Capitals Draft Targets: Igor Chernyshov Packs A Punch At 17

The Washington Capitals are looking to continue adding depth to their roster with the 17th pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, and one interesting option that could bring a lot to the table is Igor Chernyshov.

NHL Central Scouting ranked Chernyshov as the ninth-best international skater, and with good reason.

The 6-foot-2, 192-pound winger is a force to be reckoned with on the ice. He plays for the KHL's Dynamo Moscow, an organization that the Capitals know all too well, and has more than held his own while playing against grown men and the top names in Russia.

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Chernyshov spent time between the MHL and KHL this season with Dynamo and had 13 goals and 15 assists for 28 points in 23 MHL games. Though he only had four points in 34 games in the KHL this past season, he was able to showcase his talent, which includes above-average skating, great vision, playmaking ability and physicality.

The 18-year-old is able to use his size and ability to get to the high-danger areas, and he's not afraid to battle for the puck or crash the crease. He also has impressive hockey sense that helps him make impressive plays, get to the right lanes, make fast decisions and create off the rush.

Still, he has to work on his shot, passing and offensive abilities to thrive at the highest level on a consistent basis. That'll come with time, though.

He is an exciting young player to watch and one that would fit in well with Alex Ovechkin's organization, which also took a chance on KHL alum Ivan Miroshnichenko back in 2020.

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Overall, taking Chernyshov would give D.C. another power forward-esque player with a lot of talent.