Connor McMichael is set to compete for the Washington Capitals' third-line center role after a career-best season playing second-line wing alongside Pierre-Luc Dubois. With Hendrix Lapierre and Henrik Rybinski also in the mix, the battle for center depth will heat up in training camp. Meanwhile, the team reportedly explored adding Jack Roslovic in free agency but may now lean on younger internal options.

Top defensive prospect Cole Hutson stood out at development camp but will return to Boston University to continue his growth, following a similar path to Ryan Leonard. In net, Clay Stevenson will take over as Hershey's starter following Hunter Shepard's departure, while Mitch Gibson and Garin Bjorklund are set to battle for the AHL backup spot, signaling a new era in the Capitals' goalie pipeline.

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