(John McDonnell/The Washington Post)After the Washington Capitals parted with significant members of their forward corps this summer in Justin Williams, Marcus Johansson and Daniel Winnik, it was unclear what to make of the options to replace them. The Capitals had prospects eager to prove themselves in Jakub Vrana, Nathan Walker and Chandler Stephenson. Washington won, 4-3, and Smith-Pelly especially helped his case with a goal and an assist for four points in five preseason games. In preseason games, Trotz has given Chiasson opportunities high in the lineup, playing him with centers Nicklas Backstrom and Kuznetsov and also on the power play, where he scored a goal. Smith-Pelly’s upside could make him attractive to another team if Washington exposed him to waivers Monday or Tuesday.

Source: Washington Post October 01, 2017 19:57 UTC