The Washington Capitals have a lot of skilled defensemen on their training camp roster. Some of the names are guaranteed to be with the club at the start of the 2024-25 season. Defenders who can be penciled in include John Carlson, Jakob Chychrun, Rasmus Sandin, and Matt Roy. After those four, there are many qualified blueliners who could fill the remaining spots on the 23-man roster. Martin Fehervary, Trevor van Riemsdyk, Ethan Bear, and Alexander Alexeyev are all potential candidates who could fill those roles. Then, there is Dylan McIlrath. The 32-year-old from Winnipeg, Manitoba, is also in the mix for a spot on the blue line. He has caught the eye of many during training camp and the preseason.
Dylan McIlrath’s NHL Background
The New York Rangers drafted Dylan McIlrath with the tenth overall pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut with them back during the 2013-14 campaign. He played in two games and did not record any points. McIlrath played parts of various seasons with New York, but he would split games between the NHL and in the AHL with the Hartford Wolf Pack. The 2015-16 season was the most notable for him, as he suited up in 34 NHL games. McIlrath also scored two goals and registered two assists.
Before finding his way to the Capitals, McIlrath spent time with several other organizations. He played five games for the Florida Panthers during the 2016-17 campaign. He also played parts of two seasons with the Detroit Red Wings. Washington signed him as a free agent on July 28, 2021.
Since arriving in the organization, McIlrath has split time between Washington and Hershey. He has produced the following numbers with both teams:
- 2021-22 (Hershey Bears): four goals and six assists for 10 points in 74 games
- 2022-23 (Washington Capitals): one assist in six games
- 2022-23 (Hershey Bears): 13 assists in 60 games
- 2023-24 (Washington Capitals): one assist in three games
- 2023-24 (Hershey Bears): three goals and six assists for nine points in 58 games
McIlrath was also a significant part of Hershey’s defense during their back-to-back Calder Cup championships in 2023 and 2024. For starters, he was captain of the club. McIlrath had that role with the Bears since the 2022-23 campaign. He scored a goal and provided an assist in 20 games during the first postseason run for the Calder Cup. McIlrath accrued three assists in 20 games for the Bears during their second straight path to the AHL championship. He has played a lot of hockey for both the NHL and AHL. As his career currently stands, McIlrath has three goals and four assists for seven points in 75 NHL games. Now, the blueliner has the opportunity to earn his next NHL shot with potentially making the Capitals roster out of training camp for the 2024-25 campaign.
Spencer Carbery on Dylan McIlrath’s Push for a Spot
Washington Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery discussed on Sunday about McIlrath pushing for a roster spot. Carbery said, “He definitely is, and based on what he did last year for us, when he played, and based on his training camp, and based on what he’s done in Hershey, and all the intangibles…he probably said it best to me earlier in camp. He feels like his game individually…he feels like he’s just gotten better and better and better as he’s gotten older, which is a great quality…He feels like he’s a better defenseman than he was when he started.”
Carbery also discussed the great qualities McIlrath brings on the ice. Carbery said, “…He’s a physical guy. Will stand up for his teammates. Has a presence about him. People around the league know who he is and have to be aware of him when he’s out on the ice. And I think, too, he’s just such a great personality and person to be around…” Carbery also said that McIlrath is a huge reason why the Hershey Bears continue to win and have won back-to-back Calder Cups. He has been a great leader for the Bears during their championship seasons.
It will not be long before Capitals fans find out about whether McIlrath makes the cut, or is returned down to the Hershey Bears as their captain for the 2024-25 season. These next days will be crucial as organizations around the league get ready to make their final cuts. Washington plays one more preseason game on Saturday, October 5, against the Boston Bruins. Then, they will not play again until their regular season home opener against the New Jersey Devils on Saturday, October 12.
