Here's why the Vegas Golden Knights eliminating the Anaheim Ducks from the playoffs would benefit the Washington Capitals

"The Capitals own Anaheim's first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft from the John Carlson deal at the trade deadline, and where that pick ends up in the first round will be determined by the result of their second-round series."

"The teams that did not qualify for the playoffs (picks 1-16) The teams that made the playoffs but did not win either their division in the regular season or play in the Conference Finals (picks 17-24 up to 28) The teams that won their divisions but did not play in the Conference Finals (potentially picks 25-28) The teams that lose in the Conference Finals (picks 29 and 30) The team that was the runner-up in the Stanley Cup Finals (pick 31) The team that won the Stanley Cup (pick 32)"

"The Ducks qualified for the playoffs but did not win the Pacific Division, so they currently sit in that second bucket of teams. Anaheim finished with the second-worst record among all 16 playoff teams, so their first-round pick is slated to be 18th overall, just two picks ahead of where the Capitals are already set to select with their own pick."

"However, if the Ducks make a comeback in their series against the Golden Knights and advance to the next round, their pick will automatically jump to at best 29th overall, a loss of 11 spots for the Capitals. The better the pick, not only the better the prospect available to draft, but also the more valuable trade asset."

Washington is not in the playoffs, but its front office has interest in Anaheim’s second-round series outcome. Anaheim’s 2026 first-round pick is owned by Washington from the John Carlson trade. The pick’s position depends on how far Anaheim advances in the playoffs, following a tiered NHL order that places non-playoff teams first, then playoff teams based on division and conference performance. Anaheim currently sits in the range for teams that made the playoffs but did not win their division or reach the Conference Finals, placing the pick at 18th overall. If Anaheim advances, the pick can drop to as low as 29th overall, reducing Washington’s draft position and trade flexibility.

Read at RMNB