Can Washington Capitals’ Andrew Cristall take the next step to become a true star prospect?

Steven Ellis
Steven Ellis
Andrew Cristall (Steven Ellis/Daily Faceoff)

It’s hard not to find Andrew Cristall donning a massive smile.

“I just love playing hockey,” Cristall said at the 2023 NHL Draft combine, weeks before the Washington Capitals took him in the second round.

And if you’re looking at the on-ice results, it’s easy to be as cheerful as he is. The 19-year-old winger is coming off a monster 40-goal, 111-point season with the WHL’s Kelowna Rockets, adding another 15 points in 11 postseason games. He was easily one of the league’s top forwards, and with the Rockets expected to take another step forward this year, many expect Cristall to challenge for the WHL scoring title.

Cristall has always been an incredible producer. He had 69 points as a rookie in 2021-22 and followed that up with 95 points in 2022-23. He was the most purely skilled winger in his draft year, allowing him to be dangerous as both a goal-scorer and a set-up man. Cristall took things up a notch last year, showing just how good he could be with the puck on his stick.

The most impressive part of Cristall’s season was his 23-game point streak, registering 24 points from Nov. 3 to Jan. 19. His ability to get into a rhythm and blow up offensively showed how gifted he is with the puck.

“I played (last year) with a lot of confidence,” Cristall said during the World Junior Summer Showcase in early August. “It was great playing with really good teammates, a really good team. I think I had a lot of confidence every night knowing that I could be a difference-maker.”

Through it all, he’s done it despite many writing him off because of his size and skating. When the Caps drafted Cristall 40th overall in 2023, he was listed at just 5-foot-9.5 and 175 pounds. He’s grown about half an inch since then, and while his weight is still about the same, he does look physically stronger, and he doesn’t shy away from a physical bout.

“I think you got to stand out a little bit (as a smaller player),” Cristall said. “I’m usually a scorer and a guy who creates offense. But sometimes, you need to throw the odd hit.”

Cristall’s hands are as close to “elite” as you’ll find outside of the NHL. Long-time friend Connor Bedard complimented Cristall’s ability to win just about any battle with his quick hand work during their draft year, and it’s a big headache for defenders, even if they have the size advantage.

The skating is still an issue, though. A lot of Cristall’s offense comes while he’s stationary, which is easier to do in the WHL than NHL. He’s not quick, and his stride can be awkward, resulting in some easily lost foot races.

“You’ll get burned in the big leagues if you can’t skate,” a scout said. “That’s one of the biggest reasons why many high-scoring junior stars never make it in the NHL.”

Fortunately, it is better than it was in his draft year, highlighted by his play at the WJSS. But it’s far from a strength, and he needs to take lessons from, say, his current housemate Kent Johnson to help shore that up.

Andrew Cristall (Steven Ellis/Daily Faceoff)

But there won’t be many reasons to knock him if he can. Cristall’s ability to get the puck and make things happen has made him so lethal. The next logical step is to try to make Canada’s World Junior Championship team in December. He’s easily one of the most productive players that Canada will have at their disposal, but it will still be a challenge for him given how much depth the team will have. It’s not uncommon for Canada to keep skilled players at home in favor of more rounded options, but Cristall has the talent to be a difference-maker on the squad if called upon.

And if you’re not a great skater? You need the brains to make up for it.

“Cristall is really smart away from the puck; he might not always be engaged defensively, but when he is, he’s rarely out of position,” another scout said. “And then, with the puck, he can get so deceptive and creative to the point where few can contend with him.”

Good players get turned away every year, so it won’t be an indictment on his future. Cristall is the second-best player the Caps have in their system, behind fellow 2023 pick Ryan Leonard. There’s real top-six potential there. It’s hard to find smart, creative playmakers who can pull off the types of plays Cristall can in the second round. Cristall will probably need to be paired with a defensively responsible center to make it work, and a large portion of his future offense will likely come on the man advantage, but you can’t deny how dominant he is with the puck against his peers.

Cristall will be a fascinating prospect to watch over the next few years. He’s got the flash to be fun, but being “fun” doesn’t matter if you can’t put everything together each night. For now, there’s no doubting he’s set for a big season in the WHL with the potential to challenge for the overall CHL scoring lead.

But after that, when he turns pro? That’s when the real challenge begins.

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