WHN’s Top Capitals Prospects: Vincent Iorio, Top Defenseman, Ranked No. 4

In preparation for the 2023-24 season, Washington Hockey Now staff have compiled a list of the top 10 Washington Capitals prospects. The final rankings are based on the research and discussions of WHN staff.

No. 4: Vincent Iorio, RHD

Age: 20; Ht-Wt: 6-4, 200; Shoots: Right; Drafted: 2nd round, 2021.

Vincent Iorio is the Washington Capitals’ top defensive prospect headed into the 2023-24 season, and it’s easy to see why.

During the Hershey Bears run to the Calder Cup, Iorio was objectively one of the top offensive producers on the blue line. His 22 regular season points last season — two goals, 20 assists — ranked second best among the team’s defensemen before he added five more during the playoffs.

Iorio has developed a reputation as a smart two-way defender with the ability to repeatedly hit his spots when passing the puck. His skills would translate especially well on the power play, considering that he finished second among the team’s defensemen with 33 assists during his final year with the WHL’s Brandon Wheat Kings and has shown no sign of slowing down.

Iorio’s knocking on the door of the NHL, but when he makes it there is still to be determined. The Capitals’ three right-handed defensemen — John Carlson, Trevor van Riemsdyk and Nick Jensen — are all under contract through the 2025-26 season, making opportunities scarce.

However, offseason acquisition Joel Edmundson, albeit a left-hander, has one year remaining on his contract, meaning Iorio could crack the roster as the seventh defenseman, depending on the team’s future plans.

Statistics

Where Is He Playing This Year?

With the Capitals’ defensive corps appearing set, Iorio is likely to start the season with the AHL’s Hershey Bears.