Five Capitals Prospects to Watch in 2022

*Note: This list does not include any players currently on the Washington Capitals or Hershey Bears rosters.

As 2021 came to a conclusion, the Washington Capitals organization and supporters should be more then pleased with the progression of all the rookies we have seen called up to the short-handed Capitals team this season. However, we should also acknowledge players currently playing junior or elsewhere, and what we can take away from their respective seasons. With that being said, here are five Washington Capitals prospects to keep an eye on in the New Year.

#5. Håkon Hänelt

Hänelt is a German international who recently made the transition over to North America this season and is currently playing for the Gatineau Olympiques of the QMJHL. A 2021 fifth round draft pick by the Capitals, the 18 year old was expected to participate with Team Germany in the recently canceled IIHF World Junior Championships, but has been sidelined since the end of November rehabbing a shoulder injury. Hänelt has recorded five points in seven games this season and none in his last three while battling through his injury. The heavy centreman is expected to return to the ice near the end of the regular season, and is expected to play a large factor on a young talented Olympiques squad. Capitals fans should look out for the young German’s development over the next couple years, as Hänelt has the potential to be a diamond in the rough for the 2021 NHL draft class.

#4. Bear Hughes

After getting passed over in the 2019 draft, the Washington Capitals took a chance on Bear Hughes in the fifth round of the 2020 draft. Hughes, 20,  is a 6’2 centreman and is currently the leading scorer for the struggling Spokane Chiefs of the WHL. Hughes will be graduating from junior hockey after this season, and after showing significant development these past couple of years, should he impress in training camp next season, expect Bear Hughes to join the Hershey Bears for the start of 2022-23 campaign.

#3. Oskar Magnusson

Oskar Magnusson was one of the last picks in the 2020 NHL entry draft, when the Washington Capitals drafted the smaller shifty forward 211th overall. Listed at 5’10 and 165 Ibs, Magnusson makes up for his size with his explosive speed to beat defenders 1 on 1, as well as good vision and the ability to see the ice well. Magnusson currently plays professionally for AIK IF in Sweden’s second-highest league, and also recently represented Team Sweden in the shortened IIHF World Junior Championships. The 19 year old has recorded six points through 21 games so far this season, and with a little bit of extra added weight, Magnusson could possess higher potential than what he has already shown. We should hope to see Magnusson make the transition over to North America in the coming years.

#2. Vincent Iorio

The Capitals 2021 second round pick has had a wonderful first half of the season for himself with the WHL’s Brandon Wheat Kings. Iorio does not lack in size standing at 6’3 and over 200 Ibs, and has certainly gained some recognition this season. After an excellent training camp, Iorio earned himself an entry level deal with Capitals shortly after getting sent back down to junior, as well as earning an invite with the Team Canada world junior squad. Although Iorio did not ultimately make the team, he was not necessarily expected to even receive an invite, showing that Iorio’s development has not gone unnoticed. Iorio could be considered a solid two-way defenseman; an excellent skater, but a safe and patient player who can also rack up some points as he has currently recorded 19 points in 26 games this season. Iorio will make a push to earn a spot on Washington’s back end next season, but he will be more then likely to start the season with the Hershey Bears.

#1. Hendrix Lapierre

Hendrix Lapierre should be a name we are more familiar with. The young star started the season in a Capitals uniform recording one goal in six appearances, before getting sent down to junior. He is currently playing for the Acadie-Bathurst Titan of the QMJHL, where he has recorded 18 points in 11 games this season. Lapierre is one of the best players currently in his league, and we should expect a big second half of the season from him.

After getting cut from the Team Canada world junior team, the Capitals 2020 first round pick will be looking to prove some people wrong, and we should expect high production from the 19 year old. The Acadie-Bathurst Titan have also seemed to have gone all in this season, searching for a championship, which should also be added fuel for Lapierre and company.

He is one of the best skaters in his league, and has Backstrom-like vision. Lapierre is an exciting prospect for Capitals fans, and a player we should all be keeping an eye on as he will push to make the Capitals full time roster next season.