Some way too early thoughts on Capitals training camp

August is almost over and next month there will be Washington Capitals hockey. First up is rookie camp for the prospects then the rest of the team takes the ice at MedStar Capitals Iceplex for training camp.

The Caps begin training camp on Thursday September 22nd. Fans will get their first look at the 2022-23 Capitals and the players, coaches and management will be available to the media. The complete schedule and roster will be announced at a later date.

On Wednesday September 21 the facility will be closed to the public and the media for player physicals. This will mark the 16th training camp at their Arlington, Virginia facility.

Prior to the start of training camp, rookie camp will take place from Thursday September 15 through Monday September 19.

Among the Capitals rookie to participate will be Hendrix Lapierre, Vincent Iorio, Clay Stevenson, and Bear Hughes. A complete roster will be announced at a later date.

So with the dog days of summer and for the kids, school starting, it’s time for some early thoughts on training camp. My first thought is Thank God we have a veteran goalie. It was exhausting writing about and analyzing two rookie/unproven goalies for two years in a row.

My second thought is there should be some competition for that first line right wing spot with the absence of Tom Wilson. It could come down to new guy Connor Brown who they acquired from the Ottawa Senators or T.J. Oshie. Maybe Anthony Mantha gives them a run for their money.

The third line center position is also interesting. Is this the year Connor McMichael takes on a bigger role? What happens to the future of Lars Eller? And what about that six million over the salary cap? Those are questions that will be answered in the weeks of training camp.

Then there’s the defense which could get crowded this season. Martin Fehervary and John Carlson should be the top pair. Second pair should be a lock with Dmitry Orlov and Nick Jensen.

The third pair should be interesting. Lucas Johansen and Matt Irwin both got re-signed bu t it looks like fellow newcomer Erik Gustafsson will be paired with Trevor van Riemsdyk.

Another question is how can the power play improve from last season? Last year it was up and down. This year it needs to remain consistent. Can guys like Dylan Strome give the power play a spark?

These are the questions I have as we’re still a few weeks away from training camp. Someday those questions will be answered.