The Washington Capitals have just one preseason game remaining before head coach Spencer Carbery has to whittle the roster down to 23 players.
Washington's 3-2 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday featured all of its goals being scored by players whose roster spots have been secured from the start of training camp.
But there were performances displayed by others over the last five preseason games trying their hardest to impress the coaching staff and avoid being sent back to the minors. With a finite amount of roster spots, that means one starter from last year could be in danger of losing their position.
Here are three players whose efforts can earn them a spot on the opening night roster and one starter in danger of being cut.
Andrew Cristall (RW)
The 19-year old was cut after just one preseason appearance in 2023 but this year he's caught Carbery's attention, logging a point in all three games he's played (two goals, one assist).
"He’s had an incredible camp, played well," Carbery said Friday (h/t RMNB). "He is very much so [making it tough on us], and credit to him as a young player ... continuing to push the envelope and make us consider keeping him in the National Hockey League."
If Cristall doesn't end up cracking the roster, he'll be sent back the WHL's Regina Rockets where he tallied an impressive 40 goals and 111 points last season.
Jakub Vrana (RW)
The 28-year old Vrana was a member of Washington's 2018 Stanley Cup championship team, scoring a goal in the cup-clinching Game 5. He was traded to Detroit in 2021, then St. Louis in 2023 before returning to the team that drafted him.
Vrana wasn't signed to a contract in the offseason but instead accepted an invitation for a professional tryout. So far he's made the most of his opportunity, logging two points and 11 shots on goal in four preseason games (one goal, one assist).
Carbery has definitely clocked Vrana's renewed capabilities, noting Friday he's "showed some of the things that I think would make him special from a speed standpoint" and complimenting "his offensive mind."
The stakes are slightly higher for Vrana compared to the rest of the prospects. Being cut without any sort of contract offer would mean he returns to free agency with very limited landing spots, potentially ending his professional career in the NHL.
Dylan McIlrath (D)
At 32, McIlrath is one prospect that is overdue for an opening night roster spot in Washington. He's been called up from the AHL several times in seasons past, most recently appearing in three regular season games and four playoff games last year, recording just one point but posting an admirable combined +3 rating.
Besides his solid defensive play, McIlrath offers Washington another enforcer not named Tom Wilson. In a rugged Metro Division, Carbery believes that aspect of his game makes him a valuable asset.
"He’s a physical guy, will stand up for his teammates, has a presence about him," Carbery told Monumental Sports Network's Tarik El-Bashir on Sunday. "People around the league know who he is and have to be aware of him when he’s out on the ice."
McIlrath is aware of he's made enough of an impression to earn playing time in Washington before but wants to step up now to become a permanent fixture.
"Everyone's eager to make their best impression be their last and that's what I'm trying to do here," he said in between periods on Monday night.
Sonny Milano (LW)
The 28-year old, entering his 10th year in the NHL, appears to be on thin ice with Carbery, who issued a challenge for him to step up his efforts after being "just OK" in training camp.
"He's got to turn it on," Carbery said Sunday. "[I'm] definitely going to need to see him get into his full regular season game mode quickly."
Milano has only recorded one point (one assist) in three preseason appearances so far, not the ideal performance for a player who was on the fringe of the roster last season.
With several impressive showings from multiple prospects, he is in serious danger of being sent to the AHL to start the season — or worse yet, put on waivers.
"That’s the internal competition ... someone’s nipping at your heels, and someone wants that opportunity," Carbery added. "You give veteran players the benefit of the doubt and let them play themselves in, but there also is a point where we need to see your best, and it’s got to start to get to that point, or else opportunity will show up for other guys to take advantage of it."
