Capitals Rookie Camp Notebook: Krebs Stepping Up; Iorio, Lapierre Stand Out

The Washington Capitals took the ice in Arlington for the second day of rookie camp at Medstar Capitals Iceplex. Day 2 was much more fast-paced, with players taking part in gritty 1-on-1 drills, mini scrimmages and more.

Here are a few takeaways from Sunday’s on-ice session.

Dru Krebs Came To Play

One of the standouts for me was Dru Krebs. Krebs went in the sixth round of the 2021 NHL Draft and is known for his strong skating and passing. That was on full display in Day 2. Krebs was fully engaged and dominated in 1-on-1 puck battles. He also showcased his physicality, even delivering a massive check on Connor McMichael early on. Krebs also showed off his deceptive passing and puck-moving ability during the mini scrimmages.

Krebs is coming off a strong campaign with the WHL’s Medicine Hat Tigers, where he dished 11 assists in 23 games. Look for him to continue to develop into a strong, puck-moving defenseman as time goes on.

Lapierre, Iorio Continue To Impress

Washington’s top draft picks from these past two years in Hendrix Lapierre and Vinnie Iorio have also been impressive. Lapierre continues to boast a strong shot and speed, and he’s taking on the role as a leader on the ice so far through training camp.

The 19-year-old said he’s feeling good and confident on the ice and that he had a strong summer of training. Krebs also worked on his nutrition and sleep schedule over the summer.

“I think I’m getting closer to [my NHL dream] every day, I mean I do everything in my power each and every day to be a better hockey player, whether it’s on-ice preparation or off-ice preparation,” Lapierre said. “I definitely feel really good right now, lots of confidence. I think that’s a good thing, you know, the mental side of things and right now, I feel confident in my abilities and just in my general place.”

Iorio is also coming off a strong offseason. The 2021 No. 55 pick trained in Vancouver with former Capitals defenseman Brenden Dillon. He also said that he worked on lower-body strength over the offseason and wants to improve on staying low and maintaining efficiency while skating.

“It’s going to be really important, being out here,” Iorio said. “It’s something that I really need to adjust to, so it’s good.”

READ MORE ON WHN: Connor McMichael Stands Out To Open Capitals Rookie Camp

Day 2 Takeaways

Aliaksei Protas, Bear Hughes and Kody Clark were among my standouts for Day 2. Clark’s still having fun but also playing a fast-paced game. Hughes and Protas continue to display their strong shooting ability.

Haakon Hanelt did not take part in Sunday’s on-ice session but was at the rink.