Chandler Stephenson, who had been vying for a depth center position with Nicklas Backstrom (hip) not expected to be back in the lineup on opening night, was cut from training camp on Sunday before the preseason finale. The 21-year-old will likely get first- or second-line minutes with American Hockey League affiliate Hershey this season.
Cutting Stephenson could clear the way for the Capitals to sign 32-year-old center Derek Roy, on a professional tryout contract and considered to be Stephenson’s competition. In Backstrom’s absence, Evgeny Kuznetsov will be on the top line and Capitals Coach Barry Trotz said that he anticipates Andre Burakovsky playing center on opening night, presumably with the second line where he’s practiced this season.