Night 1 of the 2020 Entry Draft took place on October 6th, and as expected Alexis Lafreniere was drafted first overall by the New York Rangers (who had been chosen to draft first overall during the Return to Play phase). The Capitals were initially slated to draft 24th overall, but the Calgary Flames who had the 22nd pick traded away their selection for Washington’s 24th and 80th picks.
Typically, a trade like this would be favorable for the team swapping a lower pick for a higher one when the receiving team has their eye on someone they especially like. For the Capitals, it was Hendrix Lapierre of Gatineau, Quebec.
Hendrix was named the 2018-19 QMJHL Rookie of the Year. Lapierre is 6’0, 179lb from Quebec and played three seasons with the Chicoutimi Sagueneens. Despite playing just 19 games last season, due to concussion-related medical conditions (CCTI), in 69 total games with Chicoutimi, Lapierre put up 18 goals and 49 assists for 67 points.
