While Ryan Chesley was one of the oldest and most experienced Washington Capitals prospects on the ice at the Naval Academy’s McMullen Hockey Arena this weekend, the week-long event marked his first-ever experience at a rookie camp. As a college draftee, he was unable to participate previously due to NCAA eligibility restrictions.
The 21-year-old defender played three seasons at the University of Minnesota before signing his entry-level contract with the Capitals last May. He was one of four players from the Caps’ 2022 draft class to attend this year’s camp, joining Alexander Suzdalev, Ludwig Persson, and David Gucciardi.
“Yeah, it’s been good,” Chesley said Monday, “Skates have been hard, so I feel like it’s getting us ready conditioning-wise for sure, and then we’re doing battle drills out there, so competitive edge too. It’s been good.”
After signing his deal with the Capitals, Chesley, the 37th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, was assigned to the AHL’s Hershey Bears, where he became one of head coach Todd Nelson’s most-used youngsters at the end of the regular season. Chesley skated in four games for the Bears, recording three points (1g, 2a) total in those appearances.
The Minnesota native believes that while his first pro stint was short, the experience he gained should aid him at his first NHL training camp with the Capitals.
“I think it helped a lot,” Chesley said. “Four games doesn’t sound like a lot, but it actually, I feel, helped a lot. Getting used to the pro style, the size difference, and the speed. It was good.”
Chesley, who was the standout athlete during the prospects’ run through Navy’s obstacle course on Saturday, hopes to impress Capitals brass enough that they’ll consider him for their NHL roster.
“I think just go out, have fun, and be confident,” Chesley said. “Show that I’m here for a reason and fight for a spot.
“It’s going to be cool,” he added. “Have fun with it, but don’t take anything for granted. You know, it’s an amazing opportunity, so just have fun with it.”
Before arriving in Chocolatetown last spring, Chesley played his junior year as a Golden Gopher, where he had the best offensive season of his college career with 20 points (8g, 12a) in 40 games. He played at all strengths for the team and served as one of the school’s captains.
Chesley also twice played for the United States’ World Junior Championship team, winning a bronze medal in 2023 and a gold medal with Ryan Leonard in 2024. He served as an alternate captain for the US in 2024, recording four points (1g, 3a) in seven contests and averaging 21:01 of ice time.
