Washington Capitals: Active roster expansion smart idea

Although unlikely, the Washington Capitals would benefit of the NHL and union agreed to dress more skaters. Whether for injury or insurance, it is a winner.

Would it make a difference for the Washington Capitals if they could dress 19 or 20 players a night?

Zach Leach at Pro Hockey Rumors asks in general. Is there a reason teams should only dress 18 for a game? You can read his reasons and the honestly thoughtful comments over there.

An expansion to 19 or 20 active skaters would need to be agreed to by the NHL Players Association. An expansion would pressure owners to have another player under active contract, jumping from 23 to 24. Another contract, adjusting the salary cap, more money spent means this is a non-starter unless the NHLPA fails to demand an extra contract.

But, pretend for a minute both sides agree to expansion. Imagine for a moment the Caps start the new season able to dress 19 skaters. What would that mean?

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For a veteran like Brooks Orpik, it might mean he dresses as the seventh defenseman and only kills penalties. Washington can use Christian Djoos and Madison Bowey together while not having Orpik as a healthy scratch. Remember, three players a night are healthy scratches, or hurt but not on the injured reserve list.

If teams such as the Caps used an extra spot for an Orpik, or another skater who can contribute in short chunks, it is a potential shot in the arm when a team needs one most.

Another possibility is having the standard 18 dressed but activating a player in-game in case of injury or misconduct penalty. NHL seasons are long grinds.

In this scenario, imagine Tom Wilson taking a misconduct in the second night of a back-to-back set. Instead of other players picking up his minutes to cover, you have access to a fresh skater. Although not as talented as Wilson, it is better than pushing T.J. Oshie through extra shifts in a tight game to cover.

Or, Alex Ovechkin takes a puck off the noggin and cannot return. Coach Todd Reirden selects Ovechkin’s replacement and Washington fields a full team the rest of the night. An injury replacement is best served between periods unless the NHL allows those extra skaters to dress.

This is pure speculation on Leach’s part, but the idea has merit. The NCAA is expanding active skaters to 19. For veteran clubs like the Washington Capitals, or young and unsettled teams needing experience, this is worth an extra look.