard, but the Washington Capitals will add a high-potential prospect in June’s NHL draft.

By way of the draft lottery, the Capitals are the holders of the No. 8 overall pick — far from the projected landing spot of Bedard and Hobey Baker Award winner Adam Fantilli, but most other prospects appear to be on the table.

With mock draft season now in full swing, here are some of the predictions for who the Capitals will end up with.

Corey Pronman, The Athletic 

Matvei Michkov, RW, Sochi (KHL)

Michkov is unpredictable — he “could be long gone by this pick” because of his high potential, “or possibly he could drop further” due to a KHL contract concerns and other reasons.

Wanted to highlight just how quick #2023NHLDraft Matvei Michkov gets the puck on his blade (other side of the net) to attempt the Michigan here. 🏒 pic.twitter.com/4PkpKxQ6nh

— Hockey News Hub (@HockeyNewsHub) May 10, 2023

Scott Wheeler, The Athletic

Ryan Leonard, RW, U.S. NTDP

Leonard “falls” to No. 8 in this mock draft, getting scooped up by the Capitals as “he’s going to be gone by this point” according to scouts.

GOAAAAAAAL! Team USA defeats Sweden to win gold! Ryan Leonard is the hero! 🥇#U18MensWorlds pic.twitter.com/bUSBs4axqe

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) April 30, 2023

Jason Bukala/Sam Cosentino, Sportsnet

Matvei Michkov, RW, Sochi (KHL)

Michkov is “too good to pass up” if he falls to the Capitals at No. 8.

Steven Ellis, Daily Faceoff

Zach Benson, C, Winnipeg (WHL)

Behind Bedard, Benson was one of the “most dangerous scoring threats in the WHL” this season.

Zach Benson has his first of the #WHLChampionship Series! #RoadtoMemorialCup pic.twitter.com/Wv8bR5namk

— Canadian Hockey League (@CHLHockey) May 13, 2023

Mike Morreale, NHL.com

Dalibor Dvorsky, C, AIK (SWE-2)

Dvorsky is “a good skater” and “great with the puck on his stick.”

Slovakia takes the early lead.🇸🇰🚨 Dalibor Dvorsky with a perfect rebound! #FINSVK #U18MensWorlds @hockeyslovakia pic.twitter.com/Lmq9uaPux0

— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) April 27, 2023

Adam Kimelman, NHL.com

David Reinbacher, D, Kloten (SUI)

As the Capitals have selected forwards with their top pick in the last few drafts, the 2023 draft “would be a good time to address the defense.”

David Reinbacher (#64 blue) (Draft 2023) just overskating former NHLer Alex Formenton, following up on his shots, winning a puck against Formenton and Former NHler Tim Heed before serving his teammate on a plate. pic.twitter.com/OOjR1KDavy

— Thibaud Chatel (@Thibaud_Chatel) January 24, 2023

Ian Kennedy, Yahoo Sports Canada

Axel Sandin Pellikka, D, Skelleftea AIK (J20 Nationell)

A puck-moving blue liner, Sandin Pellikka could project as a future replacement for John Carlson.

Sweden takes advantage of Canada's line change and Axel Sandin Pellikka scores to extend the lead to 4-0. #U18MensWorlds pic.twitter.com/sD1BfmJWoY

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) April 20, 2023

The 2023 NHL Draft will take place June 28-29 from Bridgestone Arena.