Plus more from around world of hockey

The Washington Capitals announced today that they have loaned Leon Muggli to EV Zug of the Swiss National League for the 2024-25 season. He will return to North America for Capitals Rookie Camp in September per new General Manager Chris Patrick.

The 18 year old was selected with the 52nd overall pick in this year’s draft. More from the Capitals press release:

“The six foot one, 173 pound defenseman recorded 12 points with three goals and nine assists in 42 games with EV Zug during the 2023-24 season. Muggli, who turned 18 on July 9, led all under 18 skaters in the NL in scoring and his 12 points were the most ever by a defenseman at age 17 or younger in league history.”

– Capitals PR
The Cham, Switzerland native also appeared in four championship games with Zug’s under 20 team, registering two assists in four games and he also represented Switzerland in the 2024 World Junior Championship, the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and captained the Swiss at the 2024 under 18 world championships where he scored a goal in three games.

In the 2022-23 season, Muggli split time between Zug’s under 20 team, recording eight points in 22 games with a goal and seven assists. He additionally was on the under 17 team with the captain patch on his sleeve, recording 11 points with five goals and six assists in 16 games.

Additionally he captained Switzerland to the gold medal at the 2023 European Youth Olympics and was named the tournament’s best defenseman recording four points in three games with a goal and three assists. Muggli was ranked fifth among international defensemen and 11th among all international skaters by NHL Central Scouting.

In other Caps news there was some kind words from former Capital Dmitry Orlov.

Orlov on Ovechkin

Dmitry Orlov strongly believes that Alex Ovechkin can break Wayne Gretzky’s record this upcoming season. He spoke with Instead of Power and per Sammi Silber of the Hockey News who translated it through DeepL:

“”I hope he can do it this season. After all, there are only 42 goals left. I think Sasha can do anything. He knows how to score… I wish him luck… when he rises to the top in NHL history in goals, it will be worth it.””

– Orlov per Silber
The Caps season inches closer and Ovechkin is closing in on NHL history and it’s refreshing to see one of his proud former teammates say those words about the great eight.