Washington Capitals announce emergency backup and player updates

The Washington Capitals have announced several roster and training developments ahead of their upcoming season. The team has hired Connor Leslie as its first full-time emergency backup goaltender. A native of Leesburg, Virginia, and a former Washington Little Caps player, Leslie previously played for the Twin City Thunder and Amherst College. This move follows new NHL collective bargaining agreement requirements that mandate teams employ full-time emergency backups rather than relying on spectators.

In addition, veteran forward Boone Jenner participated in an informal skate at the MedStar Capitals Iceplex. Jenner, who recently signed a four-year, $23 million contract with the team after playing for the Columbus Blue Jackets, joined several other recent signings and players, including Alex Tuch and Pierre-Luc Dubois, as the roster convenes ahead of training camp.