Talented Russian forward Stan Galiev will not start the season in Washington.

A day after Zach Sanford’s latest impressive preseason performance, the Capitals released veteran forwards Stan Galiev, Brad Malone, Paul Carey, and Christian Thomas from their training camp roster. All four players must pass through waivers to be assigned to the AHL Hershey Bears.

#Caps have released Carey, Galiev, Malone and Thomas from training camp roster. Each player must clear waivers prior to reporting to Hershey

— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) October 8, 2016

Galiev suited up in 24 games for the Capitals last season, tallying three assists and averaging 1.25 shots per games from the bottom six. He also showed some upside as a positive possession player. Galiev was routinely a scratch however and could never advance past the 13th or 14th forward spot on the President’s Trophy-winning team last season.

There could be interest league-wide in the talented 24-year-old forward. During the 2014-15 season, Galiev dominated the AHL, scoring 25 goals for the Hershey Bears. He would eventually earn a promotion to the Capitals later in the season and score his first NHL goal. Galiev has a plus-shot and is an impressive stickhandler. Galiev’s systems play has greatly improved since he was drafted out of the QMJHL in 2010.

Galiev signed a two-year deal during the summer of 2015. He is on a one-way contract this season, which pays him $575k. Pat wrote about how difficult Galiev’s quest to become a regular NHL player would be last season.