SenShot NHL Mock Draft Pick #23 – Washington Capitals

A team with another too-early playoff exit in their recent past gets to the podium with the number 23 pick, and whoever goes in that spot will be a project that they won’t expect to make an impact for a couple of seasons at  least.

#23 – WASHINGTON CAPITALS

May 13, 2013; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) stands on the ice after the Capitals game against the New York Rangers in game seven of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Verizon Center. The Rangers won 5-0 and won the series 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

TEAM STRENGTHS:  dynamic offensive players, solid goaltending

TEAM WEAKNESSES:  skilled grit, top defensive prospects

HOCKEY’S FUTURE ORGANIZATIONAL PROSPECT RANK: 25th of 30 teams

UNDER CONSIDERATION:  Josh Morrisey, Ryan Hartman, Andre Burakovsky, Laurent Dauphin, Morgan Klimchuk, Ryan Pulock

FANSIDED MOCK DRAFT PICK:  Stars & Sticks selected Zachary Fucale

SENSHOT’S CHOICE: Ryan Pulock from the Brandon Wheat Kings of the WHL.  The Capitals have a dearth of quality defensive prospects, and would be happy to get the hard shooting Pulock at #23.  He will be a top 4 defenseman who would be a nice foil for Mike Green in the future. He already has over 210 lbs on his 6′ frame, and is a decent but not great skater.

SENSHOT’S MOCK DRAFT TO DATE (click on team to view the selection):