The 2023 NHL Draft is set to begin on Wednesday, June 28, and it will wrap up the next day. This event doesn’t draw as much attention as some of the drafts in other sports, but it’s still a really big deal.
The Washington Capitals are set to pick eighth in the 2023 NHL Draft, and that puts them in a pretty unique position. Washington won’t get one of the most talented players in the draft, but there could be a great fit for them.
Here is a look at some of the top NHL Draft 2023 odds, and where the Washington Capitals might fit in.
Top Two Picks Set?
The first thing you will notice when looking at the NHL Draft 2023 odds is that it appears as if the top two picks in the draft are set. Things can always change, but there are two 2023 NHL Draft prospects that tend to stick out from the rest of the pack.
The Chicago Blackhawks have the top overall draft pick, and they are going to be taking Connor Bedard with the number one overall pick. Blackhawks fans have been wondering, “When is the NHL Draft,” since the season began, and they will finally get some help this week.
Adam Fantilli is expected to be the number two pick in the NHL Draft, and the odds for that to take place are currently at -800. Fantilli is good enough to be the top overall pick in most years, but he just can’t compete with Bedard.
The NHL Draft 2023 odds tend to get a bit tighter after that point, and that is where the drama will begin. The Washington Capitals are currently sitting at number eight, but they could be looking to move up or down depending on what players are available.
Will Michvokov Be Around?
The NHL Draft 2023 is actually pretty deep with some top prospects, and Matvei Michvokov is one of those players. Before Bedard really started to make a run, there were many NHL picks that had Michvokov going at the top of the draft.
There are some concerns about Michvokov heading into the 2023 NHL Draft as it’s unclear if he is even going to leave Russia and head to the United States. That could force some teams to pass on him at the top of the draft, and would give Washington a chance to take him at number eight.
The NHL odds for Michvokov to go number 5 overall in the 2023 NHL Draft are set at +270, and that feels like a spot in which he could go. For NHL fans of the Capitals that are hoping to see their team take him at number eight, they will have to really start sweating around pick five.
Ovechkin Needs a Mate
The fit for Michvokov with the Washington Capitals is pretty easy to see, as he would join Alex Ovechkin with this very successful team. Ovechkin is a player that has had a ton of success after coming over from Russia, and the hope would be that Michvokov would see the same level of success.
While there are some teams that might pass on Michvokov because of fears that he won’t leave his home country of Russia, the Washington Capitals don’t have that same fear. Ovechkin should be able to convince him to come over, and Washington has spent some time really digging into Michvokov.
For those that are going to be following along with the NHL Draft beginning on Wednesday, the name of Michvokov will get brought up a ton in the first round, but he should at least be picked by pick 8 at the latest.
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