Sammi’s Daily: Capitals Camp, Miroshnichenko News, Subban & More Retire

The Washington Capitals are ready for main camp, and several members of the team are hungry to get started — especially Hendrix Lapierre.

Lapierre is ready to battle for a roster spot yet again, and despite limited space, he plans to make it difficult for the coaches to send him back down.

“That’s up to him,” assistant general manager Ross Mahoney said about Lapierre’s chances of making the roster.

“You can’t arrive at camp and not have the mentality of making that team. You have to be a confident player. I’ve put myself in a situation to have success with what I’ve done this summer,” Lapierre noted. “The goal is to make that team. It’s been in my head ever since I got eliminated last year from the QMJHL it’s still in my head and now it’s go time.”

There will be a day off on Tuesday before off-ice testing and physicals on Wednesday. Training camp officially kicks off on Thursday with the first on-ice sessions for the Capitals.

Meanwhile, there are other updates for Washington and other NHL clubs, and quite a few names, including P.K. Subban, made headlines early on Tuesday as they announced they were hanging up the skates.

Here are all the latest news and notes and everything to know from D.C. and across the NHL:

Washington Capitals News

• The Capitals provided an update on Ivan Miroshnichenko and his plan for 2022-23 as he works to return to play. He is in remission following a Hodgkin’s Lymphoma diagnosis and chemotherapy this past year. (WHN)
• Bear Hughes and Haakon Hanelt were among the names to stand out for Washington on the final day of rookie camp. (WHN)
• Here are more sights and sounds from Capitals rookie camp, including videos and photos. (WHN)
• Former Washington defenseman Zdeno Chara is hanging up the skates after 24 NHL seasons and a Stanley Cup.

NHL News

• As Chara signs a one-day deal to retire with Boston, the Bruins are considering options for PTOs going into camp. Boston Bruins (BHN)
• Mat Barzal is ready to make an All-Star imapct once again on the Island this season, and Lou Lamoriello thinks he can get New York back into playoff position as Barzal eyes an extension. New York Islanders (NYIHN)
• Beyond Juraj Slafkovsky, there are several Canadiens prospects who could have breakout years in 2022-23. Montreal Canadiens (MHN)
• Another player hanging up the skates: ironman Keith Yandle. (TSN)

Sammi’s Top Shelf Takes

• Assistant general manager Ross Mahoney photobombed the start of Lapierre’s presser on Monday to sing his praises. Great sign for the 20-year-old going into camp. “Talk about an unselfish player? This guy.”
• Speaking of Lapierre, also caught up with Vincent Iorio ahead of camp. He’s ready to make the pro jump this season, and also, had a lot of fun in D.C. this past week. Heading into camp, he’s rooming with no other than Hendrix.
• Alexander Suzdalev showed off his moves yesterday, and the story of where he gets his quick hands and found his love for hockey is an interestng one that involves bandy, mini-sticks and Alex Semin.

Mini-Sticks, Bandy & Alex Semin: Suzdalev Details Road To Capitals

• Phil Kessel looks good heading into camp. Looks lean and in shape as he prepares for his first year with the Vegas Golden Knights.

Phil Kessel: 1
Monday: 0 pic.twitter.com/VmnnxMYqxT

— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) September 19, 2022