The Washington Capitals Andrew Cristall is one of the most intriguing high-risk, high-reward prospects in recent years. Drafted with the 4oth overall pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, Cristall has spent his last two seasons as an offensive powerhouse in the WHL. He has game-changing offensive abilities and shows for it by putting up record-breaking point totals. What holds him back is his skating, along with the defensive aspect of his game.
Andrew Cristall is the Washington Capitals Boom-or-Bust Prospect
Cristall is defined by his other-worldly offensive hockey IQ. Andrew has the ability to anticipate the play and read defenders, often putting him one step ahead of others. Whether he’s exploiting defensive gaps, using deception to create space, or finding open teammates, his offensive mind would rival any NHL prospect. Cristall has a deceptive release and can make pinpoint passes under pressure making him a true, duel threat offensively.
The Good on the Playmaker
As previously mentioned, Cristall has no issue putting up crazy offensive numbers wherever he goes. Prior to being drafted, he scored 39 goals and 95 points in just 54 games as an 18-year-old for the Kelowna Rockets. Then last year, he amassed 111 points in just 62 games; good for fifth in the league. Now this season, when you thought he couldn’t get any better, Cristall leads the league in scoring. Furthermore, he is second in the entire CHL, only behind Micheal Misa. Cristall is on pace for 131 points in just 57 games.
With a 6 point game tonight, Andrew Cristall (WSH) has a 5, 6, and 7-point game in the 3 weeks he’s been with Spokane.
25 points in his last 8. pic.twitter.com/D0DPJ2o29S
— Cam Robinson (@Hockey_Robinson) February 2, 2025
It’s evident from these numbers that Cristall is a true magician when it comes to putting up points. He thrives in tight spaces, utilizing his hands, edges, and deception to maneuver around defenders. He has a remarkable ability to thread the needle on his passes, finding open teammates in positions that few others would. Even though he doesn’t have the hardest shot in the world, his release has an edge of deception to it. Pair that with high accuracy and it becomes a deadly weapon.
Despite not having the best skating mechanics (we will touch on this later), his edgework is elite. He can turn on a dime, manipulate defenders with his lateral movement, and create space in tight areas. This aids in his ability to slow the game down and control play. It is a major contributor to his offensive prowess.
Andrew Cristall has 74 points in 32 games this season.
A 157-point pace. One of the great seasons in modern junior hockey history. Madness. #ALLCAPS
— Scott Wheeler (@scottcwheeler) January 18, 2025
The Bad
Looking at Andrews’s point totals alone, you probably would have expected to hear his name called in the top 10. Instead, he went 40th overall. This came as a result of numerous holes in his game, such as skating and defensive abilities. As mentioned above, Cristall possesses elite edgework, however, he lacks the power and straight-line speed of a truly elite player. This, combined with his small 5’10”, 185lbs frame, makes it easier for opponents to close in on Andrew, limiting his ability to create offence off the rush.
The defensive side of Cristall’s game is also somewhat of a work in progress. Andrew has no issue using his edgework to get up the ice with speed, but when it comes to tracking back into the play, he tends to get a little lackadaisical. Then, once back in the D-zone, Cristsall is often caught out of position and can be easily pushed around when battling for the puck. He doesn’t possess that same drive in the O-zone and D-zone, making him a defensive liability at times.
The Potential Boom or Bust
Overall, Cristall has some of the highest offensive potential of any NHL prospect. His ability to put up points at his current is extremely rare and a coveted asset. With some work to his skating, strength, and defensive IQ, the possibilities are endless for Cristalls future. If, however, he struggles to adapt to the physicality and pace of the league, he could have trouble making the jump to the next level and carving out a full-time role.
Nikolaj Ehlers is someone who Cristall should try and model his game after. Before emerging as a star in the NHL, Ehlers was a high-IQ playmaker with slick hands and elite edges but there were concerns about his skating and strength. He took the necessary steps to improve his weaknesses and found a way to translate his game. If Cristall can follow a similar career path to that of Ehlers, the Washington Capitals could have a superstar in the making.
Main Photo: Geoff Burke – Imagn Images
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