This is a significant cut to the Washington Capitals roster, which should give us a better idea of who the Rangers will have to face off against this season.
Of those notables who remain are Jakub Vrana, and Andrew Cristall.
Vrana started his NHL career with the Washington Capitals in 2016-2017 and was a part of the team who'd win the Stanley Cup in 2017-2018.
He'd spent the next three seasons with the Detroit Red Wings, two in St. Louis and partially in AHL Springfield.
The first-rounder from 2014, was issued a PTO as a UFA and is turning heads at training camp. Vrana is known primarily as a sniper.
The team has 31 players left on the roster, which means the Capitals can run one practice. This will increase competition for spots on the lineup, with Nicklas Backstrom, and TJ Oshie out on injury, players will be competing for 23 spots in the lineup.
This will be the last week of preseason play for the Capitals, which means spots are limited and they will have to make an impact on ice to remain relevant.
The goal is for the team have make it back into the NHL playoffs, and help Alex Ovechkin beat Gretzky's record.
But from a Rangers perspective, this roster isn't solid, nor is it as tight as the Capitals with Trotz as bench boss.
They will have holes in the lineup and chemistry to build, which the Rangers should be able to weaknesses and tear into them.
If the Rangers are to win the Eastern Conference, it doesn't seem likely that the Capitals will offer much resistance. It's all about Florida.
Source: Hockey Trade Rumors
Washington Capitals drastically cut their training camp squad by 20 players
POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 29 | 62 ANSWERS The Rangers Metropolitan Division Rivals trim roster significantly Will the Washington Capitals be an issue for the Rangers in 2024-2025? | ||
Yes | 6 | 9.7 % |
No | 56 | 90.3 % |
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