The Capitals tried to trade up over 10 spots in the first round to select Lynden Lakovic, but he fell to them anyway

""There's about 9 guys I like at 27 but we have to get [through] 12 picks to get there," assistant GM Ross Mahoney told Marble. "It's iffy. If we're 21 or 22, you're getting the guy you like.""

""Alright, [the Islanders] are not doing 16," Patrick cut in after checking his phone. "He'll let me know at 17.""

""[Mathieu] Darche (Islanders GM) is using both the picks," Patrick said."

The Washington Capitals finished atop the Eastern Conference in 2024-25 and won their first playoff series in seven years. The team held the 27th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft and selected Canadian winger Lynden Lakovic. Capitals management actively attempted to trade up into the mid-first round, engaging the New York Islanders about moving to 16th or 17th overall. General manager Chris Patrick, assistant GM Ross Mahoney, President of Hockey Operations Brian MacLellan, and amateur scout Evan Marble participated in negotiations. The Islanders declined to part with their picks, leaving the Capitals to wait for another trade partner before making the 27th selection.

Read at RMNB