Andrew Cristall is entering his first professional season in the Washington Capitals organization, and he’s already earned a lot of respect from his teammates.
Not only has Cristall been a key contributor on the ice — he’s scored four goals in his seven career preseason games with the Caps — but he also appears to be beloved off of it.
The evidence? Well, ahead of Tuesday’s preseason tilt against the Columbus Blue Jackets, a Capitals social media video revealed that Cristall had been bestowed his very own creative nickname.
It’s not simple like Drew. Nor is it Stally. It’s Loaf.
“LOAF!!” Tom Wilson yelled as his noticeably shorter teammate entered the tunnel for the Capitals’ pregame hijinks. Cristall flashed a bashful smile as more of his teammates joined in to say hi.
If there was any doubt that Wilson was referring to Cristall with the nickname, the Capitals wrote on X when the forward prospect scored on a second-period power play: “Good loaf.”
Upon further research, the nickname appears to have been first hatched by Wilson in 2024 ahead of an October 5 preseason game against the Boston Bruins.
As Cristall walked by Wilson, the Capitals’ alternate captain had a request for the 2023 second-round pick.
“Hey, let’s see it. Take it off for a sec,” Wilson said, referring to Cristall’s helmet.
“Right now?” Cristall asked. “My hair’s dust right now. I haven’t wet it or anything.”
Cristall ultimately obliged, removing his bucket to reveal his massive leafy lettuce.
“WOOOOOOO!” Wilson yelled in delight. “Holy shmoley. That’s a loaf.”
So there you have it. Andrew Cristall is Loaf — a nickname that ranks up there with Ch (Charlie Lindgren), Doggy (Brandon Duhaime), Jordan (Dylan Strome), Judy (Nic Dowd), and McJesus (Connor McMichael).
Update, 10/2: Cristall talked publicly about the nickname after Capitals practice for the first time, confirming it came from Tom Wilson. See his full comments.
