Breaking down the first round of roster cuts

The Washington Capitals had a day off today and made the following cuts to their roster. They made six cuts total, trimming the training camp roster down to 62. Here’s the updated roster.

Here’s who’s going back to their respective junior teams. Dru Krebs heads to Medicine Hat of the WHL, Jake Karabela heads to Guelph of the OHL, Simon Motew heads to Kitchener of the OHL, Ryan Hofer heads to Everett of the WHL, Alex Suzdalev heads to Regina of the WHL, and Haakon Hanelt goes to Gatineau of the QMJHL.

Krebs had a plus minutes of plus one in yesterday’s preseason game against the Buffalo Sabres. He also had two hits while playing in 20:29 minutes. He was drafted in the sixth round by the Capitals at 176th overall.

Karabela did not play in the preseason opener. He was a draft pick this year selected by the Caps in the fifth round at 149th overall. Last year with the Guleph Storm he recorded 12 goals and 33 assists for 45 points in 68 games.

Motew also didn’t play yesterday. He was a free agent invite. Last season with the Kitchener Raiders he recorded five goals and 12 assists for 17 points in 53 games.

Hofer had two hits and one blocked shot in yesterday’s preseason game. He also won 67 percent of his face off draws while playing 11:24. He was drafted in the sixth round at 181st overall this past summer.

Suzdalev also played yesterday. He had a shot on goal, a block, and played 11:29. He was taken in the third round this past summer at 70th overall.

Hanelt played in the preseason game too. He played 11:34 and had one hit. He was drafted by the Caps in 2021 in the fifth round at 151st overall.

Those are the players who have been cut and there will be more cuts in the coming days and weeks before the roster is finalized for opening night.