The Washington Capitals provided significant clarity regarding their Opening Night roster after placing goaltender Hunter Shepard on NHL waivers at 2 PM. Sunday marked the final opportunity for teams to waive a player before the 5 PM deadline on Monday when each team’s 23-man roster must be finalized and submitted.
With the trio of Dylan McIlrath, Alex Alexeyev, and Sonny Milano not being waived, it appears they have secured their spots on the team—unless an unexpected event, such as a trade, occurs.
The Capitals now have three healthy forwards remaining—Jakub Vrana, Ivan Miroshnichenko, and Andrew Cristall—with only one spot left on the roster.
Jakub Vrana
Vrana is the only player among the three attending camp on a professional tryout, meaning his contract for the 2024-25 season is not guaranteed. The 28-year-old winger had four preseason games to earn a contract. Among forwards, he led the Capitals in shots (11), individual shot attempts (18), and individual scoring chances (12). He also achieved two points (1g, 1a) and drew a penalty.
“[His speed] is his biggest asset,” Carbery noted last week. “A couple of times tonight, he almost got in. He had a half breakaway on his backhand and created a decent chance. His speed and ability to find space behind defenders to create offense are crucial parts of his game.”
When Vrana was on the ice, Washington excelled in five-on-five play. During his time on the ice, the Capitals recorded 58.5 percent of shot attempts, 59.9 percent of expected goals, and 62.3 percent of scoring chances. Given the team’s struggles to score and generate offense last season, Vrana could offer the Capitals the dynamism they desperately need.
Ivan Miroshnichenko
Miroshnichenko enjoys the most flexibility, as the 20-year-old Russian is still under his entry-level contract, allowing him to move between the Hershey Bears and Washington without waiver concerns. Miro had a quieter preseason compared to the other contenders and faced criticism from Carbery regarding his decision-making in his last game.
“I wasn’t pleased with the goal we allowed in the third period,” Carbery commented. “They seemed to be cheating a bit, expecting Vrana to chip the puck. Miro and Sgarbs went on the offensive, and before we knew it, it was a 3-2 game, and the momentum swung.”
“It’s challenging. I understand their intention to read the situation and seek a goal, thinking it will help them secure a spot on the team. However, mentally this is part of the professional maturation process. We need correct reads instead of unnecessary goals.”
Miroshnichenko finished the preseason with two points (1g, 1a), taking eight shots on goal and drawing three penalties. He recorded six points (2g, 4a) across 21 games for the Capitals last season.
With a single open position on the third line, where playing time may be limited, the Capitals might view sending Miroshnichenko back to Hershey as the best option. This would allow the young sniper to continue developing his game and become a dominant figure on the AHL team. The Capitals likely envision Miroshnichenko as part of their top-six in the future but require him to refine his off-puck game.
Andrew Cristall
Although Cristall had the strongest training camp among the three wingers, his chances of making the roster are slim due to salary cap constraints. To effectively utilize the LTIR savings from both TJ Oshie and Nicklas Backstrom, the Capitals aim to submit a final roster that sits less than $9.2 million (Backstrom’s AAV) over the cap.
In order to place Oshie on LTIR, the Capitals need to have an open roster spot for him on Monday. It’s likely Hendrix Lapierre will be sent to Hershey in a procedural move, only to be recalled once Oshie is placed on LTIR. Cristall’s salary ($873,333) cannot be buried in the AHL, which complicates Washington’s ability to remain cap-compliant unless they make a trade before the deadline. Washington does not face the same issue with Nicklas Backstrom, as they utilized offseason LTIR for the veteran Swede, meaning Backstrom will automatically be listed on LTIR when the final roster is submitted.
Head coach Spencer Carbery included Cristall in the lineup for the final preseason game against the Boston Bruins on Saturday. While he did not contribute to the scoresheet, he still impressed and justified Carbery’s choice to include him for a fourth appearance this fall.
“I thought he played solid again tonight,” Carbery commented after the game. “It was similar to how he has performed throughout camp. Being a smaller guy, he has been bumped off the puck a bit and faced challenges in puck battles. However, he had a breakaway and another good chance in the first period. He does a lot of positive things and is consistently around the puck, proving that he deserves to stay right until the end.”
Don Fishman, the Capitals’ strategic cap expert, clearly has a challenging task ahead as the team may have several plans in motion to create financial space before Saturday’s home opener.
While the game roster for Saturday may differ, this is the group the Capitals are likely to submit to the NHL on Monday.
