Capitals Draft Targets: Stian Solberg A Strong Defensive Option At 17

The Washington Capitals have a few days to go until the 2024 NHL Draft, and they're reportedly planning on addressing a key position with the 17th overall pick. That said, a strong target for them to consider would be left-handed defenseman Stian Solberg.

At the combine, Solberg stood out and led all participants in pro agility to the left (4.12 seconds) and right (4.08 seconds). Going into the draft in Las Vegas, he is the 20th-ranked international skater, and he could very well end up being the first Norweigan-born player to go in the first round of the NHL Draft.

But what makes him so great? Well, he's a pain to play against.

Big time.

The 6-foot-2, 194-pound blueliner is an intense competition and a hard-hitting player who loves to make his opponents angry. He's a self-proclaimed prankster off the ice, but on the ice, he doesn't shy away from throwing the body and getting into puck battles.

Related: Report: Capitals Will Target Certain Position With 17th Overall Pick In 2024 NHL Draft

If you do find yourself on the ice against Solberg, he'll do what he can to take away your time and space, using his size and speed to his advantage. He's a workhorse who can log heavy minutes, and he'll make you pay for going to the front of the net, too, while doing a good job of keeping the puck and players out of dangerous areas.

Overall, Solberg is a classic defensive defenseman, playing a physical game and relying on his strength. However, he also possesses good speed and skating ability.

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Another major part of his identity is his high hockey IQ. Solberg knows when to make the right play and is great when it comes to his reaction time, gap control and positioning.

On the other side of the puck, he has potential on the offensive side, as he can move the puck efficiently, make the right plays and get to the right areas.

Overall, taking Solberg would give the Capitals another top defensive option and some more depth on the left side, and also gives them side and a player with a shutdown mentality.