The Washington Capitals will watch their prospects go for yet another championship, as the Hershey Bears are set to make their return to the Calder Cup Final for the second consecutive season in a rematch with the Coachella Valley Firebirds.
Several names have stepped up to impress so far in the playoffs for Hershey, but here are some key Capitals up-and-comers to keep an eye on in this final series as the Bears go for back-to-back Cups.
Hendrix Lapierre
Hendrix Lapierre has more than proven that he is ready to make the full-time NHL jump, but he's having quite the last run in Hershey and is continuing to prove the Capitals right with impressive speed, great top-line plays and consistent production.
In 14 games these playoffs, Lapierre has four goals and 11 assists for 15 points, which are the most in the AHL this postseason.
His return to the Bears for the playoffs was a move that the team made so that he could continue his development and keep playing important minutes after the NHL regular season, where he was among the rookie scoring leaders after making his return to the NHL in late February.
It's paying off, and then some, for the youngster as he prepares to graduate to the highest level and make an even bigger impact next season up in D.C.
Ivan Miroshnichenko
Another candidate for a full-time job up in the NHL, Ivan Miroshnichenko spent a good amount of time in the NHL this season, but was sent back to the AHL to continue adapting to the North American game and learning the culture on and off the ice.
After a strong finish to his first season overseas, Miroshnichenko has been thriving in the playoffs for the Bears with six goals and four assists. He's not only putting up numbers but he's been showcasing his elite shot, quick playmaking ability, strong skating and better awareness at both ends of the ice.
This run is one where he's continuing to up the ante and improve his game, and he's showing that he can play multiple roles and be a versatile asset, too. Keep an eye on him against Coachella Valley.
Ethen Frank
Ethen Frank is the leading goal-scorer for the Bears this postseason with nine goals, and he recently went on a seven-game scoring streak. He has yet to get his NHL chance, but he's made quite the impression and is expected to be ready to get that NHL ice time sooner rather than later.
Frank is a speedy winger that can get to the right areas and has a wicked shot and good hockey sense. He can score at key moments, and he's not afraid to battle for pucks, either. The 26-year-old is an RFA and will be looking for an extension with D.C., as well as an NHL job, going forward, so look for him to finish the playoffs on a high note.
Additional forward prospects to watch: Pierrick Dubé, Riley Sutter, Bogdan Trineyev
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Chase Priskie
Another pending free agent looking to make waves, Chase Priskie has also been a site to behold for Hershey, playing a key role on defense and supplying plenty of offense, to boot.
His 12 points through 14 games lead all AHL defenseman, and the UFA is showing that he's a reliable right-handed shot. He was originally drafted by the Capitals, and it's been his goal to show D.C. that he is ready for another shot at the NHL with his original organization.
That said, he'll look to keep making his mark in these final games to show Washington what else he's capable of as the team evaluates its future and looks to secure more depth on the blue line.
Related: What Brought Chase Priskie Back To The Capitals, His 'Obsession' With Hockey & His Plan To Take The Next Step
Hardy Häman Aktell
Hardy Häman Aktell just missed out on a full-time gig up in Washington this past season and has impressed and thrived as a top-pairing guy down with the Bears. These playoffs, he's been playing a key role, as the 6-foot-3, 189-pound defenseman has gotten physical, battled hard for the puck and helped on the breakout.
Look for him to finish his rookie AHL campaign on a high note as he looks to convince the Capitals that he can be an NHL defenseman full-time.
Additional defensive prospects to watch: Vincent Iorio
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