2018 NHL mock draft: Eastern Conference teams

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PLYMOUTH, MI – FEBRUARY 15: Adam Ginning #10 of the Sweden Nationals skates up ice with the puck against the Finland Nationals during the 2018 Under-18 Five Nations Tournament game at USA Hockey Arena on February 15, 2018 in Plymouth, Michigan. Finland defeated Sweden 5-3. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)*** Local Caption *** Adam Ginning /

31. Washington Capitals – Adam Ginning

If this mock were happening at the beginning of the season, Ginning would be be getting drafted much sooner than 31st overall. Did he drop because he played badly? Not particularly, but he didn’t live up to the expectations that had been laid out for him.

Ginning managed to find his way into 12 games with Linkoping of the SHL as a 16-year-old. After playing two playoff games as well, things looked good heading into last season. It did’t go the way he wanted to for sure. In 28 games, he had a goal and and assist.

That matched his point totals from the season prior. So why would he go in the first round? Well it looks like he’s been miscast as an offensive defenseman.

Ginning is another player who uses his size well. He also, oddly enougah, seems to play better on the smaller North American-sized ice rinks. That might actually be good for his development. Maybe he spends one more season in Sweden before moving on to the AHL. If his game is better suited to the North American ice, why not have him developing on it?

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If you look at the Capitals’ roster, you’ll see that they have four defenseman signed for next season and only two past the 2019-20 season. They are going to need some reinforcements sooner rather than later. They at least need to restock the cupboards. Ginning can develop wherever they need him to, and join the team when he is ready.

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