The Washington Capitals selected defenseman Ryan Chesley with their second-round pick in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, dealing goaltender Vitek Vanecek as part of a deal to move up and draft the University of Minnesota blueliner.

Chesley, who is 18-years old, was one of many Capitals prospects that participated in the team’s 2022 Prospect Development Camp. During his time at Development Camp, he spoke about his experience and the upcoming season.

“It’s been awesome getting here, getting to know the guys, getting to know the staff and getting on the ice with them, it’s been a fun week so far. I knew it was going to be a hard time here, just a lot of work, it’s been a grind so far, but it’s been fun. A lot of the on-ice stuff has been challenging, which is good I think it’s really helpful…”

Joe Noyes Photography

Chesley will be entering his first season as a member of the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers Men’s team (he is a Mahtomedi, MN native), after stints with Shattuck-St. Mary’s Development program and the United States National Team Development Program, with whom he recorded a combined 44 Points in 85 Games Played with the U.S. Developement team and the National Under-18 Team.

“I think they’ve helped me a lot…I think I’m just really looking forward to next season. I think I’ve just seen how mature and how old guys play, so I think I just need to simplify my game…”

To see Chesley’s full remarks, see the video below:

“I’m just really looking forward to the next season.”

Get to know our 2022 #NHLDraft Class with @VogsCaps from #CapsDevCamp last month starting with second-round pick and University of Minnesota commit @ryanchesley_ #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/oLcxOvCw9M

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) August 9, 2022