The Washington Capitals selected Leon Muggli with the team’s second, second-round draft pick in the 2024 NHL Draft (52nd overall). The pick originally belonged to the Vegas Golden Knights and made its way to Washington in the Anthony Mantha trade deadline deal.
Muggli is a Swiss, left-handed defenseman playing for EV Zug in the Swiss National League.
With the 52nd pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, the Washington Capitals are proud to select Leon Muggli!#CapsDraft | @Verizon pic.twitter.com/6smYqWrlsL
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) June 29, 2024
Muggli tallied 12 points (3g, 9a) in 42 games for EV Zug last season. He led all under-18 skaters in scoring and his 12 points were the most ever by a defenseman age 17 or younger in league history.
Norris Trophy-winning defenseman Roman Josi previously held the record. Josi, the Nashville Predators’ top rearguard, had just eight points (2g, 6a) in his draft year.
The 17-year-old blueliner played in both the U18 World Championship and U20 World Juniors for Switzerland. At the U18 tournament, he was named captain of the Swiss team.
