Well-Represented: Capitals Prospects Headed To World Juniors

The Washington Capitals will be represented at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championships, as they will see two prospects take the ice in Halifax and Moncton.

Forward Haakon Hanelt will play for Team Germany, while defenseman Ryan Chesley will suit up for Team USA.

Hanelt got the chance to suit up for Germany in Red Deer in August, scoring a goal and helping his country to the quarterfinals. He was the only German taken in the 2021 NHL Draft and the only forward Washington took in that year, as the club selected him in the fifth round. After overcoming a shoulder injury that sidelined him for the majority of last year, the 19-year-old is currently making the most of his second season in North America with the QMJHL's Gatineau Olympiques. The two-way center is known for his playmaking ability and has three goals and 14 assists for 17 points in 28 games so far. What also makes him stand out is his versatility and willingness to play any position.

Chesley was taken with the 37th pick of the 2022 NHL Draft, which Washington got from New Jersey as part of the trade for Vitek Vanecek. The 18-year-old is a product of the U.S. National Team Development Program and is currently in his freshman year at the University of Minnesota, where he has a goal and two assists through 20 games. Chesley is known for his puck-moving ability and two-way game, and while he likes to join the rush, he plays a shutdown game, battles hard and can break up chances in his own end. He markets himself as a defenseman who can "shut down any player at any time."

There were also some surprising omissions. Alexander Suzdalev, who has been lighting it up for the WHL's Regina Pats, and Ludwig Persson did not make Team Sweden's roster. Oskar Magnusson laced 'em up for the Swedes back in August, but he is now 20 years old and no longer eligible for the WJC.