Sammi’s Daily: Capitals Camp Is Here, Media Days, Dubas On No Extension

The Washington Capitals are finally back, as Wednesday marks the team’s in-house media day, physicals and off-ice testing. Then, on Thursday, the team will take part in the first organized on-ice sessions on Day 1 of training camp.

Washington have 68 skaters on the camp roster, with Nicklas Backstrom and Tom Wilson not expected to take part in on-ice activities as they recover from major surgeries. Alex Alexeyev has been skating in a non-contact jersey and Carl Hagelin has switched out of the powder blue at informal skates, though both are still listed as injured on the training camp roster.

Other teams around the league are back in action, too, with their camps and media days underway. Most free agents are also off the market, as quite a few UFA defensemen — and legends — announced their retirements on Wednesday.

Here are all the latest news and notes from D.C. and the NHL:

Washington Capitals News

• The Capitals training camp roster is officially out, and will consist of 42 forwards, 20 defensemen and six goalies. (WHN)
• Hendrix Lapierre has his sights set on winning a roster spot again, and in preparation, he gained almost 10 pounds of muscle. (WHN)
• Henrik Rybinski, another name at Washington’s camp, also opened up about his rough time in Florida and how he’s hitting reset in D.C. (WHN)
• For the first time in NHL history, fans can watch the 2023 NHL Stadium Series between the Capitals and Hurricanes in North Carolina on the field. (ESPN)

NHL News

• Nathan MacKinnon is now the highest-paid player in NHL history after signing a mega extension with the Avalanche. Colorado Avalanche (CHN)
• Anders Lee discussed the Islanders’ decision to fire Barry Trotz and also shared more on the former Washington coach, as well as Lane Lambert. New York Islanders (NYIHN)
• Zdeno Chara made quite the impact with Boston, but he’s also perhaps the greatest NHL free agent of all time. Boston Bruins (BHN+)
• Looking back at P.K. Subban’s best moments in Montreal as he hangs up the skates at 33. Montreal Canadiens (MHN)

Sammi’s Top Shelf Takes

• Kyle Dubas told the Toronto media that the Maple Leafs informed him that no extension would be coming yet, but will be evaluated at the end of 2022-23. He said he is fine with that, per The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun.

Dubas says he was informed by Brendan Shanahan this summer that no extension was coming at this point in time. Which again, the Leafs GM insists he’s ok with given the fact they haven’t delivered yet in the playoffs. He’s comfortable being judged after this season.

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) September 21, 2022

• The Capitals are setting up for their in-house media day where they’ll get all of their promotions ready to go for the season. This should get fans excited.

Good morning! It's an #ALLCAPS Media Day, presented by @Ticketmaster!

The building may be closed, but atCapitals will have you covered with as much behind-the-scenes content as we can muster. pic.twitter.com/lNL20OLZrN

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) September 21, 2022

• Meanwhile, Bruce Anderson, Washington’s long-time organist, will not be back for 2022-23 as the team is retiring the organ. Stick taps to Bruce, an incredibly nice guy and amazing musician. Thank you for all the memories.

Found out today that the @Capitals will no longer be using the organ for Caps games. I’ve had a great ride for 22 years- a Stanley Cup Ring -an Emmy – A Winter Classic and lots of great memories with friends.
Thanks Caps fans for your support through the years!

— Bruce Anderson (@Bruce_CapsOrgan) September 21, 2022

• Nick Jensen turns 32 today.