The Washington Capitals chose their first non-forward in the 2026 NHL Draft when they made defenseman Brian McFadden their fifth-round selection.
McFadden, 18, is a massive, 6-foot-5, 183-pound blueliner who played high school hockey at Thayer Academy in Massachusetts this past year.
In 29 high school games this past season, McFadden recorded 17 points (2g, 15a). The right-shot rearguard, who is the captain of his team, is more of a shutdown, physical defender, who some scouts believe has bottom-pairing NHL potential.
McFadden is committed to Northeastern University, but won’t be playing in the NCAA until 2027 at the soonest.
NHL Central Scouting had McFadden listed as the 115th-best North American skater in their final rankings.
