The Washington Capitals made their latest cuts Saturday morning, most notably releasing Stan Galiev from their training camp roster.
Galiev spent the entire season with the Capitals last season, meaning one roster spot has been opened. And Craig Laughlin believes it has been filled by surprise-of-camp Zach Sanford.
During the Capitals practice today, the 2013 second-round pick skated on the left wing of the third line with Lars Eller and Marcus Johansson. Offseason acquisition Brett Connolly also rotated in and skated with the third line during drills as well.
Via Isabelle Khurshudyan, here are the rest of the Caps combinations and pairings:
Ovechkin – Kuznetsov – Oshie
Burakovsky – Backstrom – Williams
Sanford – Eller – Johansson (Connolly)
Winnik – Beagle – Wilson
Alzner – Niskanen
Orlov – Carlson
Orpik – Schmidt
Holtby
Grubauer
Sanford also saw time on the PK.
Sanford killing penalties with Eller.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) October 8, 2016
Sanford ranks tied for first on the team in goals (2) this preseason and tied for third in shots (10). Last night, Sanford fired five of those shots – a game high – against the Carolina Hurricanes.
“Just looking at the mid ice, right now with [Lars Eller] and [Jay Beagle] we feel real comfortable with all four of our centermen,” Barry Trotz said to the media last week, pointing out that Sanford had “put in some good work this summer.”
The Caps lines from practice today could be a preview of Barry Trotz’s lineup in the season opener Thursday against the Penguins.
What do you think of them?
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