Going into Friday night, the Washington Capitals had five picks in the 2025 NHL Draft. Many experts didn’t think the Caps would walk away with the kind of talent they’ve landed in previous years, especially picking 27th in a draft considered thin on top-end depth. Now that the dust has settled, all signs point to Washington finding that kind of value again.
While none of these players are expected to crack the lineup anytime soon, each brings a unique, system-friendly skill set that makes them a compelling long-term fit.
In the last three drafts, the Caps have selected a forward from the WHL, and with their first pick at #27 overall, they kept that streak alive by taking Lynden Lakovic, making it four years in a row. The 6’4″, 190lb left winger joins Tarik Parascak, Andrew Cristall, and Ryan Hofer in Washington’s growing WHL-heavy forward group.
Unlike the others, Lakovic isn’t a goal scorer first. He’s a playmaker. He posted 31 assists in 47 games for the Moose Jaw Warriors this season and is known for his passing vision and distribution instincts. He also possesses a powerful and accurate shot that adds a dangerous second layer to his offensive zone skill set. Lakovic makes up for average skating with creativity and smooth hands. He can shoot in stride, change angles with the puck, and weave passes through tight coverage.
The next step for him will be to bring more physicality to his game. However, with his frame, the tools are already in place.
Offensive Zone: Lakovic’s slot-driven playmaking and give-and-go touch make him a high-danger chance creator. He fits as a second-wave F3, who reads the play and drives offense from up high.
Neutral Zone: A natural in transition. His ability to shift gears and find new lanes aligns with what Spencer Carbery wants to build. He could be a slingshot option or a regroup threat on zone entries.
Defensive Zone: This is where the work lies. He’s not very physical yet and can get outmuscled on the boards. He’ll need to grow here before he can handle tough minutes at the pro level.
Big Picture Fit: Lakovic is a long-view prospect with top-six upside. His hockey IQ and offensive instincts are worth investing in; let the rest fall into place.
Estimated NHL Debut: 2027–28 season
With their second-round pick at #37 overall, the Caps took Swedish center Milton Gästrin, a player many had linked to Washington in the first round. The 6-foot, 185lb center is a steady two-way player with excellent hockey sense, character, and leadership qualities. He captained Sweden’s U18 team to a silver medal at the U18 World Championships and recorded 10 points in 7 games.
Gästrin does everything right. He supports the puck in transition, opens lanes for teammates, and makes smart reads in all three zones. Whether he tops out as a third-line center or more, he plays the kind of game coaches trust. It’s hard not to see the Backstrom comparisons.
Offensive Zone: Plays down low, works the cycle, and finds space for his wingers. Can be F1 or F2 on the forecheck and wins pucks with intelligence more than brute strength.
Neutral Zone: Clean in transition, knows when to push and when to regroup. A great middle-lane presence.
Defensive Zone: Supports low, wins positioning battles, and helps lock down the slot. Could become a matchup guy against top-six lines as his skating develops.
Big Picture Fit: Gästrin looks like the ultimate value center, a coach’s dream who can anchor a responsible third line and take tough minutes. If you want a guy who plays playoff hockey the right way, this is him.
Projected NHL Debut: 2028–29
With pick #96, Washington went big again, grabbing 6’4″, 183lb German winger Maxim Schäfer. He spent most of the season in Germany’s top professional league. He played a key role for Germany at both the U18 World Championships and World Junior Championships, recording three points in five games at each event.
Schäfer is a throwback winger. He uses his size on the forecheck, plays around the net, and has a feel for where rebounds will land. His game isn’t polished yet, but you can see what the Caps are thinking.
Offensive Zone: Classic F1 who pressures defenders and causes havoc. Schäfer will thrive in Washington’s 2-1-2 forecheck by forcing turnovers and creating second-chance opportunities.
Neutral Zone: Schäfer’s skating is heavy, but he can generate pressure through reach and timing. Could be a future chip-and-chase specialist.
Defensive Zone: Schäfer has the size and stick to win net-front battles. Needs work on reading plays, but the raw tools are there.
Big Picture Fit: A physical bottom-six winger in the making. Schäfer will have to improve his pace, but the edge and energy are already there.
Estimated NHL Debut: 2029–30
With the 155th pick, the Caps selected Jackson Crowder, a 6’3” center out of the USHL’s Chicago Steel. The Texas native is committed to Ohio State for next season and posted 14 points in 21 games. He plays with a physical edge and is known more for his checking and compete than his offense.
Offensive Zone: A net-front guy who thrives in tight areas. Crowder fits as a hardworking F1 or F2 on the forecheck and works well in a structured cycle game.
Neutral Zone: Crowder’s still developing his puck skills, but plays a north-south game and hunts pucks down.
Defensive Zone: Strong defensive awareness and active stick. Crowder plays with a lot of pride in board battles and positioning.
Big Picture Fit: Crowder could grow into a reliable bottom-six forward and penalty killer. His game still needs time, but his role is clear.
Projected NHL Path: Depth forward by 2029
With their final pick at #180, Washington went back to Sweden to select Aron Dahlqvist, a towering 6’4”, 205lb defenseman from Brynäs IF. He played 16 pro games and 37 junior games this season, totaling 12 points.
What makes Dahlqvist intriguing? His size, shutdown potential, and who he could soon be playing with. Brynäs IF has become a bit of a Capitals reunion tour.
So this might be the most intriguing pick to keep an eye on, especially with all those former Caps:
That’s quite a group.
Defensive Zone: Clears the netfront, wins below the dots, and plays with bite. A natural penalty killer.
Neutral Zone: Disrupts entries with reach, but needs to improve puck-moving under pressure.
Offensive Zone: Basic support and retrieval work. Dahlqvist is more of a stay-at-home piece than an activator.
Big Picture Fit: If the Caps are patient, Dahlqvist could become a reliable shutdown defender who plays key penalty kill minutes. He’s a throwback type with a modern frame.
Estimated NHL Debut: 2030–31
By the end of draft weekend, one thing stood out: Washington is quietly rebuilding a system with real layers. This class, Lakovic, Gästrin, Schäfer, Crowder, and Dahlqvist, all bring something that fits a long-term vision.
They’re years away, but if even two or three of them pop, the post-Ovechkin era could come into view, not just with stars, but with depth, structure, and identity behind them.
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