Washington Capitals: Top 3 positional battles this preseason

2 of 3

Michal Kempny, Washington Capitals Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

#2 Martin Fehervary vs. Michal Kempny

The Caps were not only so high on Trevor van Riemsdyk that they decided to protect him in the Seattle Expansion Draft, they’re confident he can occupy the left side of the defense despite being a righty. We all thought there was two spots open for the defense with the departure of Brenden Dillon and Zdeno Chara. Now that leaves just one.

Michal Kempny will be on the roster tonight for the third straight preseason game but it’ll be just the second time he dresses. At Friday’s training camp practice, Kempny skated on the second pair with Justin Schultz while Fehervary was on the third pair with Nick Jensen. Van Riemsdyk was skating with Mat Irwin.

Kempny’s first game back on Wednesday is one he would like to forget. He finished with a minus one in 19:08 of ice time while being on the ice for three of the New Jersey Devils five goals of the game. One goal that was scored by Jack Hughes, came off a Kempny turnover. He even got beat by Nico Hischier.

Martin Fehervary, Washington Capitals Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Tonight we will get our second look at Martin Fehervary this preseason after playing in the opener against the Boston Bruins. After recording 14 points with four goals and 10 assists with Hershey in 2019-20, he surpassed his rookie point total in 32 fewer games. He finished the season with 17 points with three goals and 14 assists which ranked second among Hershey Bears defensemen.

Whoever wins this battle is tasked with helping the defense improve.

Home/Editorials