Driven ex-Salisbury forward Capone working way up prospect rankings

East Haven, Conn., native Nick Capone honed his game with the Tri-City Storm in the USHL. (Eldon Holmes)

Nick Capone couldn’t believe it. Truthfully, the 18-year-old from East Haven, Conn., still thinks it’s too crazy to be true.
But there it is, for the world to see, Capone’s name on National Hockey League Central Scouting’s preliminary players to watch list for the 2020 NHL draft, which was released in October.

“Growing up and loving hockey as much as I do, seeing my name on that list was mind-blowing,” said Capone, who, as of Dec. 12, had 11 points (4-7-11) in 19 games this season with the Tri-City Storm in the United States Hockey League.

The 6-foot-2, 210-pound right wing’s name also appeared on the bureau’s players to watch list, which was released the following month. In both cases, Capone earned a C rating, signifying that he’s a candidate to be selected in the fourth, fifth or sixth round.