In the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, the Washington Capitals did quite well for themselves. Surprisingly falling to them in the second round was Andrew Cristall, who they selected at 40th overall. Last season with the Hershey Bears in the American Hockey League (AHL), Cristall scored 20 goals and added 40 assists for 60 points through 72 games. Wheeler added, "...his size, style of play and feet have often held evaluators back from believing that NHL production would follow. Luckily, that future is with the Capitals, not with the Rangers, like in Wheeler's redraft.