A look at the top 3 Capitals prospects heading into 2023

Before we preview our final defenseman, let’s take a look at the Washington Capitals of the future. It’s time for our annual and ever changing but latest top 3 prospects list.

These can change every year and are based on where they’re at in their development. Of course I can only choose 3 for this one. But I can tell you right now who didn’t make the list.

Connor McMichael did not make it. While he kind of is a prospect, he needs to graduate to the NHL sooner rather than later after being a key player with the Hershey Bears. Aliaksei Protas also did not make the cut. He played in 58 NHL games last season so I wouldn’t really consider that prospect status.

But here are the ones that did make it:

#3 Vincent Iorio

Based on my player previews about the defenseman the last several weeks and days with one more to remain, it’ll be hard to see Vincent Iorio make the opening night roster. But that doesn’t mean we won’t be seeing NHL action from the kid this season.

The 20 year old skated in three NHL games last season. Associate general manager Chris Patrick told NHL.com’s Tom Gulitti that he expects Iorio to play in 10-20 NHL games this season before moving into a full time role next season. Definitely something to watch when training camp begins September 21.