Where Capitals Stand As Parascak Returns To Juniors & Roster Sits At 30; Must Be Down To 23 In 6 Days trucc

The Capitals have less than a week before they have to cut their roster down to 23 players.

The Washington Capitals training camp roster now sits at 30 players, as Terik Parascak has been returned to the WHL's Prince George Cougars after an extended stay at his first NHL training camp.

With Nicklas Backstrom and T.J. Oshie both out with injury, the roster has 28 healthy skaters competing for 23 spots.

Among those remaining who still have to show they belong up in D.C. include Jakub Vrana, Andrew Cristall, Ivan Miroshnichenko, Mike Sgarbossa and Dylan McIlrath. Ethan Bear and Alex Alexeyev are also playing for their respective spots on the blue line.

Looking at the situation, the competition at forward is only getting more interesting.

It's notable that Cristall is still here late down the stretch. The 19-year-old has points in each of his three preseason outings and has been one of the more impressive performers for Washington, and it may earn him an extended look.

At the same time, Vrana, who is on a professional tryout, is looking to return to the team that made him a first-round pick in 2014. He's had a strong camp and has a goal and assist through three preseason games, while also showcasing his speed, shot and ability to go hard on the forecheck.

There's also no denying that Miroshnichenko is working hard to stick around. The Russian winger has displayed his wicked shot, speed and physicality all preseason long, and he's been a force to be reckoned with.

Sgarbossa, a reliable bottom-6 center, is still in the mix, too, as a dark horse.

On defense, McIlrath is making a case for himself to make the roster, thanks in part to his physicality, leadership and hard-working attitude. Bear's also had ups and downs over the course of training camp as he looks to return to D.C. after finishing last season in the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program.

Hunter Shepard is also still up with the team but is expected to be assigned to Hershey as Charlie Lindgren and Logan Thompson make up the 1A/1B tandem.

To start the season, the Capitals need to get as close to the salary cap as possible, which also explains Shepard and more remaining up with the big club for now.

Washington is spending the next handful of days in Columbus for team-building and more training camp sessions. Opening night rosters are due on Oct. 7 at 5 p.m. ET.