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NHL mock draft: Final projections for every first-round pick

By Derek Grochowski

BUFFALO, NY - JANUARY 5: Rasmus Dahlin #8 of Sweden in play against Canada during the Gold medal game of the IIHF World Junior Championship at KeyBank Center on January 5, 2018 in Buffalo, New York. Canada beat Sweden 3-1. (Photo by Kevin Hoffman/Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NY - JANUARY 5: Rasmus Dahlin #8 of Sweden in play against Canada during the Gold medal game of the IIHF World Junior Championship at KeyBank Center on January 5, 2018 in Buffalo, New York. Canada beat Sweden 3-1. (Photo by Kevin Hoffman/Getty Images) /
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BOISBRIAND, QC – OCTOBER 20: Jared McIsaac #14 of the Halifax Mooseheads skates against the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada during the QMJHL game at Centre d’Excellence Sports Rousseau on October 20, 2017 in Boisbriand, Quebec, Canada. The Halifax Mooseheads defeated the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada 4-2. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
BOISBRIAND, QC – OCTOBER 20: Jared McIsaac #14 of the Halifax Mooseheads skates against the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada during the QMJHL game at Centre d’Excellence Sports Rousseau on October 20, 2017 in Boisbriand, Quebec, Canada. The Halifax Mooseheads defeated the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada 4-2. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /

31. Washington Capitals – Jared McIsaac

The 2018 Stanley Cup champions have the last pick off the first round but they still have the chance to get a very talented prospect. There is not a lot of depth of defense for the Capitals. Outside of Madison Bowey, there are not any serious prospects coming for Washington. The addition of Jared McIsaac would give them a major boost, especially if they lose John Carlson. While not being a perfect fit to replace Carlson right away, he will be a nice replacement down the road. The Capitals could also look at forward in this position however the Capitals have talented young forwards on the roster already.

Jared McIsaac has been a standout at every level he has played at. He has represented Team Canada multiple times at his young age and was also named as QMJHL defensive rookie of the year his first season. McIsaac flashed a lot of offense later in the season for the Halifax Mooseheads but it likely will not translate to the NHL. He is a through and through defensive defenseman. This is a good fit for the Washington Capitals because their current defenseman that play a similar style and are older in age. Looking at you Brooks Orpik.

It is tough to say what the immediate future holds for McIsaac. Another future in juniors could be good for his development because he will likely dominate the league. He put up strong numbers already, the high numbers of minutes would be helpful. However, it could hurt him a little if he does not feel challenged enough in the QMJHL.

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It would not be surprising to see McIsaac make a strong case to stay in the NHL during training camp. He will earn a nine-game trial before his entry-level contract kicks in. If he can prove himself those nine games he will stay.

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