Stars and Sticks
Fansided

Washington Capitals open up Rookie Tournament Saturday against Carolina Hurricanes

By Michael Marzzacco

DALLAS, TX - JUNE 22: Alexander Alexeyev speaks to the media after being selected thirty-first overall by the Washington Capitals during the first round of the 2018 NHL Draft at American Airlines Center on June 22, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - JUNE 22: Alexander Alexeyev speaks to the media after being selected thirty-first overall by the Washington Capitals during the first round of the 2018 NHL Draft at American Airlines Center on June 22, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Washington Capitals hockey is back.

Eh, sort of. For 24 Washington Capitals prospects plus a few non-roster invitees, hockey begins on Saturday afternoon as they’ll take on the Carolina Hurricanes prospects with a 1 p.m. central time puck drop (2 p.m. eastern).

There are several exciting prospects to keep an eye on throughout the tournament. Names such as Alex Alexeyev, Ilya Samsonov, Connor McMichael, Axel-Jonsson Fjallby, Joe Snively, and many others.

This contest won’t have the emotional significance like it will in less than a month from now when the Hurricanes come to Capital One Arena, but whether it’s prospects or the big club, Capitals vs. Hurricanes games are always must-see TV.

More from Capitals News

One big storyline to watch in this game has to do with a former Caps prospect that got away. Chase Priske, a defenseman, was drafted by the Capitals in the sixth round at 177th overall.

After completing his college career and realizing the extensive depth the Capitals already have in the prospect pool among the defense, Priskie informed the team when his rights expired that he wouldn’t re-sign.

Priskie could sign with any team he wanted once his rights expired and he committed to the Carolina Hurricanes after the team expressed interest during the NHL Draft. He not only is one of their top defensive prospects but now he has a chance to crack an NHL roster. This will be his first test.

On the other end is Alex Alexeyev, who is taking part in his second rookie tournament and he’s come a long way since his knee injury. He looks to make the roster himself and is a dark horse for that possibility. Last season he scored 10 goals and 33 assists (43 points) in 49 games for the Red Der Rebels and helped lead Team Russia to the Bronze medal in the World Junior Championships with two goals and four assists in seven games.

Only two players on the rookie tournament roster are free agent invitees. Those players are left winger Mitchell Vanderlaan and goaltender Beck Warm. Vanderlaan suited up for two games with the AHL’s Utica following his 30-point season (11 goals, 19 assists) at Cornell University. Warm comes from the WHL’s Tri-City Americans. Last season he finished with a 32-23-5 record with a 2.94 GAA and .916 save percentage.

Trending. Will Evgeny Kuznetsov bounce back this season?. light

Once again, puck drop from Ford Ice Center is at 1 p.m. central, 2 p.m. eastern. You can catch the game online by streaming it at WashingtonCaps.com or you can listen on Caps Radio 24/7.

Home/Capitals News