The Washington Capitals enter the 2026 NHL Draft with two first-round picks after narrowly missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs during the 2025-26 season.
Washington finished 43-30-9 and placed fourth in the Metropolitan Division, but the Capitals fell just short of a postseason berth after qualifying for the playoffs the year before. Alexander Ovechkin led the team with 32 goals and 64 points in what could be the final season of his Hall of Fame career.
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The Capitals currently hold five selections in the 2026 NHL Draft, including two first-round picks at No. 16 and No. 18 overall. Washington acquired the additional first-round selection through a previous trade and enters draft weekend with an opportunity to significantly bolster its prospect pipeline.
Washington's recent draft history includes Lynden Lakovic, who was selected in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft. The Capitals have also added top prospects such as Ryan Leonard, Terik Parascak and Cole Hutson in recent years as the organization balances competing in the present with building for the future.
The 2026 NHL Draft will be held June 26-27 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. Here's everything to know about the Washington Capitals' NHL Draft outlook.
When Do The Washington Capitals Pick In The 2026 NHL Draft?
The Washington Capitals currently hold the No. 18 pick in the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft.
Washington Capitals 2026 NHL Draft Picks
- Round 1, Pick 16
- Round 3, Pick 80
- Round 5, Pick 144
- Round 6, Pick 176
NHL Mock Draft 2026: Who Will The Washington Capitals Pick?
The Washington Capitals are projected to select Nikita Klepov at No. 18 in the 2026 NHL Draft.
FloHockey's latest 2026 NHL Mock Draft projects Washington to use its pick on the Saginaw Spirit forward who the mock draft describes as very physical with a high motor.
Who Did The Washington Capitals Draft In 2025?
The Washington Capitals selected Lynden Lakovic in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft.
Washington's 2025 draft class featured five selections led by Lakovic at No. 27 overall. The Capitals also drafted Milton Gastrin, Maxim Schafer, Jackson Crowder and Aron Dahlqvist.
- Lynden Lakovic, RW, Moose Jaw Warriors
- Milton Gastrin, C, Modo Hockey
- Maxim Schafer, LW, Eisbären Berlin
- Jackson Crowder, C, Chicago Steel
- Aron Dahlqvist, D, Brynäs J20
Has A Washington Capitals Player Ever Won The NHL Calder Memorial Trophy?
Yes, Washington Capitals players have won the NHL Calder Memorial Trophy.
Most recently, Alexander Ovechkin won the award in 2006 after scoring 52 goals as a rookie. Ovechkin went on to become the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer and one of the greatest players in league history.
Who Are The Washington Capitals Minor League Hockey Team Affiliates?
The Washington Capitals' minor league affiliates are the Hershey Bears in the American Hockey League and the South Carolina Stingrays in the ECHL.
Hershey remains one of the most successful franchises in AHL history and has served as Washington's primary development affiliate for decades. The Stingrays provide an additional level of development for prospects and organizational depth players.
Washington Capitals Missed The Stanley Cup Playoffs In 2025-26
The Washington Capitals missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs during the 2025-26 season.
Washington finished 43-30-9 with 95 points, placing fourth in the Metropolitan Division and ninth in the Eastern Conference. The Capitals were officially eliminated from playoff contention on April 13 and will now look to use their pair of first-round picks to help shape the next era of the franchise.
How To Watch 2026 NHL Draft Show With The Athletic Live On FloHockey
Watch 'The Athletic Hockey Show x FloHockey NHL Draft Live' on FloHockey this Friday, June 26 from 7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. ET and Saturday, June 27 from 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. ET.
The special NHL Draft broadcast will stream live on the FloHockey website, FloSports app, the FloHockey 24/7 channel on Prime Video, Fubo, YouTube, Bell Fibe (Canada) and the Roku Channel (Canada), as well as The Athletic's YouTube channel.
Subscribe to FloHockey today so you never miss a moment. All games will be available on FloHockey.tv or via the FloSports mobile and connected TV apps.
FINAL NHL DRAFT RANKINGS!@chrismpeters has his final ranking for the 2026 NHL Draft featuring 75 players. See who made the list! https://t.co/R1ySGVbNEx@OHLHockey | @QMJHL | @LHJMQ | @USHL | @SHLse #nhldraft #ohl #qmjhl #ushl #shl pic.twitter.com/9rYqBfrxbQ
— FloHockey (@FloHockey) June 15, 2026
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