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Capitals Release 2022 Preseason Schedule

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Capitals prospect Lucas Johansen

The Washington Capitals are gearing up for the 2022-23 season, and as they await their 82-game slate, they have their preseason schedule laid out in front of them.

Washington will play in six preseason games. The Capitals kick off the preseason on Sept. 25 against the Buffalo Sabres at 2 p.m. ET and then head to Philadelphia on Sept. 28 to face the Flyers. They will then travel to Detroit for a tilt with the Red Wings on Sept. 30 before heading to Columbus for a matchup with the Blue Jackets in the second half of a back-to-back on Oct. 1. After that, Washington will close out the preseason with two home games, one against Detroit on Oct. 5 and one against the Blue Jackets on Oct. 8.

Here is the full slate:

Sunday, Sept. 25 – Sabres vs. Capitals, 2 p.m. ET, Capital One Arena

Wednesday, Sept. 28 – Capitals vs. Flyers, 7 p.m. ET, Wells Fargo Center

Friday, Sept. 30 – Capitals vs. Red Wings, 7:30 p.m. ET, Little Caesars Arena

Saturday, Oct. 1 – Capitals vs. Blue Jackets, 7 p.m. ET, Nationwide Arena

Wednesday, Oct. 5 – Red Wings vs. Capitals, 7 p.m. ET, Capital One Arena

Saturday, Oct. 8 – Blue Jackets vs. Capitals, 7 p.m. ET, Capital One Arena

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This preseason will be important for the Capitals, who are relying on some of their prospects to step up in wake of a few absences and likely departures. Washington will be without Nicklas Backstrom for the foreseeable future. Also, it is unclear whether or not Carl Hagelin will play again after a devastating eye injury, and Tom Wilson will be out until at least December as he recovers from ACL surgery. Meanwhile, on the backend, Justin Schultz, Michal Kempny and Matt Irwin are all UFAs, which leaves a vacancy open on the left side if they do not return.

Some names to watch include Beck Malenstyn, who recently signed a two-year extension that will start off as a two-way deal this season and turn one-way in the next. Brett Leason and Aliaksei Protas will also be working hard to make the NHL after spending extended time up in D.C. this season. Also, Hendrix Lapierre is a dark horse after being a standout last year.

On defense, Lucas Johansen appears to have a shot at making the NHL jump, especially with Alex Alexeyev missing camp after undergoing shoulder surgery. Other prospects who could get time in the preseason as they continue their development include Vinnie Iorio, Dru Krebs and many more.