Former New York Rangers 1st-Round Bust lands new contract extension with the Washington Capitals

Dylan McIlrath was a former first-round draft pick by the New York Rangers. He'd play 38 games overall during his short stint on Broadway, and failed to earn a spot in the lineup.

He'd find himself as an AHL journeyman for the better part of his career, and getting callups from time to time, with the NHL organization's affiliate he was playing with at the time, which ranged from the Springfield Thunderbirds, Grand Rapids Griffins, and Hershey Bears.

The defenseman has found a home in Washington after earning two Calder Cups with the Hershey Bears after he arrived in the Capitals organization in 2021-2022.

Each of those runs saw McIlrath head the leadership group in Hershey at the Captain.

Though he never panned out in New York, it seemed the Rangers took a major risk selecting him too early at 10th overall in 2010. He never had the kind of skills or the skating ability to be a top defenseman in the league.

They gave up a chance at Cam Fowler, Vladimir Tarasenko, Brock Nelson, and Jaden Schwartz, instead selecting McIlrath, who has played only 86 games during his entire NHL career.

This season, he's found himself called up to the NHL and has played 11 games for the Capitals this year.

He's scored 2 points (2 assists) while playing in place of defenseman Matt Roy. McIlrath would be scratched for 22 games after his 11-game stretch in the NHL, and would appear in the Capitals' match-up against the Bruins before Christmas Eve.

While the scratches seem to continue, GM Brian McLellan of the Washington Capitals saw fit to lock down the warrior-defenseman for a two-year, $1.6 million deal.

The team has punched far above their weight this year, with the best record in the NHL under Head Coach Spencer Carberry, and McIlrath may not be a key piece, but he's given the team life along the way.

Though he's been scratched, he's remained on the Capitals' active roster.

He's also played a key role as a depth piece during the Capitals' playoff games against the Rangers last season, and engaged in a thrilling tilt with Matt Rempe.

The Capitals are now 47-15-9 with 103 points in the NHL this season.