The Washington Capitals are heading into the 2025-26 NHL season with a heavy dose of youth, as top prospects like Andrew Cristall, Hendrix Lapierre, and Ivan Miroshnichenko battle for roster spots alongside veterans Sonny Milano and new addition Justin Sourdif. General manager Chris Patrick is placing trust in the development pipeline, creating intense competition for bottom-six roles while injecting more speed, skill, and versatility into the lineup.

Beyond the big-name prospects, players like Bogdan Trineyev, Henrik Rybinski, and Ilya Protas add intrigue to training camp, as each looks to prove they belong in the NHL full-time. With Declan Chisholm strengthening defensive depth and several veterans facing make-or-break years, the Capitals’ camp will be one of the most competitive in recent memory—setting the tone for a season that blends experience with the promise of the next generation.

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Ivan Miroshnichenko

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