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3 biggest surprises of 2024 Washington Capitals Rookie Camp

With Rookie Camp in the books here's who stood out

By Michael Marzzacco |
Zac Funk, Washington Capitals
Zac Funk, Washington Capitals / Derek Leung/GettyImages
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Washington Capitals 2024 Rookie Camp is in the books. On Wednesday players get their physicals and do their on ice testing while Thursday marks the start of training camp.

Here are the 3 biggest surprises from the weekend or unspurpsing if you've been following closely:

#3 Zac Funk has big aspirations

Per Tarik El-Bashir of Monumental Sports Network, Zac Funk was on the ice but skating alone after he left practice the day before taking an errant puck to the nose. Despite this he still has big apirations of making it to the NHL.

Funk spoke with Mike Vogel of WashCaps.com about his NHL aspirations:

I think a big reason was they were really personable with me and Amy family. Big credit to Danny Brooks (Caps director of player recruitment) in the organization; he did a lot to recruit me. He liked my game, and we went to dinner a couple of times, and right from then, I always wanted to be a Capital.
Zac Funk to Mike Vogel

Funk has potential as on the opening night of last season which was his first full season with Prince George and final season of the WHL he recorded a ha trick and went on to score 67 goals in 68 games.

Ilya Protas, Washington Capitals
Ilya Protas, Washington Capitals / Bruce Bennett/GettyImages

#2 Ilya Protas youthful exuberance

This past weekend Ilya Protas, the younger brother of Aliaksei Protas, took part in Rookie Camp. The older Protas earned a five year extension that kicks in this season while the younger Protas just has NHL aspirations.

Ilya is just beginning his journey into the pros and after playing his draft season for Des Moines of the USHL, he'll be skating for the OHL's Windsor Spitfires this season. Protas spoke of his mindset to Mike Vogel of WashCaps.com in a separate article.

It's great feelings, only good thoughts. I've got the opportunity to be on the same ice as the professionals, with adults, and with my brother for sure. And rookie camp, it's a good group, a good coaching staff, and you just enjoy it here.
Ilya Protas to Mike Vogel

Protas added

"This summer, you still stay on the same level as last summer, but now you have this opportunity, a chance to play pro hockey."
Ilya Protas

For the younger Protas it's all about making good first impressions and so far, he has done exactly that. Here's hoping he can continue in his development.

Terik Parascak, Washington Capitals Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Terik Parascak, Washington Capitals Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images / Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

#1 Terik Parascak has high potential

The 18 year old just wrapped up his first Rookie Camp with the organization. Terik Parascak spent the past season with the Prince George Cougars of the WHL as he recorded 105 points with 43 goals and 62 assists in 68 regular season games. Per the Rookie Camp guide, Parascak led all CHL rookies in goals and points and was named to the 2024 CHL All Rookie Team.

The guide also notes that since 2000-01 only Patrick Kane, Sidney Crosby, and Sam Gagner recorded more points as a CHL rookie. He was ranked third among North American right wings and 15th among all North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting.

The Caps signed the draft pick to a three year entry level deal on July 5 and he was a 2024 first rounder so technically he was the face of Rookie Camp over the course of the weekend.

He is an offensive powerhouse who exploded onto the scene with Prince George which caught the eye of Brian MacLellan and Ross Mahoney alike. In the end he fell right into the Caps laps and the future couldn't be brighter.

Now we shift our focus towards training camp. Who makes varsity? It's pretty much all set in stone but just like every year there's still some spots up for grabs as we enter year two of the Spencer Carbery era.

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