The Washington Capitals made their first round of cuts today. Coach Barry Trotz announced that Damian Riat (Geneve-Servette), Dmitri Zaitsev (Moose Jaw), Tanner Jeannot (Moose Jaw), Brendan Semchuck (Vancouver Giants), Garrett Pilon (Hershey), Beck Malenstyn (Calgary Hitmen), Jimmy DeVito, Robbie Baillargeon, Mark Simpson, and Adam Morrison (Rapid City) will be sent back to their minor team clubs respectively. The Caps previously announced that forward Kevin Elgestal would be reassigned to Vita Hasten in Sweden.

Both players on PTOs (Alex Chiasson and Jyri Jokipakka) survived the first round of cuts.

The Capitals training camp roster is down to 53 players, with 30 forwards, 17 defensemen, and 6 goaltenders.

Among those still in the mix are forwards Riley Barber, Chris Bourque, Travis Boyd, Stephen Collins, Garrett Mitchell, Liam O’Brien, Anthony Peluso, Jakub Vrana, and Nathan Walker. Both Vrana and Walker scored in their preseason debuts this week.

Defensemen competing for spots include Madison Bowey, Christain Djoos, Connor Hobbs, Lucas Johansen, Tyler Lewington, Aaron Ness, and Jonas Siegenthaler.

Goaltending appears to be locked down with Braden Holtby and Philipp Grubauer, but several prospects remain with the club, including Pheonix Copley and Vitek Vanecek.

There are 5 preseason games left for prospects to lock down a spot on the opening night roster, and competition should be fierce, particularly with a couple of openings on defense.

Additional cuts are expected over the weekend.

Related Articles:
Washington Capitals Evening News: Roster Cuts and a Breather
Projecting the Caps’ Opening Night Lineup through Week 1 of Training Camp
Jakub Vrana Steps Up in His First Preseason Game

By Harrison Brown