After showing flashes of his potential in 2018, Vrana took another step forward in 2019, setting a carer-high in goals (24), assists (23) and points (47) in 82 games. Vrana did that while barely averaging over 14 minutes per game but could easily play closer to 16 minutes in the Capitals top-6 in 2020. With increased playing time, Vrana could be a legit 60-plus point threat.
Sgarbossa has bounced around the league in his career but has been a good AHL scorer along the way. The 26-year-old led Hershey in points (65) and was second in goals (30) during 2018-19 and will likely remain with the Bears to start 2020.
The Capitals acquired Hagelin from the Kings in February and the veteran winger put his early-season struggles behind him, posting 11 points (3G / 8A) in 20 games with Washington. Hagelin had a 56.7 CorsiFor% and led all Capitals forwards in PK TOI/GM (2:21) after being acquired.
McIlrath has spent the last two and a half years in the Red Wings organization, playing just seven NHL games and 149 AHL games. The physical defenseman had one goal, nine assists (10 points) and 98 PIMS in 52 games with Grand Rapids (AHL) this season.
van Riemsdyk suffered a shoulder injury in Game 2 vs. the Islanders and will miss the rest of the year after undergoing surgery. Haydn Fleury has replaced van Riemsdyk on the back-end and Jake Bean has been recalled as a reserve defenseman heading into the Eastern Conference Finals.
van Riemsdyk was hurt early in Game 2 and is out long-term with a shoulder issue. van Riemsdyk will undergo an MRI to determine the severity of the injury but head coach Rod Brind’Amour doesn’t expect to see van Riemsdyk back anytime soon.
Unfortunately for the Capitals, it sounds like Oshie is going to be sidelined for a long period of time and will likely miss the rest of the playoffs, regardless of how deep they go. Oshie was hurt following a hard hit from Hurricanes’ winger Warren Foegele in Game 4. Devante Smith-Pelly has been recalled from Hershey (AHL) and will replace Oshie in the lineup for Game 5.
Eller left Tuesday’s practice early but is expected to play in Game 1 vs. the Hurricanes. The 29-year-old had seven goals and 11 assists (18 points) in 24 games during the Capitals Stanley Cup run last year.
