Ethan Bear and Mike Sgarbossa placed on waivers

As the Washington Capitals prepare for their upcoming 50th anniversary season, they had to trim their roster on Friday ahead of the final preseason game. With Mike Sgarbossa and Ethan Bear heading to waivers, Spencer Carbery now has 27 healthy skaters ahead of Saturday's preseason finale against the Boston Bruins.

If both players clear they will be assigned to the AHL's Hershey Bears.

Bear had two assists and an even plus/minus rating hrough three preseason games but is still trying to find his game and find his footing after he entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance PRogram at the end of last season.

Putting Bear on waivers is a method of them to clear the cap space amid T.J. Oshie and Nicklas Backstrom heading to long term injured reserve. Oshie would join Backstrom in that category.

Sgarbossa provided some veteran stability when others went down due to injury. He did the same thing this preseason minus the injury bug as he appeared in four of the last five preseason games and centered the team's up and coming wingers.

With 27 healthy skaters that includes the likes of Jakub Vrana, Andrew Cristall, Ivan Miroshnichenko, Alex Alexeyev and Dylan McIlrath as they fight for the final roster spots. Opening night rosters must be submitted to the league on Oct. 7 by 5 p.m. eastern.

Luke Philp was also placed on waivers but he has been with the Bears rehabbing from an injury. The plan is for him to remain in Hershey if not claimed. The Caps signed Philip to a one year, two way deal back in July.

The Caps preseason finale is tomorrow night at 5 p.m. on NHL Network and Monumental Sports Network. After that it's game week and opening week which will include a concert for Caps 50 Fest 48 hours ahead of opening night against the New Jersey Devils.