Connor McMichael and more prospects are expected to make the Capitals roster next season and finally get their chance.

ARLINGTON, V.A. -- The Washington Capitals have seen a lot from their prospects over the last few weeks, as the Hershey Bears hoisted the Calder Cup while the organization's top prospects also shined at Development Camp to kick off July. So it's no surprise that quite a few are expected to finally become full-time NHLers in 2023-24.

At camp, general manager Brian MacLellan said he expects Connor McMichael, Beck Malenstyn and Aliaksei Protas to make the jump and be with the big club full-time.

"I do [expect them to be with the Capitals]," MacLellan said. "I think they all had a good playoffs. They're all getting better; all are gonna add different elements to our lineup. I would more than likely pencil them in for next year."

McMichael had started the 2023-24 campaign up with Washington but got to play in just six games while spending the majority of his time as a healthy scratch. Taking that into account, Washington re-assigned him to the Hershey Bears so he could get more ice time, take on a bigger role, get his confidence back and continue his development with live game action.

It paid off, as the 22-year-old shined with 16 goals and 23 assists for 39 points in 57 games while also skating as a top-6 center and logging time on the power play and penalty kill. He also had 10 points in 20 playoff games en route to the Calder Cup, including a key goal that powered a Bears comeback in Game 7 of the Final against the Coachella Valley Firebirds.

Protas, meanwhile, spent most of the season up in D.C. and had 12 points in 58 games while only playing in nine regular-season games with the Bears. He was one of Hershey's strongest players in the Calder Cup Playoffs, with 13 points in 20 games. The 6-foot-6 forward has also received praise since being drafted in 2019.

As for Malenstyn, the hard-hitting, gritty forward is expected to take Garnet Hathaway's place as a physical presence and key utility player. He was doing well in an early-season call-up with the Capitals and fitting in on the fourth line but returned to Hershey after breaking his hand. Down there, he had 10 points in 40 games and formed one of the AHL's most dominant fourth lines with Riley Sutter and Mason Morelli while also throwing his weight around and killing penalties.

It's a major step forward for Washington's prospects, especially with former Bears coach Spencer Carbery at the helm. Carbery worked with McMichael and several more prospects to help their development, and the team is hoping his leadership will further help those young players with taking the step to the next level.

As a dark horse, MacLellan also mentioned Lucas Johansen could be up for a full-time promotion as he enters the second year of his contract, which is a one-way deal for 2023-24. MacLellan was impressed with Johansen's play in the postseason.

Other Capitals prospects to watch include Joe Snively and Hendrix Lapierre. Ivan Miroshnichenko is also coming overseas and is looking to surprise and earn a spot on the NHL roster, but right now, he's expected to start in Hershey.