Washington Capitals News: Media try their hockey skills, prospect ranking improvement?

The Washington Capitals are getting closer to the season. Some players are already back at MedStar Capitals Iceplex gearing up for the season. More will start pouring into town soon.

There’s still some news surrounding the Caps. Media members got the chance to be a Caps player for a day, Spencer Carbery believes in Evgeny Kuznetsov, and the prospect rankings of The Athletic just came out. Here’s the latest news:

We, The Media, Got To Be A Washington Capital For A Day. Here’s How It Went

(Sammi Silber and Ryan Rudy/The Hockey News)

My friend Sammi Silber along with her trusty cameraman Ryan Rudy took everyone inside what it was like to be apart of Caps Media Fantasy Camp. For some members, it was just another day as some already played hockey. Others were trying it for the very first time.

Members were treated at first to a chalk talk from head coach Spencer Carbery. Assistant general manager Don Fishman also lectured them about the salary cap and the new CBA. The good news? Fishman said that we all get it right for the most part when it comes to salary cap math.

After more introductions and lessons from others, it was time to take the ice. First there were drills and then finally a scrimmage. Sammi had a couple of goals in the game. Tarik El-Bashir had a breakaway that she even tried to stop. I won’t spoil the rest.

Spencer Carbery calls Evgeny Kuznetsov ‘a very, very important player for our team’

(Katie Adler/RMNB)

Evgeny Kuznetsov was in an uncomfortable spot all year since being the subject of trade rumors and some of the noise even speculated that the Caps center wanted out.

However, as the days go on, it looks more and more like Kuznetsov is getting another chance with the Capitals and that is totally fine with new bench boss Spencer Carbery.

He told Tom Gulitti of NHL.com:

“I think he’s a very, very important player for our team. What he’s capable of when he’s on his game is world class and that’s my challenge to help identify parts of his game, things I can help him with, put him in positions to have success. I have a real appreciation for the game that he plays and the style of play.”

Washington Capitals rank No. 22 in NHL Pipeline Rankings for 2023 (subscription required)

(Corey Pronman/The Athletic)

The Caps have been bottom feeders as far as prospects go for a while. That comes with the territory of trying for a Stanley Cup every year. But what the Caps accomplished this year was a retool of their roster, a boost of the prospects, and a Calder Cup with the Hershey Bears while STILL trying to find a way back to the playoffs this season.

It all adds up to a better ranking in Corey Pronman’s annual prospect rankings. They jumped from number 24 last year to number 22. Still needs work but hey, progress.