Capitals’ projected Opening Night roster
Forwards
Alex Ovechkin
Pierre-Luc Dubois
Tom Wilson
Andrew Mangiapane
Dylan Strome
Aliaksei Protas
Connor McMichael
Sonny Milano
Brandon Duhaime
Nic Dowd
Taylor Raddysh
TJ Oshie to LTIR (Hendrix Lapierre papered to Hershey)
Jakub Vrana/Ivan Miroshnichenko/Andrew Cristall
Defensemen
John Carlson
Matt Roy
Jakob Chychrun
Rasmus Sandin
Trevor van Riemsdyk
Martin Fehervary
Alex Alexeyev
Dylan McIlrath
Goaltenders
Charlie Lindgren
Logan Thompson
Capitals Set for Opening Night: Key Roster Insights and Final Decisions
Overview of the Washington Capitals’ Roster Decisions
As the Washington Capitals gear up for their opening night of the 2024-25 NHL season, fans and analysts alike are eager to learn about the team’s roster decisions and key insights that could impact their performance. The Capitals, known for their competitive spirit and rich history, are entering this season with a mix of veteran leadership and fresh talent, making it a pivotal year for the franchise.
Key Roster Changes
The Capitals have made several significant changes to their roster during the offseason. Below are some of the most noteworthy adjustments:
- New Additions: The Capitals have acquired several promising players through trades and the draft, adding depth to both the offense and defense.
- Departures: Key players from last season have moved on, including retired veterans and those traded to other teams, which has opened opportunities for younger players.
- Free Agent Signings: The Capitals have strategically signed free agents who can fill gaps in their game, enhancing their chances for a successful season.
Highlighting the Roster: Key Players to Watch
As the Capitals prepare for their first game, several players stand out as crucial to the team’s success. Here’s a closer look at these key figures:
| Player Name | Position | Last Season Points | Notable Skills |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alex Ovechkin | LW | 50 | Goal Scoring, Leadership |
| Evgeny Kuznetsov | C | 45 | Playmaking, Speed |
| John Carlson | Defense | 40 | Offensive Defenseman, Vision |
| Darcy Kuemper | Goalie | – | Shot-Stopping, Experience |
Rookies Making a Mark
With the departure of several seasoned players, the Capitals are turning to their younger prospects. Here are some rookies expected to make a significant impact this season:
- Connor McMichael: A talented center who showcased his skills in previous seasons. His ability to score and create plays could be vital.
- Martin Fehervary: A promising defenseman known for his physical play and defensive awareness, expected to fill a crucial role on the blue line.
- Aliaksei Protas: A young forward with great size and skill, Protas has the potential to be a key player in the Capitals’ scoring lineup.
Coaching Strategies and Game Plan
Head Coach Spencer Carbery has emphasized a balanced approach this season, focusing on the following strategies:
Defensive Structure
The Capitals will prioritize a strong defensive structure, aiming to limit high-quality scoring chances against them. This involves:
- Zone Coverage: Implementing effective zone coverage to stifle opposing offenses.
- Physical Play: Encouraging defensemen to play physically to win puck battles and maintain possession.
Offensive Creativity
Offensively, the team needs to leverage its skillful roster, focusing on:
- Transition Play: Quick transitions from defense to offense to capitalize on opponents’ mistakes.
- Power Play Efficiency: Maximizing power play opportunities to increase scoring potential.
Fan Engagement and Community Connection
The Capitals are dedicated to engaging with their fan base this season. Here are some initiatives in place:
- Meet and Greet Events: Fans will have opportunities to meet players at community events throughout the season.
- Social Media Interaction: The team has ramped up its social media presence, providing fans with behind-the-scenes content, player interviews, and interactive polls.
- Promotions and Giveaways: Expect exciting promotions during home games, including giveaways and special ticket discounts.
Season Predictions and Expectations
With the opening night approaching, analysts and fans are speculating on the Capitals’ potential performance this season. Here are some key factors that will influence expectations:
- Health of Key Players: The team’s success heavily relies on the health and performance of its star players. Keeping Ovechkin and Kuznetsov healthy will be crucial.
- Rookie Contributions: The impact of rookies like McMichael and Fehervary can significantly boost the team’s depth.
- Coaching Adaptability: Carbery’s ability to adapt the game plan based on opponents will be a key factor in navigating the competitive landscape of the NHL.
Looking Ahead: Schedule and Important Dates
The Capitals’ 2024-25 schedule is packed with exciting matchups. Here are some key dates to note:
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| October 10, 2024 | Boston Bruins | Home |
| October 12, 2024 | New York Rangers | Away |
| October 14, 2024 | Philadelphia Flyers | Home |
Benefits of Attending Games
Attending Capitals games offers numerous benefits for fans, including:
- Live Experience: There’s nothing quite like the excitement of live hockey, from the energy of the crowd to the thrill of scoring goals.
- Community Connection: Games foster a sense of community among fans, providing opportunities to connect with fellow supporters.
- Merchandise and Memorabilia: Fans can purchase exclusive Capitals merchandise during games, making for great keepsakes.
Final Thoughts on the Season Ahead
The Capitals are poised for an exciting season, with a mix of seasoned veterans and promising rookies. As the opening night approaches, all eyes are on how the team will execute their game plan and respond to the challenges ahead. With a strong roster and strategic coaching, the Capitals aim to make a significant impact in the NHL this year.
