The Swede did not make the Capitals after a stellar training camp — here's why.
WASHINGTON — The Washington Capitals made some recalls and paper moves on Wednesday to set their opening night roster, and to the surprise of many, Hardy Häman Aktell was not among them.
The Swedish blueliner, who headed to the AHL's Hershey Bears on Monday ahead of the 5 p.m. ET roster deadline, remains down in the minors and did not make the final cut despite a standout showing at training camp.
Here's why.
First, there's the salary cap. Washington placed Max Pacioretty on the long-term injured reserve and Joel Edmundson on the IR, but Häman Aktell's salary would put the team over the cap. Edmundson is not on the LTIR because he will not be missing at least 10 games following hand surgery in the preseason, so the team couldn't create space to keep Häman Aktell up.
Also, the team faced some hard decisions on the blue line, and head coach Spencer Carbery ultimately chose to give that No. 7 spot to Lucas Johansen. The 25-year-old had an impressive camp and is in his seventh year with the organization, and he did enough to earn that spot and start the year up in D.C.
"You name it, he's probably been through it, but he just kept pushing and grinding and trying to find a way every day to get better, and I had a front-row seat to that," Carbery said, adding, "[He] rode a long time on buses and grinded and still kept [his] eye on this moment. It's pretty special."
While Häman Aktell was among the standouts at training camp, taking on big minutes on the blue line, playing special teams roles and showcasing his physicality, reach and ability to join the rush, it was again less about what he didn't do and more about what other players did do. Johansen also seized his opportunity, and Alex Alexeyev also stood tall in camp to keep his spot in D.C.
It will also be beneficial for Häman Aktell to spend time playing as he adapts to the smaller ice in North America. While Carbery did say that he doesn't necessarily need more playing time to properly develop, it will be more beneficial for him to play with the defending Calder Cup champions rather than sitting as an extra up at the NHL level.