Lapierre, McMichael Lead Washington Capitals Rookie Camp Roster

As the Washington Capitals continue informal skates and prepare to return for the official start of training camp on Sept. 22, the team’s prospects are ready to take the ice as well. The team will kick off its annual rookie camp on Saturday, Sept. 18, at MedStar Capitals Iceplex in Arlington, V.A. Camp will run through Monday, Sept. 20, and then the team will have a day off before resuming for veteran camp.

Washington released its official rookie camp roster on Wednesday. The roster features 10 forwards, eight defensemen and two goaltenders. Out of the 20 players attending, 13 are Capitals draft picks. In addition to a number of signed and unsigned Capitals prospects, a number of free-agent amateur players will participate as well.

On-ice sessions will be open to the public for free. However, players, under NHL and NHLPA protocols, will not be able to shake hands, take photos with or sign autographs for fans. Fans must also wear masks regardless of vaccination status.

Capitals Rookie Camp Roster

Forwards

Connor McMichael (C), Hendrix Lapierre (C), Brett Leason (RW), Bear Hughes (C), Oskar Magnusson (LW), Aliaksei Protas (C), Haakon Hanelt (C), Riley Sutter (RW), Kody Clark (RW), Matt Maggio (RW)

Defensemen

Vincent Iorio, Tobias Geisser, Dru Krebs, Martin Has, Chaz Reddekopp, Patrick Holway, Jake Massie, Bobby Nardella

Goaltenders

Hunter Shepherd, Ryan Bednard

Names to Watch

Connor McMichael is expected to make serious noise at training camp and could make a run at a roster spot. The 2019 first-rounder is a talented center who shined in his AHL rookie campaign last season. In 33 games, he led the AHL’s Hershey Bears in scoring with 14 goals and 27 points.

Hendrix Lapierre is another name to watch this season. The QMJHL forward went 22nd overall back in 2020 and could be among the top steals from that draft class. He had been considered a top-10 pick in the past, but injuries over time had dropped his draft stock. It’ll be interesting to see how he performs in a full season while healthy.

There are also a number of names from the 2021 draft in attendance. Vinnie Iorio was the Capitals’ first selection from this summer. The WHL blueliner markets himself as a “poised, smooth-skating, two-way defenseman who’s reliable in all three zones.” Also joining him: 2021 fifth-round pick Haakon Hanelt and sixth-rounder Dru Krebs.

Washington also invited a number of free agents, including Matt Maggio, (SK Lejon), Chaz Reddekopp (San Jose), Patrick Holway (Merrimack) and Jake Massie (Greenville).