Capitals Notebook: Wilson, Duhaime & More Return, Chisholm's Intro To D.C., Lapierre Ready To Prove Himself

The Capitals informal skates got a little more crowded.

ARLINGTON, V.A. — Tom Wilson’s presence was almost immediately felt as he took the ice for the Washington Capitals, immediately helping take charge of informal skates and lead the way as the captain-in-waiting.

Wilson, along with Dylan Strome and John Carlson, led the team’s Monday session, while Brandon Duhaime, Anthony Beauvillier, Aliaksei Protas, Dylan McIlrath and Declan Chisholm, along with Hendrix Lapierre and Ethen Frank, joined the likes of Nic Dowd, Trevor van Riemsdyk, Ryan Leonard, Martin Fehervary — who remained on the ice for the entire session and looks good in his recovery from knee surgery — and others.

Chisholm’s first taste of Capitals hockey through these informal skates has been a seamless transition, with the 25-year-old immediately welcomed and adjusting well to the systems.

Meanwhile, Lapierre’s return marks his first time skating with the Capitals since last season before he was sent back to the AHL’s Hershey Bears to work on his game. The prospect has benefited from a full summer of rest and reflection and looks strong on his skates and eager to show he belongs on the main roster this season.

The same goes for Frank, who showcased his speed and shot at Monday’s practice.

Also skating was Louie Belpedio, who signed a two-way deal to join the organization this summer. Alex Ovechkin, who flew back to the United States on Sunday, is expected to return in the coming days but did not skate Monday.