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Washington Capitals to host rookie tournament in Florida

By Dave Stevenson

Sep 24, 2015; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Washington Capitals center Jakub Vrana (13) before the game against Montreal Canadiens at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2015; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Washington Capitals center Jakub Vrana (13) before the game against Montreal Canadiens at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Washington Capitals will be the hosts of a four team rookie tournament in Florida in September. 

Last year, the Washington Capitals participated in a rookie tournament in Florida. In 2017, they will be the hosts. The tournament will feature prospects from the Capitals, Florida Panthers, Nashville Predators and Tampa Bay Lightning. In a round robin style tournament, each team will face every other team, guaranteeing at least three games for each team.

Here’s the schedule, according to the press release.

"The complete schedule is listed below:Saturday, Sept. 9: Florida vs. Washington, 1 p.m.Saturday, Sept. 9: Nashville vs. Tampa Bay, 4:30 p.m.Sunday, Sept. 10: Tampa Bay vs. Washington, 1 p.m.Sunday, Sept. 10: Nashville vs. Florida, 4:30 p.m.Tuesday, Sept. 12: Washington vs. Nashville, 10 a.m.Tuesday, Sept. 12: Florida vs. Tampa Bay, 2 p.m."

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Last season, the Caps prospects went winless, losing each of their three games. However, it proved to be a valuable experience for a number of the prospects. This year’s roster will be announced at a later date. It will most likely not feature Jakub Vrana, the 2014 first round pick of the Capitals. He will most likely be seeing NHL ice time this season and he has likely grown out of his prospect status.

However, expect to get a good long look at several prospects. Jonas Siegenthaler, a 2015 second round pick, should be one of the featured prospects. As should defenseman Lucas Johansen, brother of Ryan Johansen and a 2016 first round pick.

Record setting blue liner Connor Hobbs will likely be featured as well. The Caps should have one of the better blue lines at the tournament. In goal will most likely be Vitek Vanecek, but Ilya Samsonov, should the Capitals work something out with his KHL team, might get a whiff of North American action in the tournament.

The tournament will be held from September 9 to September 12. It should prove to be a learning experience for everyone involved.

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