With Dvorsky I'm inclined to believe glimpses shown in international play are indicative of what there is to work with. It's a matter of tapping into it and helping him put it together. Mostly his skating has to take off to be able to dictate. But the instincts are at least largely there.
Analytics would say take Benson instead. There's an easier offensive profile that should mesh well with skilled players. It's more whether his frame limits reliability and to what extent his battle level improves. He and Michkov both would be the shortest first rounders in franchise history. Benson kills penalties so he's not a complete shit show in his own end compared to some but is he so dynamic an NHL coach would overlook some battle limitations? If the Caps had a stronger foundation up the middle--or defensively in general--I'd sooner take Benson as more of an X factor. But they're still likely to play a methodical grinding game and I'm not sure Benson improves their skill substantially enough to discount his near-term limitations. Hence, why a guy like Moore also deserves consideration as a potential force-multiplying all-situations center. Speed isn't everything but plus pace up the middle can do an awful lot covering for an older, somewhat sloppy team. His offensive IQ may not be elite but if it was he wouldn't be there at 8. As a 200 ft. center that can make at least routine system plays and thrive largely off the puck there's a lot to like as a fit. The main obstacle is likely size and, in the near-term, strength. If they can get over that there's got to be appeal adding probably the best skater in the draft and at center ice. Outside of Wilson's physicality they need more disruptive forwards and Moore supplies that in some pretty varied, valuable fronts. They shouldn't key in on current need too much but they do need to project near-term weaknesses and whether it's realistic to expect to add them by other means. A lot can change but I doubt it will be easy vastly improving pace, nor securing that up the middle.
The various candidates at 8 may also need to be valued in relation to trade possibilities. It's here also where I think Benson falls short. If they could net an Ehlers would you not make that move compared to waiting a year or two for Benson? Whereas for a potential top six center--if they are indeed bullish on their upside--is an easier argument to accept the value of patience. They need to pick a substantial, scarce talent ideally impacting all game phases in order to rationalize keeping the pick. Otherwise they may be better off cashing the asset for someone further along and more proven. I think shooting for something like a higher floor at 8 would be very foolish. Just move it if that's a key motivator. Depending on the trade market, should it be stronger than an Ehlers for instance, even the 2C prospects could struggle to match up. As much as they need youth they've got to be open for business and a variety of ways to improve and maximize value.
Built on speed, Moore could have his named called very early at the 2023 NHL Draft.
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