Facts You Need to Know About Washington Capitals' Top Targets in 2013 Draft

The 2013 NHL draft takes place on June 30 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. This draft appears to be lacking in depth of talent, contrary to initial projections (The Hockey News).

For the Washington Capitals, this means that any number of scenarios could play out when they make their only selection of the first round with the 23rd overall pick.

To prepare Capitals fans for as many scenarios as possible, here is a collection of relevant facts about the Washington Capitals' top targets in the 2013 NHL draft. This ranking consists of six players, each listed with his position and current team. The players are ranked according to their value as prospects and the likelihood of being selected by the Capitals.

1. Nikita Zadorov D: London Knights (OHL)

Nikita Zadorov is projected by Steven Hoffner of NHL.com and by John Hartzmark of Ultimate Sports Talk as the Washington Capitals' first-round draft selection.

Here are some facts you need to know about Zadorov:

• Born on 4/16/1995 in Moscow, Russia (EliteProspects.com).
• 6' 5", 229 pounds (EliteProspects.com).
• Left-handed shooter (EliteProspects.com).
• First in plus/minus rating among first-year players during 2012-13 OHL regular season with a plus-33 (OntarioHockeyLeague.com).
• First in penalty minutes among first-year players during 2013 OHL playoffs with 36 (OntarioHockeyLeague.com).
• Ranked 30th among North American skaters in NHL's 2013 midterm draft rankings (NHL.com). 
• Mark Hunter, owner of the London Knights and brother of current Knights head coach and former Capitals head coach Dale Hunter, says that Zadorov's potential is "unlimited" (NHL.com).

2. Anthony Mantha LW: Val-d'Or Foreurs (QMJHL)

Anthony Mantha is projected by Mike Morreale of NHL.com to be the Capitals' first-round selection.

Here is some useful information about Mantha:

• Born on 9/16/1994 in Longueuil, QC, Canada (EliteProspects.com).
• 6' 4", 201 pounds (EliteProspects.com).
• Left-handed shooter, can also play right wing (EliteProspects.com).
• First in goals during 2012-13 QMJHL regular season with 50 (TheQMJHL.ca). 
• 10th in points during 2012-13 QMJHL regular season with 89 (TheQMJHL.ca).
• Has a heavy, accurate wrist shot with a quick release (LastWordOnSports.com).
• Grandson of Andre Pronovost, four-time Stanley Cup winner with Montreal Canadiens (The Hockey News).

3. Bo Horvat C: London Knights (OHL)

Bo Horvat is projected by Arun Morace of Sports-Kings.com to be the Washington Capitals' selection with the 23rd pick.

Here are some things to know about Horvat:

• Born on 4/5/1995 in Rodney, ON, Canada (EliteProspects.com).
• 6' 0", 190 pounds (EliteProspects.com).
• Left-handed shooter, can also play left wing (EliteProspects.com).
• 22nd in goals during 2012-13 OHL regular season with 33 (OntarioHockeyLeague.com).
• First in goals during 2013 OHL playoffs with 16 (OntarioHockeyLeague.com).
• Scored game-winning goal in Game 7 of 2013 OHL Finals (NHL.com).
• Horvat would be long-term solution at second-line center (Sports-Kings.com).

4. Pavel Buchnevich LW: Severstal Cherepovets (KHL)

Pavel Buchnevich is predicted by Bleacher Report Featured Columnist Franklin Steele to be Washington's pick at number 23.

Get to know Buchnevich with these fast facts:

• Born on 4/17/1995 in Cherepovets, Russia (EliteProspects.com).
• 6', 0", 157 pounds (EliteProspects.com).
• Left-handed shooter, can play all three forward positions (EliteProspects.com).
• Fast skater with good hands (HockeysFuture.com). 
• Skilled playmaker with excellent vision (HockeysFuture.com).
• Considered one of five international prospects who could be the next Evgeni Malkin (Bleacher Report).

5. Curtis Lazar C: Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)

Curtis Lazar is projected by Christian Roatis of The Hockey Guys to be the Capitals' selection in the first round of the draft.

Here are facts you need to know about Lazar:

• Born on 2/2/1995 in Vernon, BC, Canada (EliteProspects.com).
• 5' 11", 194 pounds (EliteProspects.com).
• Right-handed shooter (EliteProspects.com). 
• 15th in goals during 2012-13 WHL season with 38 (WHL.ca).
• Assistant captain for the Oil Kings in only his second season (Hockey's Future).
• Power forward comparable to Milan Lucic (Hockey's Future).
• Capitals would be fortunate if Lazar is available at 23 (TheHockeyGurus.net).

6. Zach Nastasiuk RW: Owen Sound Attack (OHL)

Zach Nastasiuk is projected by Adam Kimelman of NHL.com to be the Capitals' first-round pick.

Educate yourself with this information on Nastasiuk:

• Born on 3/30/1995 in Barrie, ON, Canada (EliteProspects.com).
• 6' 1", 190 pounds (EliteProspects.com).
• Right-handed shooter (EliteProspects.com).
• 33rd-ranked North American skater in NHL.com's 2013 midterm ranking of draft prospects (Yahoo! Sports Canada)
• Projected as a solid third-line contributor (HockeysFuture.com).