The Capitals training camp roster now sits at 27 healthy skaters.
ARLINGTON, V.A. — The Washington Capitals continue to make some decisions with their final rosters due on Monday, and they trimmed their training camp roster down by two on Friday by waiving defenseman Ethan Bear and forward Mike Sgarbossa.
If both clear, they will be assigned to the AHL's Hershey Bears.
Bear had two assists and an even plus/minus rating through three preseason games, but he is still trying to get back to his game and find his footing again after missing the end of last season amid time in the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program.
For the Capitals, putting Bear waivers is a way of clearing cap space in order to help them optimize their salary cap and stay compliant while placing T.J. Oshie on long-term injured reserve. Oshie joins Nicklas Backstrom on LTIR.
Sgarbossa, meanwhile, provided D.C. with stability last season and did the same thing this preseason, appearing in four preseason games while centering the team's up-and-coming wingers and being a veteran presence.
With Bear and Sgarbossa waived, Washington's roster sits at 27 healthy skaters, with Jakub Vrana, Andrew Cristall, Ivan Miroshnichenko, Alex Alexeyev and Dylan McIlrath still in the mix for full-time roles up at the NHL level.
Opening night rosters must be submitted to the league on Oct. 7 by 5 p.m. ET.
Note: Luke Philp, who signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Capitals back in July, was also placed on waivers but has been in Hershey rehabilitating from an injury. The plan is for him to stay with the Bears if not claimed.
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