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Washington Capitals: Top 5 prospects heading into 2019

By Michael Marzzacco

SUNRISE, FL - JUNE 26: Ilya Samsonov leaves the stage after being selected 22nd by the Washington Capitals during Round One of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center on June 26, 2015 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images)
SUNRISE, FL - JUNE 26: Ilya Samsonov leaves the stage after being selected 22nd by the Washington Capitals during Round One of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center on June 26, 2015 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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3. Tyler Lewington

OTTAWA, ON – DECEMBER 29: Washington Capitals Defenceman Tyler Lewington (78) and Ottawa Senators Center Zack Smith (15) fight during second period National Hockey League action between the Washington Capitals and Ottawa Senators on December 29, 2018, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
OTTAWA, ON – DECEMBER 29: Washington Capitals Defenceman Tyler Lewington (78) and Ottawa Senators Center Zack Smith (15) fight during second period National Hockey League action between the Washington Capitals and Ottawa Senators on December 29, 2018, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

One defensemen prospect in the Capitals system who is a clear cut favorite to get recalled to the lineup should an injury occur is Tyler Lewington, and for good reason. Lewington had a big highlight last season and is a Caps player with the rarity of accomplishing a Gordie Howe Hat Trick.

The 2013 seventh rounder was named an alternate captain for the Bears last season and finished with 15 points (3 goals, 12 assists) in 65 games while adding 121 penalty minutes. Lewington’s best season was the 2015-16 campaign where he recorded 17 points (4 goals, 13 assists) in 72 games in Hershey’s run to the Calder Cup Final.

TORONTO, ON – MAY 25 – Marlies’ William Nylander gets a pounding by Hershey’s Tyler Lewington during 2nd period action between Toronto Marlies and Hershey Bears in game three of seven in the Calder Cup Eastern Conference Final in the American Hockey League. May 25, 2016. (Bernard Weil/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – MAY 25 – Marlies’ William Nylander gets a pounding by Hershey’s Tyler Lewington during 2nd period action between Toronto Marlies and Hershey Bears in game three of seven in the Calder Cup Eastern Conference Final in the American Hockey League. May 25, 2016. (Bernard Weil/Toronto Star via Getty Images) /

The Capitals defense had a few injuries last season and Lewington got his opportunity when Brooks Orpik and Christian Djoos both missed time. The Gordie Howe Hat Lewington recorded on Dec. 29, 2018 in Ottawa against the Senators was the first time in Capitals history a defenseman accomplished the feat since Kevin Hatcher on Feb. 10, 1991 against the Philadelphia Flyers.

Lewington also isn’t afraid to drop the gloves and had seven fights in the AHL last season as well as the fight in his Gordie Howe Hat Trick. There’s a strong possibility he could be a plug for a number seven defensemen only time will tell during training camp.

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