State Of The Capitals: Reasons For Optimism Heading Into Training Camp

ARLINGTON, V.A. — The Washington Capitals are already making their way back to the ice with just a few weeks to go until the start of training camp, and there's plenty to be excited about going into the new season.

While Washington is somewhat of a team in flux after missing the playoffs for the first time in nine years and heading toward a rebuild with the core aging out, the Capitals are still out to prove something.

Here's a look at reasons for optimism going into camp.

Spencer Carbery's takeover is definitely a reason for optimism in D.C. The 41-year-old is entering his first year as an NHL head coach and is taking over a Washington team that still wants to prove it can contend. And though it may not be that easy with an aging core and younger players starting to enter the mix, Carbery's mentality is something that will benefit the Capitals as they enter this next era.

As he preps to officially hit the ice with his new team, the new bench boss has been stressing pace and speed and is also eager to incorporate the organization's youth into the mix. Not only that, but he's also touched base with hot-seat candidates Anthony Mantha and Evgeny Kuznetsov, who he sees as essential players who he can help bounce back.

Then, of course, there's the inevitable change coming for the power play. Carbery helped the Toronto Maple Leafs rise to the top of the NHL with regard to its PP percentage over his tenure, and Washington's man advantage is going to get a full makeover with him leading the charge and revamping the system following Blaine Forstyhe's departure.

Beyond inking Max Pacioretty and acquiring Joel Edmundson, the Capitals also made some interesting signings, signing Alex Limoges and Matthew Phillips to contracts after both had impressive stints in the AHL this past season.

Limoges, a Virginia native, is already in D.C. and taking part in informal skates with the team, and the 25-year-old also wants to show that he can be a full-time NHLer. He is coming off back-to-back 20-goal campaigns in the A and had 54 points in 63 games last season with the Manitoba Moose.

Phillips, meanwhile, is still trying to stick up at the NHL level after getting two games last year and showcasing his upside with the Calgary Flames organization. He has broken out as a high-danger player these last two seasons, having posted 68 points in 65 games in 2021-22 before registering a career-high 36 goals and 40 assists for 76 points in 66 games this past season with the AHL's Stockton Heat.

Training camp should be interesting with prospects and younger players getting a long look as the Capitals start to shift toward a younger lineup, and these are two top names to watch.

Washington is also looking forward to seeing what Ivan Miroshnichenko can do now that he's starting his pro career in North America and officially signed to his entry-level deal.

The Russian elected to part ways with the KHL's Avangard Omsk in June and subsequently signed his ELC before arriving in D.C. for development camp in July. He impressed with his lethal shot, speed and on-the-fly playmaking ability while also stating that he had his sights set on an NHL roster spot come October.

Anything can happen in camp, and Miroshnichenko is sure to make noise whether he starts the season in D.C. or with the AHL's Hershey Bears.

For the first time in years, Nicklas Backstrom spent the offseason training on and off the ice rather than simply rehabilitating or waiting out his hip pain after undergoing hip resurfacing surgery last year. He has been pain-free since that procedure, and though his return to action last season was rocky, he said a full summer will work wonders as he looks to show he's still an impact player and reliable top-6 center.

This will be the biggest training camp of Backstrom's life, as general manager Brian MacLellan will also be watching him closely and waiting to see how he does before making any decisions on the next steps for No. 19.

And given No. 19's resilience over the years, he's prepared to make a statement while working to extend his career.