The Washington Capitals actively maneuvered through the second day of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, executing two trades and making four selections to complement their first-round pick from the previous night. General Manager Chris Patrick capitalized on opportunities to acquire forward Justin Sourdif from the Florida Panthers and defenseman Declan Chisholm from the Minnesota Wild, while also adding promising talent through their draft picks.
One of the key moves was the acquisition of Justin Sourdif from the Florida Panthers. Chris Patrick emphasized Sourdif's versatility, noting his ability to play both wing and center, as well as contribute to special teams. The Capitals believe Sourdif was "boxed out" in Florida, and they view him as a valuable addition to their younger core, capable of providing Spencer Carbery with various lineup options. To acquire Sourdif, Washington traded a second-round pick and a 2027 sixth-round pick to the Panthers. Sourdif subsequently signed a two-year, $1.6 million contract with the Capitals.
In another trade, the Capitals addressed their defensive depth by acquiring Declan Chisholm from the Minnesota Wild. Chisholm, a 25-year-old defenseman, had a solid season with the Wild, recording 12 points in 66 games. The Capitals traded defenseman Chase Priskie and their 2025 fourth-round pick (123rd overall) to Minnesota in exchange for Chisholm and a 2025 sixth-round pick (180th overall). Patrick highlighted Chisholm's character and versatility, viewing him as a rising defenseman capable of playing significant NHL minutes.
With their selections on day two, the Capitals continued to add to their prospect pool. In addition to Lynden Lakovic, drafted in the first round, Washington selected forward Milton Gastrin (37th overall), Maxim Schafer (96th overall) and Jackson Crowder (155th overall). Gastrin, an 18-year-old forward, played for MoDo's junior team in Sweden and led the team in goals. Schafer served as an alternate captain for Germany at the Under-18 World Championship. Crowder recorded 24 points in 56 games in the USHL. With their newly acquired pick from Minnesota, they selected defenseman Aron Dahlqvist.
Leading up to the draft, Assistant General Manager Ross Mahoney indicated the Capitals were open to trading their first-round pick if an opportunity arose to improve the team in the short term. The Capitals ultimately decided to keep the pick, selecting Lynden Lakovic 27th overall. Lakovic, a 6-foot-4 left winger from the Moose Jaw Warriors, was ranked among the top North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting.
Several analysts have weighed in on the Capitals' draft performance. Corey Pronman of The Athletic noted that the Capitals have drafted a forward with their last five first-round picks and suggested that the team should focus on adding quality defensive depth. FloHockey gave the Capitals a grade of A- for their draft, highlighting the selections of Lakovic and Gastrin as high-value picks. They also praised the selection of Maxim Schafer in the third round.
