The Washington Capitals continued to reshape the future of their blueline with the inking of defensemen Nick Jensen and Trevor van Riemsdyk last week. The signings were just two of several moves made over the past few weeks that has initiated a significant rebuilding of the Capitals blueline.
There is no question Capitals fans will see a different defensive core at the start of the 2023-24 season. As a result, it would be beneficial to take a quick (intermediate) look at the current status of Capitals depth chart at the defensive position, and where things stand heading into the 2024 NHL Entry Draft in June and the free agency period beginning in July.
CURRENT CONFIGURATION
Exit Dmitry Orlov and Erik Gustafsson. Enter Rasmus Sandin. In addition to those changes, the Capitals locked up Nick Jensen and Trevor van Riemsdyk to three year deals. As a result, here’s how things currently stand for the start of the 2023-24 season:
The Capitals have certainly gotten a lot younger since the trade deadline, even if it’s all on the left side. Look for the Capitals to re-sign restricted free agents Martin Fehervary and Alexander Alexeyev, with Gabriel Carlsson also likely getting an offer.
Restricted Free Agents: Martin Fehervary, Alexander Alexeyev, Gabriel Carlsson
Unrestricted Free Agents: Matt Irwin
DOWN ON THE FARM
The farm pool has thinned in recent years, mostly due to the elevation of Martin Fehervary and Alex Alexeyev, and the departure of Tobias Geisser. The Capitals currently have just a single defenseman on each side returning for next season.
Lucas Johansen has most likely reached his development plateau and will unlikely make a serious push for a full time role in Washington. He is under contract for one more season and will return to Hershey in the fall.
Vinny Iorio has showed significant growth this season, however, he’s not quite ready to make the leap, and as a result, it’s very likely he plays at least another season in Hershey. He’s on track to make a serious crack at the Capitals lineup beginning with the 2024-25 season. That would be ideal, at the age of 22.
Unrestricted Free Agents: Bobby Nardella, Dylan McIlrath
OTHER LEAGUES
Further down the pipeline are the recent draft picks playing collegiate hockey, defensemen playing in the CHL, Martin Hugo Has (ECHL) and Tobias Geisser (SHL).
There are no locks for any of the players above moving on to Hershey next season. Dru Krebs will leave the CHL, but where he lands is still very much to be determined, as he has yet to ink a deal with the Capitals.
David Gucciardi, Ryan Chesley, Joaquim Lemay and Brent Johnsonn will all likely return to their respective universities for another season of college hockey. That’s the right play for the development of all four of the collegians.
Tobias Geisser, who signed a three-year deal in the Swiss league, told NoVa Caps before returning home, he definitely plans to return to North America when the Capitals rebuild begins. That day may be on his doorstep.
THE VARIABLES
Alex Alexeyev – By no means has Alexeyev secured a spot on the Capitals blueline for next season. That will be determined, for the most part, in the remaining games this season and how his training camp goes. I see, at a mimimum, Alexeyev starting next season as the seventh defenseman, giving him a little more time to develop and to lock down a steady starting role.
A key factor working for Alexeyev is his ability to play both sides. He spent a majority of his time on the right side during his season in the KHL and did very well, elevating to the first pairing by the end of the season. He also played quite a bit on the right side in Hershey and has already spent time on the right side for the Capitals this season. That flexibility will be huge next season.
Vincent Iorio – As previously mentioned, Iorio has had a very productive season in Hershey, but will very likely spend another year in chocolate town. That’s the right play with regards to his development. Mistakes are diminishing, his physical play and game processing are steadily improving but he is not NHL-ready. He should be ready to make a serious play for a blueline spot in the fall of 2024.
Gabriel Carlsson – Lost in all the publicity shine in the first callup of Vinny Iorio for his first taste of NHL action was the simultaneous callup of Gabriel Carlsson. Carlsson was a stalwart in Herhsey this season, deserved the callup, and as we noted at the time, may get lost in the main stream news stories. Carlsson has been the biggest postive development among prospect blueliners in Hershey. The former first round draft pick is a restricted free agent, but don’t be surprised if the Capitals look to extend him.
Lucas Johansen – Unfortunately Johansen has reached his development plateau and will spend his final year of his Capitals deal in Hershey. Much has been made about his injuries, but the 25 year-old has played in 225 AHL games and never was able to demonstrate NHL-caliber skills or level of play.
ADDITIONAL MOVES
Currently in the early stages of the drive to get younger, it may seem counterintuitive but the Capitals would benefit from and should be looking to add a little seasoned experience to the blueline between now and free agency. Look for a 25-27 year-old (+/-) blueliner to be added between now and opening night. The draft will also add depth to the overall prospect pool depth.
By Jon Sorensen