Updated Capitals depth chart after 2023 NHL Draft and Development Camp

The Washington Capitals NHL Draft and Development Camp are in the books and free agency is well underway. The Caps could make a hockey trade soon.

Before they do as we write this let’s take a look at the depth chart after looking at what the lines could look like if healthy.

Forwards

Ovechkin-Kuznetsov-Wilson

Pacioretty*TBD-Backstrom-Oshie

Milano-Strome-Mantha

Protas-Dowd-NAK

Extras that could make things interesting at camp: Connor McMichael, Hendrix Lapierre, Ivan Miroshnichenko, Andrew Cristall, Joe Snively, Ryan Leonard

Defense

Fehervary-Carlson

Sandin-Jensen

Edmundson/Alexeyev-TvR

Extras that could make things interesting at camp: Vincent Iorio, Dylan McIlrath, Chase Priskie, Lucas Johansen

Goalies

Kuemper

Lindgren

Extras that could make things interesting at camp: Hunter Shepard

The Caps are looking for that top six trade so who knows what the top six looks like come opening night. We do know Max Pacioretty won’t be ready in time for opening night. Top line looks set unless the Caps deal Evgeny Kuznetsov which looks less likely by the minute.

The defense should be good. The one player I’m excited to see that I still think has potential to reach his ceiling is Rasmus Sandin. That was a complete steal of a trade and was a bright spot in the failed tank for Bedard but succeed for Ryan Leonard.

As is the goaltending. Hunter Shepard can come in at goal in case Darcy Kuemper or Charlie Lindgren get hurt.

Overall though I still think it’s too early. I’m not pessimistic but I’m not optimistic either. They haven’t gotten younger. Maybe they got better offense but Kuzy and Anthony Mantha need to wake up if they’re still around.

I think there’s still lots of lineup questions and there might still be even after they officially drop the puck for a new season. These questions will remain to be answered until mid November or early December if we’re lucky.