The Washington Capitals will jump on the ice for the first official time this preseason on Saturday, starting with 2023’s Rookie Camp.

The first day of camp commences on Saturday at MedStar Capitals Iceplex before heading to Navy’s McMullen Hockey Arena for the ensuing three days. The team announced their 21-player roster on Monday, highlighted by first-time attendees Ivan Miroshnichenko and Andrew Cristall.

NCAA players cannot attend so 2023 first-round draft selection Ryan Leonard will not be involved this year.

Miroshnichenko will take part in his first Rookie Camp with the Caps since being drafted by the team 20th overall in the 2022 NHL Draft. The 19-year-old Russian came to a mutual agreement with KHL club Avangard Omsk last season to terminate his contract and allow him to sign his entry-level deal with Washington.

The talented winger made his first on-ice, Caps-related appearance at this past summer’s Development Camp. Miroshnichenko has already been in the DC area, pictured most recently on Sunday at the Washington Commanders’ NFL home opener.

Miroshnichenko mentioned in July that his primary goal for this season is to try and make the Caps out of training camp. Rookie Camp will be his first try at making that sort of impression. “Obviously, there are a lot of great players, a lot of veteran players on the team so it will be difficult but that’s my goal,” Miroshnichenko said. “That’s my main focus.”

Cristall will be the highest player the Caps drafted in 2023 to be at the camp. Super phenom and Chicago Blackhawks number one overall selection Connor Bedard commented on his good buddy Cristall at last week’s NHLPA Rookie Showcase. ““Seeing his development, there’s never a time where he wasn’t producing,” Bedard said. “You go play against older guys, for him, and just find a way to do it. Playing on a line with him was so fun, and I think that’s kind of what made me think that.

“Washington should be very excited about him. He’s a hell of a player and he’s going to be really exciting to watch.”

Alexander Suzdalev, who played with Bedard last season in Regina, Hendrix Lapierre, and Vincent Iorio are some of the other big name attendees. Lapierre and Iorio are both coming off helping the Hershey Bears take home the 2023 Calder Cup.

12 of the attending 21 players are Caps draft picks. Six players are free agent invitees, led by Virginia-native Ryan Leibold who was also a participant in the recent Development Camp.

Here’s the full press release from the Capitals:

Capitals Announce 2023 Rookie Camp Roster and Schedule

Camp will begin Saturday, Sept. 16 at MedStar Capitals Iceplex before shifting to McMullen Hockey Arena in Annapolis for on-ice sessions Sept. 17-19

ARLINGTON, Va. – The Washington Capitals will hold their 2023 Rookie Camp from Sept. 16-19 at MedStar Capitals Iceplex and the John McMullen Hockey Arena in Annapolis, Md. Camp will begin on Saturday, Sept. 16 at MedStar Capitals Iceplex before shifting to McMullen Hockey Arena, located near the campus of the United States Naval Academy, for on-ice sessions in Annapolis from Sept. 17-19. In addition to practices, players will participate in team-building exercises, attend Noon Meal Formation and eat lunch with the USNA midshipmen.

The rookie camp will feature Capitals prospects who are under contract and recent Washington draft picks who have not been signed yet. In addition, several undrafted and free agent amateur players will be in attendance.

The Washington Capitals’ 2023 Rookie Camp Guide can be found here.

All on-ice sessions at MedStar Capitals Iceplex and McMullen Hockey Arena will be open to the public and free of charge.

A total of 21 players (11 forwards, six defensemen, four goaltenders) are scheduled to take part in this year’s rookie camp, including 12 Caps draft picks.

The Capitals will officially open their 2023 Training Camp on Thursday, Sept. 21 at MedStar Capitals Iceplex. All Capitals players, coaches and management will be available to the media. Additional information on media availability and in-person access will be announced at a later date. Similar to previous years, MedStar Capitals Iceplex will be closed to the media on Wednesday, Sept. 20 – the day Capitals veterans conduct physicals and off-ice testing. The complete training camp schedule and roster will be announced at a later date.

CAPITALS UPCOMING SCHEDULE

Saturday, Sept. 16 – Start of Capitals Rookie Camp

11:30 a.m. – Goalies on ice (MedStar Capitals Iceplex)

12-1:15 p.m. – Practice (MedStar Capitals Iceplex)

Post-practice – Media availability

Sunday, Sept. 17

9 a.m. – Goalies on ice (McMullen Hockey Arena)

9:30-10:45 a.m. – Practice (McMullen Hockey Arena)

Post-practice – Media availability

Monday, Sept. 18

9 a.m. – Goalies on ice (McMullen Hockey Arena)

9:30-10:45 a.m. – Practice (McMullen Hockey Arena)

Post-practice – Media availability

Tuesday, Sept. 19 – Final Day of Capitals Rookie Camp

9 a.m. – Goalies on ice (McMullen Hockey Arena)

9:30-10:45 a.m. – Practice (McMullen Hockey Arena)

Post-practice – Media availability

Wednesday, Sept. 20

NHL players physicals/testing – no media availability

MedStar Capitals Iceplex closed to the public

Thursday, Sept. 21

2023 Caps Media Day, MedStar Capitals Iceplex

Sunday, Sept. 24 – First Preseason Game

2 p.m. – Washington vs. Buffalo, Capital One Arena

*All practice times and media availability sessions are approximate and subject to change.