Milton Gastrin’s passion for the Washington Capitals began early, as his first hockey jersey featured Alex Ovechkin’s name and number. This childhood admiration came full circle when the Capitals selected Gastrin 37th overall during the recent NHL Draft. The Swedish center, currently playing for MoDo Hockey, expressed great excitement about joining the team he idolized while growing up.
“I can’t put words (to) it. It’s so cool that — growing up and having the Capitals as your favorite team, and you wanted a jersey from them when you were a kid, and now being able to play for them in the next couple of years, it’s so amazing,”
Gastrin said.
Gastrin’s Playing Style and Development
Throughout the draft season, Gastrin competed primarily with MoDo’s J20 team, tallying 42 points across 40 games, including 18 goals and 24 assists. He also appeared in eight games within the Swedish Hockey League (SHL), showcasing his readiness for higher levels of competition. Gastrin describes himself as a two-way player, with a playing style inspired by Colorado Avalanche’s Gabriel Landeskog.
“I would say that I’m a 200-foot player who loves to compete and can work really hard,”
he explained.
“(I’ve) got good skating and good vision and good passing ability as well, so that’s a simple way of describing it.”
Influences and Role Models Within the Capitals Organization
While Ovechkin remains his iconic childhood hero, Gastrin also looks up to Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom, another Swedish player who made a significant impact in Washington. Gastrin admires Backstrom’s career longevity and leadership within the franchise.
“I think he’s an amazing Swede,”
Gastrin shared.
“You can see his career in Washington and everything he’s done for the organization and everything. Yeah, of course, I followed him.”
Meeting Ovechkin remains a special goal. Gastrin views it as a meaningful opportunity to connect with the role model who inspired his journey.
“I think it would be a great honor to meet him,”
he said.
“Growing up with him as a role model and as a person you look up to, and now you’re going to get the chance to talk to him and meet him, so it’s just so cool.”
Looking Ahead: Development Camp and Future Plans
Gastrin is eager to attend the Capitals’ development camp, marking a new chapter in his career and his first extended stay in the United States. He anticipates experiencing the Fourth of July festivities in Washington, D.C., alongside fine-tuning his skills alongside other prospects.
“It’s going to be so cool,”
Gastrin said.
“Especially 4th of July as well. I’ve got to experience that. So I think the whole development camp and everything is going to be so amazing and so cool.”
Despite this opportunity, Gastrin plans to continue developing in Sweden for the upcoming season under a one-year contract with MoDo for 2025-26. However, he remains open to joining the Capitals sooner if the team requests his presence.
“It’s the decisions that the people in the organization have got to make,”
he noted.
“I signed a one-year deal with Moto back in Sweden, so that’s my plan, but you never know. If the Washington Capitals want me over, then it’s no doubt that I will come.”
Significance of Gastrin’s Move for the Capitals and Fans
Milton Gastrin’s transition from a devoted Capitals fan in Sweden to a drafted prospect reflects the compelling impact that Alex Ovechkin and the franchise have had internationally. Gastrin’s blend of strong two-way play and competitive spirit aligns with the team’s style, and his experience in both the J20 and SHL levels indicates potential for growth within the Capitals organization. His debut with the team will honor Ovechkin’s legacy while inspiring future generations of players inspired by the NHL star.