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The Capitals drafted six players in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft, and three of them have played in the NHL. While none of those three will ever be confused with All-Star caliber players (Brian Sutherby, Matt Pettinger and Jakub Cutta), the small class was reasonably good for the organization.  The six picks averaged 43 NHL games played per pick.

Brian Sutherby, 23, C, (1^st round, 26th overall)

NHL games played: 109

Status: NHL player

Always known as a solid defensive forward, Sutherby was a surprise addition to the 2000-01 Capitals opening night roster, but was subsequently returned to Moose Jaw after only seven games since he still had two more years of junior eligibility remaining. Sutherby has spent parts of three seasons in the NHL (13 points in 109 games). Like a lot of good scorers in the junior ranks, Sutherby’s offensive skills have not translated well to pro hockey. His most productive day as an NHL player came in an exhibition, the 2003 NHL Young Stars Game, where he scored two goals and added an assist to garner MVP honors. At this stage, Sutherby is, at-best, a serviceable third line center, but there is still hope that he could develop into a solid scorer. While there is nothing wrong with that, the Capitals seem to have a plethora of forwards in this mold, and one would have expected more from a first round draft choice.

Matt Pettinger, 24, LW, (2^nd round, 43rd overall)

NHL games played: 143

Status: NHL player

   *Stats are combined from the International and Slovenian Leagues.

The first of two second round choices, Pettinger has appeared in the most NHL games (143) of any Capitals draft pick from the 2000 Entry Draft. Pettinger played in 71 games during the 2003-04 season, finally appearing comfortable on the ice, and was playing with a lot of confidence. Under the guidance of Washington Head Coach Glen Hanlon, Pettinger made huge strides during the latter half of the season, and was rewarded with a fair amount of ice time. Pettinger went to Slovenia during the lockout, but did not stay there very long. He is one of a number of young players who lost a very important year in terms of his development at the NHL level.

Jakub Cutta, 23, D, (2^nd round, 61st overall)

NHL games played: 8

Status: NHL prospect

With the 61st pick, the Capitals chose Jakub Cutta, a Czech defenseman who had come to North America to play for the Swift Current Broncos (WHL). To date, Cutta has had three abbreviated stints in Washington totaling eight games. Cutta had been given plenty of chances in training camp over the past few seasons to show the top brass that he was ready to assume a spot on the blue line, but was subsequently assigned to Portland. In any event, Cutta has had an up-and-down time during his stay in the minors. Cutta remains in the Capitals long-term plans as they need to shore up their defense.

Ryan Van Buskirk, 25, D, (4^th round, 121st overall)

NHL games played: 0

Status: NHL bust

Defenseman Ryan Van Buskirk was a re-entry in the 2000 Entry Draft, having not come to contract terms with the Phoenix Coyotes who selected him in 1998, 4^th round, 100th overall. Van Buskirk spent parts of three seasons in the Capitals system, playing for the Richmond Renegades (ECHL) and the Pirates. After the 2002-03 season, Van Buskirk moved on to another ECHL team, the Florida Everblades. He has split this season between ECHL Gwinnett and AHL Chicago, and has not appeared in any of Chicago’s playoff games during their Calder Cup run.

Ivan Nepryaev, 23, F, (5^th round, 163rd overall)

NHL games played: 0

Status: NHL bust

Ivan Nepryaev was such a highly sought-after prospect that no one knew how to spell his last name (it is commonly misspelled as Nepriayev). Of course, given the fact that he has made absolutely no attempt to come play in North America, the spelling of his last name is a moot point. Nepryaev was a member for the Russia WJC team in 2001 and 2002. He has not been in the Capitals plans for quite some time.  This season he played with Lokomotiv Yaroslavl in the Russia league.

Björn Nord, 33, D, (9^th round, 289th overall)

NHL games played: 0

Status: NHL bust

With their final selection of the 2000 Entry Draft, the Capitals drafted an overage European, Swedish defenseman Björn Nord. Other than spending one season in Germany, Nord enjoyed a productive career in Sweden, and even played in the World Championships on a couple of occasions. Nord is now retired.

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