Where Capitals Roster Stands After Latest Cuts, Including Andrew Cristall

The Capitals roster now sits at 27. Here's everything to know.

ARLINGTON, V.A. — The Washington Capitals made some more difficult decisions on Friday, making another round of cuts to trim the roster down to 27 players.

While Andrew Cristall had a standout camp that included four goals in the preseason, the Capitals ultimately chose to loan him to the AHL’s Hershey Bears. There, he’ll get the chance to get more used to the speed of pro hockey and continue developing his game.

Washington also assigned Ilya Protas, Eriks Mateiko, Leon Muggli and Ryan Chesley, who earned high praise from Carbery after Thursday’s performance against the Boston Bruins, to Hershey, and placed Sheldon Rempal on waivers. He will join the Bears if he clears.

There are still a number of players in the running for a spot after the latest round of cuts, with Ivan MIroshnichenko and Ethen Frank still sticking around late in camp and trying to battle it out for a spot. Sonny Milano and Hendrix Lapierre have pretty much locked in roster spots at this point.

On the blue line, what once seemed like an unlikely competition continues to brew, as Vincent Iorio remains in a fight for a spot with Dylan McIlrath. Iorio, 22, is waivers-eligible, which could impact D.C.’s decision if the team doesn’t want to lose him for nothing.

Then, in goal, Clay Stevenson, who is expected to be Hershey’s starter this season, is still on the roster. He’s been getting a lot of attention and questions as to whether he’ll clear waivers, so I imagine Washington is evaluating its options.

The Capitals have one preseason game left, a home tilt with the Columbus Blue Jackets, and must submit their 23-man roster to the league by Monday at 5 p.m.