The Washington Capitals are ramping up their preseason preparations, announcing the schedule for 2026 Rookie Camp and the start date for 2026 Training Camp on Wednesday.
This year’s rookie camp is set to begin on Sunday, September 13, and will be hosted again in Annapolis, Md, at Navy’s McMullen Hockey Arena. The Capitals revealed that Cole Hutson, Ilya Protas, Lynden Lakovic, Terik Parascak, and Andrew Cristall will be among the marquee rookie participants, with the full roster to come.
The club’s full training camp will then begin on Thursday, September 17, starting with Caps Media Day. All Capitals players, coaches, and management will be at MedStar Capitals Iceplex.
Upcoming schedule and key dates
2026 Capitals Rookie Camp
Sunday, Sept. 13
Start of Capitals Rookie Camp
10:30 am – Goalie ice (McMullen Hockey Arena)
11 am-12:30 pm – Practice (McMullen Hockey Arena)
Monday, Sept. 14
10:30 am – Goalie ice (McMullen Hockey Arena)
11 am-12:30 pm – Practice (McMullen Hockey Arena)
Tuesday, Sept. 15
Final Day of Capitals Rookie Camp
10:30 am – Goalie ice (McMullen Hockey Arena)
11 am-12:30 pm – Practice (McMullen Hockey Arena)
Thursday, Sept. 17
Start of NHL training camp (first on-ice session) and Media Day at MedStar Capitals Iceplex
Sunday, Sept. 20
Preseason opener against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden
Monday, Sept. 21
Preseason game vs. the Philadelphia Flyers at GIANT Center in Hershey, Penn.
Friday, Sept. 25
Capitals host the Boston Bruins for their only preseason game at Capital One Arena
Saturday, Sept. 26
Capitals conclude their preseason schedule in Philadelphia against the Flyers
Friday, Oct. 2
Season opener against the Carolina Hurricanes at Lenovo Center
Wednesday, Oct. 7
Capitals host the Pittsburgh Penguins in their home opener at Capital One Arena
This year’s training camp will be the Capitals’ 20th at MedStar Capitals Iceplex. As in past years, all on-ice sessions will be open to the public and free to attend.
