While the Washington Capitals got their 2024 Training Camp underway on Thursday morning, several of the camp’s invitees could not join the rest of their teammates out on the ice due to various injuries.
Zac Funk, who is preparing for his first year in professional hockey after leading the entire CHL in goal-scoring last year, is the most notable absence. Per the Capitals’ Mike Vogel, he joined veteran Bears defenseman Logan Day, Jon McDonald, and Luke Philp as players unable to skate during the first day of camp. The prospects are all slated to be potentially big pieces for Todd Nelson’s Hershey Bears this season.
Funk was struck in the face by a puck late during Rookie Camp and has not suited up since.
The 21-year-old winger, signed by Washington as a free agent from the Prince George Cougars, lit up the WHL in his final junior season with 123 points (67g, 56a) in 68 games, scoring nearly a goal per game.
Funk spent some time with the Bears on a tryout agreement at the end of last season, serving as a black ace for part of the team’s playoff run. He’ll likely join Hershey full-time once their preseason preparations are underway in October.
Day and McDonald were part of Hershey’s 2023-24 championship roster. Day was integral to the team’s blueline, tallying 25 points (6g, 19a) in 54 games. McDonald never dressed for Hershey, serving as a depth piece after playing 64 games for the ECHL’s South Carolina Stingrays.
Philp is new to the organization, signing a one-year, two-way contract with Washington in early July. The 28-year-old forward spent the last two seasons in the Chicago Blackhawks organization, making his NHL debut with the club during the 2022-23 campaign. After an impressive first season with the AHL’s Rockford IceHogs, which saw him record 53 points (29g, 24a) in 60 games, Philp tore his right Achilles tendon and only played in 15 games last year.
Vogel added that Capitals 2023 seventh-round draft pick Brett Hyland was not on the ice for personal reasons. Additionally, Rasmus Sandin missed out due to unresolved visa issues in his native Sweden.
Washington’s captain, Alex Ovechkin, is also dealing with a minor ailment. He did not take the team’s skate test on Thursday but was a full participant in all other parts of the day’s practice.
Nicklas Backstrom and TJ Oshie are also out due to longterm injuries.
