Capitals Make Final Cuts, Waive Johansen & More After Practice

ARLINGTON, V.A. — The final cuts are set to be said and done, and the Washington Capitals opening night roster appears to be set with camp coming to a close.

After Sunday’s practice, pending how things go for T.J. Oshie and Dmitry Orlov, who are skating in full contact jerseys. The Capitals plan to place Axel Jonsson-Fjallby, Brett Leason, Henrik Borgstrom and Lucas Johansen on waivers for the purpose of assignment to the AHL’s Hershey Bears. Those four are not skating today.

Players must be placed on waivers ahead of the regular season by 2 p.m ET. Final opening night rosters are due at 5 p.m. ET on Monday.

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Washington’s final roster therefore appears to be set, with Aliaksei Protas and Joe Snively making the team. The two have impressed over the course of camp and the preseason, and the team will run with 14 forwards and seven defensemen to start. Matt Irwin is the extra defenseman for now.

Johansen had a strong run in the preseason, dishing an assist and showing improved skating and vision. However, he can still benefit from extra development, and more playing time would be better than being an extra blueliner for now. AJF, Borgstrom and Leason still have work to do, and Hershey will be a good place to do that.