The Washington Capitals will be well-represented at this year's NHLPA Rookie Showcase, as Cole Hutson and Andrew Cristall are set to take part in the annual event in Chicago.
This is the 16th annual showcase, in partnership with Upper Deck, where NHL prospects attend to take photos and videos for trading cards, video games and other promotional materials. It also connects the players with fans and collectors.
Ryan Leonard represented the Capitals last year, and in the past, Ivan Miroshnichenko has also attended. The event used to take place at MedStar Capitals Iceplex in Arlington, Virginia.
Hutson made the jump to Washington last season after signing his entry-level deal at the end of his sophomore season. In 14 games with the Capitals, he had three goals and seven assists for 10 points, while also getting to quarterback the power play. He's entering his first full rookie season, where he's expected to log heavy minutes and provide offense.
Cristall is coming off his first season of professional hockey, where he had 20 goals and 40 assists for 60 points in 72 games with the AHL's Hershey Bears. He will try to battle for a spot on the opening night roster in training camp, though it won't be easy with there not being many vacancies up front.
Here is the full list of prospects attending the showcase:
Kashawn Aitcheson (NYI), Trey Augustine (DET), Carter Bear (DET), Sacha Boisvert (CHI), Filip Bystedt (SJS), Justin Carbonneau (STL), Charlie Cerrato (CAR), Trevor Connelly (VGK), Andrew Cristall (WSH), Cole Eiserman (NYI), Liam Greentree (NYR), James Hagens (BOS), T.J. Hughes (COL), Cole Hutson (WSH), Roman Kantserov (CHI), Porter Martone (PHI), Gavin McKenna (TOR), Roger McQueen (ANA), Quentin Musty (SJS), Sam O’Reilly (TBL), Bill Zonnon (PIT).


