Storylines to Watch at Washington Capitals Training Camp

Jenner is a grinder, a leader, and a veteran presence. He served as the Columbus Blue Jackets captain for five seasons and became part of the team’s identity and core; last season, he posted 38 points. He’s a sizeable, hard-working playmaker who will fit nicely alongside the Capitals’ sharpshooters.

Desharnais is the newest addition to the blue line. You can’t miss him — at 6-foot-7 and 225 pounds, he’s a force to be reckoned with. His defensive partner will be determined at camp, so watch how he pairs with players like Jakob Chychrun, Martin Fehervary, or even Cole Hutson.

The Newest Contract Extensions

Young players Ryan Leonard and Justin Sourdif were both signed to long-term contract extensions this week, with Leonard inking an eight-year, $84 million contract extension and Sourdif agreeing to eight years at $50.8 million. They’ll look to prove their worth and show the Capitals they deserve every penny of those sizeable contracts.

Both are coming off of highly successful rookie seasons. Leonard totaled 45 points (20 goals, 25 assists) and looked fast, physical, and flashy in his first NHL season. Sourdif reached 35 points (15 goals, 20 assists) and was a hard-working, third-line playmaker who showed impressive growth throughout the season and high potential for stardom.

The pair became the first set of rookies with double-digit goal totals since Peter Bondra and Dmitri Khristich, as well as the first pair of rookies with 15-plus goals since the 1981-82 season. They are the team’s future and will be fun to watch from training camp through the season.

Hopefuls Looking for a Roster Spot

A few players are hoping to make it out of camp and earn a full-time spot in the NHL. Andrew Cristall, Ivan Miroschnichenko, and Ilya Protas are just a few of the prospects hoping to log some big-league minutes this season.

Cristall has been narrowly beat out of camp for three seasons now but is looking to crack the lineup once and for all. He was sent alongside Hutson to the NHL’s Rookie Showcase this year for media availability, so the odds are in his favor. He had 60 points with Washington’s American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Hershey Bears, last season. Time and time again, he has proven he is ready for the call-up, and this may finally be his season.

Miroschnichenko has had some NHL time, playing for both the Capitals and the Bears over three seasons. While he has a much higher production rate in the AHL, he has shown flashes of potential and continued to develop season over season. His showing at training camp is critical and could determine whether a full-time call-up is warranted or if he needs continued development with the Bears.

Protas will be fun to watch at camp. He is a true all-around player who is offensively skilled, physical, and fast. After his showing with the Capitals last season (four points in four games) and his 66-point run with the Bears, he has more than likely earned a full-time spot in the NHL. However, his training camp performance will allow the team to make the final call and determine where he fits in the lineup.

A few other prospects to keep an eye on at training camp are Lynden Lakovic, Eriks Mateiko, Bogdan Trineyev, and Ryan Chesley. Washington’s prospect pool is deep and chock-full of talent. Each will be battling hard to make an impression on the front office staff and prove their worth.

After training camp, the Capitals’ preseason begins on Sept. 20 against the Boston Bruins. They will face off again on Sept. 25. The Capitals meet the Philadelphia Flyers on Sept. 21 and 26 before starting the regular season on Oct. 2 against the Carolina Hurricanes.