By the time the Washington Capitals trotted onto the ice for Sunday’s preseason finale, the organization was “probably 90 percent on decisions” for what the roster will be in the regular-season premiere, Coach Barry Trotz said. The deadline for the opening day playing roster is 5 p.m. Tuesday.
Center Chandler Stephenson was cut before the game, potentially clearing the way for veteran Derek Roy, with the team on a professional tryout contract, to sign by Tuesday. Trotz said Stephenson is “almost there” and the growth he made in the last year should be a significant accomplishment to him.