Injury to Opportunity: Exciting Capitals Defensemen to Watch in the First Few Weeks of the Season
The Washington Capitals finalize their roster on Monday, October 9 at 5 pm, but we already know a good deal about what it will look like. Joel Edmundson will start the season on the injured reserve, leaving Washington some exciting options at defense.
The 31st pick in the 2018 draft, Alexander Alexeyev has impressed in the preseason and looks to be a fixture for the starting lineup. Boasting one assist, a -2 rating, four hits and two shots on goal in three games, he’s averaged just over twenty minutes of ice time. Throughout thirty-two games with Washington last year he posted five assists and four PIM. The Caps will likely lean heavier on him this year due to injuries.
The 28th pick in the 2016 draft, Lucas Johansen was instrumental in the Hershey Bears’ Calder Cup championship. Johansen has played very well for Washington in the preseason, registering an overall +1 rating with two shots on goal and averaging sixteen minutes of ice time. If paired with Nick Jensen, we could see the duo as an effective blue line presence and scoring threat.
Hardy Häman Aktell, the 108th overall pick in 2016, has been a fixture in the preseason lineup but might start his season in Hershey. He has played well in the preseason, posting four hits, five shots on goal and a -3 rating while averaging just under twenty minutes of ice time per game. He could, however, still make the roster on the opening day depending on what Washington does with their forwards, but could be the frontrunner to start in the AHL based on not needing to clear waivers.
