The Capitals have seen relatively few of their prospects playing in the college ranks in recent seasons, but that is quickly changing. This season will see six of their prospects playing for college teams.

Ryan Chesley, Brent Johnson, Chase Clark, Mitchell Gibson, Joaquim Lemay and David Gucciardi will all suit up for college teams this season. Four of the six players are currently playing for Top-20 teams. Three of those players are currently on teams ranked in the Top-10.

USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine Poll (10/4/2022)
Team (First Place Votes) | Points

1. Denver (30) | 676
2. Minnesota (4) | 634 (Ryan Chesley)
3. North Dakota | 566 (Brent Johnson)
4. Minnesota Duluth | 562
5. Minnesota State | 241
6. Michigan | 484
7. Quinnipiac | 482 (Chase Clark)
8. Northeastern | 365
9. Notre Dame | 341
10. Harvard | 340 (Mitchell Gibson)
11. St. Cloud State | 320
12. Boston University | 306
13. UMass | 296
14. Ohio State | 210
15. UMass Lowell | 197
16. Providence | 161
17. Clarkson | 143
18. Western Michigan | 138
19. Cornell | 96
20. Michigan Tech | 64

Others Receiving Votes: Penn State University, 43; Northern Michigan University, 37; Boston College, 36; University of Connecticut, 32; Bowling Green State University, 25; University of Nebraska Omaha, 22 (Joaquim Lemay); Arizona State University, 7; Sacred Heart University, 6; Bemidji State University, 3; Merrimack College, 3; Union College, 3; American International College, 1.

David Gucciardi of Michigan State is the only Capitals prospect currently not in the top rankings.

While the Capitals have seen very few of their most recent draft picks come up through the college ranks (Shane Gersich, Mitchell Gibson), there has been a recent spike in college free-agent signings (Bobby Nardella, Joe Snively, Clay Stevenson, Ethan Frank, Julian Napravnik, etc.). The spike coincidentally aligns with the Capitals hiring of scout Danny Brooks, who also had his hand in on the signing of each of the aforementioned college free agents.

By Jon Sorensen

CAPITALS PROSPECT ROSTER